George M. Brown
Executive Director of University Recreation, UA
George has served as Executive Director of University Recreation for the past 10 years at UA. His primary background has been collegiate recreation management, with substantial involvement in the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSSA) and prior work with the United States Track and Field Association (USATF). In addition, George has worked as a high school and small college basketball official for 25 years, and been selected 6 times to officiate in the AHSAA Final Four.
Brendan S. Knowles
Treasurer of the TSF
A Certified Public Account at Way, Ray, Shelton & Co., P.C., Brendan is a tax manager specializing in preparation and planning for various types of entities, including not-for-profits. Brendan is also an enthusiastic supporter of the area sports and the Crimson Tide.
Dr. Kelvin W. Croom
Pastor, College Hill Baptist Church
Kelvin brings a wealth of expertise to the Tuscaloosa Sports Foundation, serving as Assistant Administrator of Paul W. Bryant High School. In addition, Kelvin had the honor of playing under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant in 1975.
Kirk McNair
Founder and editor “ BAMA Magazine”
Word is that Kirk McNair is the biggest Alabama fan around. Because nobody has written more on the subject of Alabama athletics. In addition to ‘BAMA, Kirk is the editorial brains behind Inside The Crimson Tide, and the internet site, BamaMag.com, covering Alabama athletics. Kirk is also author of the 2005 book, “What It Means To Be Crimson Tide.” Before founding ’BAMA, Kirk served as sports information director at Alabama from 1970-1979. Before then Kirk worked at the Birmingham Post-Herald, where he served as assistant sports editor.
Lee Garrison
Vice-President of Wells-Fargo Insurance Services.
Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Lee graduated from the University of Alabama. While in college, Lee actively led the effort to return the Student Government Association to the University. Lee was elected Intra fraternity Council President in 1996 and, during his last undergraduate semester, was elected to his first of three terms on the Tuscaloosa City Council. Lee serves as Vice-President of Wells Fargo Insurance Services of Alabama, formerly Duckworth Morris Insurance. In addition to his civic and business life, Lee currently serves in the following capacities: Chairman of the City Council Finance Committee; Vice-Chairman of the Ol’ Colony Golf Complex Board of Directors; as a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of West Alabama (former Chairman); as a member of the Advisory Board for the Dr. John L. Blackburn Institute at the University of Alabama; and as a member of the Tuscaloosa Riverfront Public/ Private Partnership Steering C committee. Lee previously served on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross of West Alabama and the Board of Directors for the historic Jamison Van de Graff Mansion.
Don Kelly
Executive Director Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority
Don has been employed with PARA since 1977, serving as the organization’s Executive Director since 1997 to provide opportunities and facilities for a wide array of sports activities.
Jimmy Warren
President, TotalCom
In addition to being an avid sports fan Jimmy is President of TotalCom Marketing Communications, a full service advertising agency with offices in Tuscaloosa and Huntsville representing a variety of local, regional and national accounts.. He has been active in his industry by previously serving as Chair of the Council of Governors of the American Advertising Federation and Governor the American Advertising Federation 7th District. He has been recognized for his service by receiving the Barton A. Cummings Gold Medal by the American Advertising Federation and being inducted in the 7th District Hall of Fame. Jimmy is also active in the Tuscaloosa community having served as Chair of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and is currently a Board Member of The Bank of Tuscaloosa, The University of Alabama President’s Cabinet, Member of the Red Elephant Club of Tuscaloosa, the Alabama Grand Slammers and Former President of the Tuscaloosa Tip-Off Club. He is also a former youth sports baseball, basketball and soccer coach.
Ronnie Lett
Ronny has lived most of his life in Tuscaloosa County, graduating from Tuscaloosa County High and receiving his B.S. degree in Music Education from the University of Alabama, as well as his Master of Arts. His teaching began in 1965 at Northport Junior High and Tuscaloosa County High, teaching a half-day at each school. As the choral program increased he went full-time at T.C.H.S., serving until he was appointed Assistant Principal at Brookwood High School. After one year, Ronny was transferred to T.C.H.S., in the same capacity, where he served until 1992. In 1992, Ronnie was appointed as Principal of T.C.H.S. where he served until his retirement. Ronnie was called to be Minister of Music at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, and has since served as Minister of Music at several area churches. In addition to being a retired educator, Ronnie is the Immediate past president Tuscaloosa Quarterback Club and has served as an AHSAA Football official for19 years.
Robert Ratliff
Executive Director of the Tuscaloosa Convention and Tourism Bureau.
Robert joined Tuscaloosa CVB in 1997 and was appointed Director in August 1999. He also serves on numerous boards including Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Tourism Association; Alabama Restaurant Association, and the Public Relations Council of West Alabama. In addition, Robert is a member of Tuscaloosa Kiwanis Club; Tuscaloosa Area Hospitality Association; Alabama Council of Association Executives; and the Mississippi Society of Association Executives. A native of Columbus, Mississippi, he attended East Mississippi Community College & Mississippi State University. His background is in retail and broadcasting.
Steve Webb
Juvenile probation officer & current member Northport City Council
With his extensive background in mentoring youth, Steve is always mindful of the needs of local families. Steve earned a football scholarship to the University of Alabama, graduating with degree in criminal justice. Upon graduation, Steve coached football and basketball at Hillcrest High School, and then was employed by the Tuscaloosa County Juvenile Court. In addition, Steve is a member of the Alabama League of Municipalities Board and the City program of Tuscaloosa County. A member of Hurricane Baptist Church, he also attends St. Mark A.M.E. Church. In addition, Steve has served as board member for Holt High School F.B.L.A. Club, member of the Tuscaloosa Family Resource Center Board, member of the Northport Zoning Board of Adjustment Council, representative to the Public Works Committee Council, representative to the Administrative Committee Council, representative to the Finance Committee Council, and representative to the Downtown Riverfront Development Committee.
Toby Wilson
President/Owner, Wilson Hospitality
A graduate of the University of Alabama, Toby heads a professional property management firm whose mission is to “Take Care of People” Toby takes care of the needs of the community as well by serving on the Kiwanis Club of Tuscaloosa, Alabama Hospitality Association, Crimestoppers, Tuscaloosa Area Hospitality Association. In addition, he was honored to be named 2007 Hotelier of the Year for the State of Alabama.
Lillie Leatherwood
Lillie is the director of the Tuscaloosa Police Athletic League, an extraordinarily successful and unique program, the only nationally affiliated Police Athletic League program in Alabama. Each week, P.A.L. serves over 200 kids with special after- school programs that provide healthy and fun activities after school. TPD helps keep them off the streets and away from gangs, drugs and guns. Lillie’s efforts have garnered national recognition, being name to the P.A.L. international board of directors. Finally, Lillie competed for the United States 4 x 400 meter relay team in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, winning the gold medal for her country.
Carol Park
Carol is one of the keys to success for the University of Alabama’s athletic department. As Director of the Athletic Business Office, Carol coordinates the daily operations of the department, including the Million Dollar Band, cheerleaders, Big Al and the Crimson Cabaret. In addition to her business office duties, Carol also serves as the department’s sexual harassment coordinator, affirmative action coordinator for athletics and as athletic department representative on the university’s recognition committee. Park earned her bachelor’s of science degree from The University of Alabama in 1995, and she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in human environmental sciences. In addition, Carol obtained a Master’s Degree in Alabama’s Sports Management Master’s Program, and serves on the University’s Sports Management Advisory Board. Before joining the Tide staff, Park was a district sales manager for Avon products, also working briefly for the Alabama Press Association.
Johnnie Aycock
President & CEO at Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama
Served as President & CEO of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama since 1983. He is a past president of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Alabama and past 4-term member of the Board of Directors; and is currently the senior Chamber professional in Alabama with over 36 years of service, including 25 at The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. In 2002, he was recognized as the Chamber Professional of the Year for Alabama. He is a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Center For Workforce Development at Shelton State Community College; a founding member and Chairman of The Literacy Council of West Alabama; a charter and current member of the Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama; founder and graduate of Leadership Tuscaloosa, and a graduate of Leadership Alabama.
Johnny Williams
Johnny Williams is recently retired from the University of Alabama where he served as Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs. Prior to his tenure at Alabama, Johnny was the Director of Athletics at Troy University for eleven years and was responsible for Troy’s successful transition from Division II to Division I-A and member of the Sun Belt Conference–viewed as a benchmark for other institutions attempting to make a similar move. In January, 2002, Johnny was honored for his progressive leadership by the All-American Football Foundation with its prestigious Gen. Robert Neyland Athletics Director Award. He began his athletic career at Troy as a graduate assistant football coach under Rick Rhoades and, during his coaching tenure with the Trojans, held several administrative positions within the department. In 1986, in addition to his coaching duties, Johnny coordinated the football program’s marketing and development efforts as a special assistant to the athletics director. Prior to his arrival in Troy, Johnny was the head football coach and athletics director at Pickens County High School in Reform, Alabama. He also served as an assistant coach at his alma mater, the University of North Alabama. A 1980 graduate of UNA with a degree in health/physical education, Mr. Williams was a four-year defensive starter for the Lions, earning “Defensive Lineman of the Year” honors in 1978. He was selected to the “UNA Team of the Decade” for the 1970s. |
