10 Alabama Community Leaders Everyone Should Know About

Community leaders play a vital role in shaping and enriching the great state of Alabama. Their dedication and selflessness are paramount as they tirelessly work to give back and drive positive change on a local level and beyond.

Here in Alabama, we're lucky to have some remarkable folks whose contributions have left an indelible impact on the lives of those around them. Here are 10 community leaders making a difference in Alabama.

1. Bessemer: Cynthia T. Anthony

Cynthia T. Anthony, President of Lawson State Community College, received the Charles A. Long Outstanding Civic Award in 2022 from the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce. Anthony has been with the Alabama Community College System for over 30 years, holding various leadership roles. She was commended for advocating for those in need and aiding in the personal development of others. Known for her compassion and dedication, Anthony has also actively served in numerous professional, community, civil and volunteer organizations, including the Family Guidance Center and the Boys Scouts of America. Said Anthony, “Sometimes you have to step out and stand out on the things that you believe in, to make sure you’re carrying forth the mission for which you were sent here.” (Birmingham Patch)

2. Birmingham: Brendette Brown Green

During the Alabama State Bar's 2021 Annual Meeting, Judge Brendette Brown Green received the Judicial Award of Merit. The award recognized her significant contributions to the administration of justice in Alabama throughout her career. She actively participates in the ongoing education of judges, serving on various committees for Continuing Legal Education. Judge Green is dedicated to promoting access to justice and civic responsibility in the community, frequently engaging in discussions on these subjects. Moreover, she played a crucial role in establishing and chairing the Security Committee for the Tenth Judicial Circuit, addressing security concerns for judges. (Alabama State Bar)

3. Columbiana: Rep. Corley Ellis

State Representative Corley Ellis (R-Columbiana) was honored as the 2021 House Leader of the Year by the Alabama Association of Resource, Conservation, and Development Councils. The award recognizes his strong leadership and commitment to conserving natural resources while fostering economic and community development in Alabama. With over 16 years of service as a Shelby County Commissioner and State Representative, Ellis has been actively involved in various professional and non-profit boards, including the Cawaco RC&D Board of Directors. He has also held significant roles in eight legislative committees, demonstrating his dedication to education and fiscal responsibility. (Shelby County Reporter)

4. Dothan: Mike Schmitz

The Healing Hands Award recognizes individuals who promote healing, grace, comfort and inspiration to those affected by disasters. The 2022 recipient, The Honorable Mike Schmitz, is a businessman, community leader and philanthropist in the Wiregrass area. He owns the Mike Schmitz Automotive Group and is involved in various local ventures, including Omni Marking and FarmStores. Schmitz has previously served as Dothan's Mayor and Dothan City Schools Chairman, as well as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, advocating for the armed forces and representing their interests. Outside of his career, Schmitz also founded the Alabama Sports and Adventure Hall of Fame to honor those impacting their communities positively. (ASF Foundation)

5. Mobile: Dr. Dean Naritoku

Dean Naritoku, M.D., received the 2022 Heart of Gold award from United Way of Southwest Alabama for his efforts in ensuring children's access to life-saving medications at school. As the professor and chair of neurology at USA Health and professor of pharmacology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, he played a vital role in the Seizure Safe Schools Act. The act, which enables young patients with epilepsy to have access to rescue medications when a school nurse is unavailable, was crucial to promoting the health and safety of the thousands of families whose children have epilepsy. (USA Health System)

6. Montgomery: Delbert Madison

Delbert Madison was named the 2021 Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Central Alabama (AFP-CA). As a member of the Alabama State University Board of Trustees and a senior vice president at ServisFirst Bank in Montgomery, Madison has contributed his time and resources to the Montgomery and River Region community for the past two decades. He has been involved in various local charitable initiatives, including supporting the Montgomery Zoo, the River Region United Way and the Metropolitan YMCA. Of all these initiatives, Madison said he is most proud of establishing the Delbert B. Madison, II Foundation, which honors the memory of his late son. (Alabama State University)

7. Phenix City - Mark Aniadaga, Charles Jones and Benjamin McGarr

The Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association awarded the 2022 Distinguished Leadership Award for a Planning Student Team to Master of Community Planning (MCP) students Mark Aniadaga, Charles Jones and Benjamin McGarr. The three students were recognized for their project "Renewing the Heart of Phenix City,” which focused on the redevelopment of Downtown Phenix City. Aniadaga, Jones and McGarr completed the project while enrolled in the Spring 2022 Urban Design Studio class at Auburn University, taught by Dr. Binita Mahato. The students’ projects were presented to the Phenix City Council, along with the Mayor and other key officials. (Auburn University)

8. Piedmont: Brigett Stewart

Brigett Stewart, principal of Piedmont Elementary School, was honored with the 2023 CLAS Leadership Award by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). Nominated by the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA), Stewart was recognized for her exemplary leadership in her local school system. She has held various leadership roles within AAESA and received multiple accolades, including Alabama's National Distinguished Principal and the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership from the U.S. Department of Education. Under Stewart's guidance, Piedmont Elementary achieved national recognition as a Blue Ribbon School and a National ESEA Distinguished School, showcasing exceptional student performance and academic growth. (CLAS Leaders)

9. Poarch Creek: Stephanie Bryan

Stephanie Bryan, the first female political leader elected as Tribal Chair and CEO for the Poarch Creek Indians, received Momentum's 2022 Woman of Impact Award for her positively impacting lives within the community, business, culture and politics. Bryan has been a dedicated advocate for her Tribe, securing health insurance and educational opportunities for Tribal Members and promoting Creek culture and history. Her involvement in various boards and committees has contributed to the Tribe's prosperity and benefited multiple communities, organizations and other tribes. As per Bryan, her devotion to public service stems from her deep appreciation for her community's support and her desire to create opportunities for the next generation. (Momentum Leaders)

10. Vestavia Hills: John and Gina Henley

In 2020, Leadership Vestavia Hills recognized married couple Gina and John Henley with the Citizen of the Year Award for their contributions to the community. The Henleys have actively engaged in various city and volunteer activities while also raising their two children. Gina has been involved with the Service Guild, Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation and Vestavia Hills Beautification Board, taking leadership roles in organizing events and supporting the community. John served as a city councilman and has been an instrumental figure in the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Vestavia Hills. (Vestavia Hills Patch)

Thank you to Alabama’s incredible community leaders for all you do!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.