Parkinson Association of Alabama Names 2023 Board and Executive Committee

The Parkinson Association of Alabama (PAA) held their annual board meeting on Thursday, December 15th in which existing board members were honored, new board members were appointed, and exiting board members were thanked for their service.

The PAA Board of Directors is charged with 100% participation in guiding the non-profit organization's strategy and plan to deliver its mission: Improving the quality of life for patients, care givers and families affected by Parkinson's throughout the state of Alabama.

Five candidates were presented as nominees and approved to serve as board members on behalf of the PAA for 2023 inductions. They include:

• Lamar Clark: Lamar is the owner of CTS Excavations in Scottsboro, Alabama.

• Kate Cotton: Kate joined the Leadership Alabama team in January 2018 following a long career at Protective Life Corporation, serving in her last position as the vice president of community relations and executive director of the Protective Life Foundation.

• Gary Ellis: Gary is a retired founder of hospitality-focused Compass Media, Inc. and is in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

• Dr. Ashley Harms: Ashley is an Associate Professor with the UAB Department of Neurology Heersink School of Medicine.

• Donna Smith: Donna is a retired Vice-President of Human Resources and Ethics from Alabama Power.

We are thrilled with this years appointed board members and look forward to their dedication and service to the PAA.

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS NAMED

In addition to electing and placing new board members, officers and executive committee members were also named. Brian Corbett will serve a second-year term as President of the PAA. Ed Finch will serve as Vice President and Joe Hawley as treasurer. Additional executive committee members, include:

• Development Committee Chair, Henry Ray

• Finance Committee Chair, Robby Hazzard

• Long Range/Governance Chair, Clarence Pouncey

• Marketing Committee Chair, Teri Henley

• Mission Committee Chair, Mike Rowland

Additionally, current Board of Directors members that will continue to serve in 2023, include:

• Michael S. Fitts

• Idie Hastings

• Alice Major

• George Newton

• Christina Van Der Hulst

• Lloyd Wilson

JAMIE LANEY NAMED EMERITUS DIRECTOR

The recommendation of Emeritus Director is one of distinction and honor. It is to recognize one's service to the organization, contributions during his or her tenure, recognition of their active participation, and continued strong interest in the wellbeing of the organization. They are not required but may attend all meetings of the board of directors and will receive notice of these meetings. While they do not carry the right to vote, nor count toward the quorum, their expertise and opinion is critically valuable.

Jamie Laney was inducted as an Emeritus Director based on her distinguished service. She has been a board member since 2014 and served as President of the board for five years. She has also served and chaired the Executive, Mission, and Governance Committees. She will join Ken Cater and Rusty Stewart as Emeritus Directors. The three were honored with Orbix Candy Bowls to mark their roles. These glass bowls are handmade and come from Fort Payne, Alabama.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Two outgoing members were honored for their dedication and service along with Jamie Laney. John Beard has served on the board since 2014, including the finance committee and several host committees. Robert Coker has served on the board since 2012 and has held the Treasurer position as well as served on the finance, executive, and several host committees. We are grateful for the service and dedication these board members have provided to the PAA and to the Parkinson's Community.

2023 proves to be an exciting year for the PAA as the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers of the organization continue to expand its reach of services throughout the state of Alabama for those impacted by Parkinson's. The Parkinson Association of Alabama is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization founded in 1978.