Countdown to Artemis II: Kennedy Space Center Received Huntsville-Made SLS Hardware for Mission to the Moon
Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) recently reached a significant milestone for the Artemis II mission by completing and successfully delivering the OSA (Orion stage adapter) to Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, August 19. By Katie Holt - Page 2
GOVERNMENT
The Next Battlefield Advantage is Being Built in Huntsville
A witness summed up a recent demonstration of locally manufactured drones designed as battlefield weapons and for surveillance. “That is truly terrifying,’’ he whispered. By Mike Easterling - Page 18
ADDITIONAL STORIES
• Huntsville Marks 15 Years of Cyber Leadership: CMMC Rules Reshape Defense Contracting By Katie Holt • Page 5
• Huntsville's Federal Contracts Market Remains Strong Amid Uncertainty By Noah Logan • Page 6
• Small Businesses Take Center Stage as Chamber Marks 40th Gala By Kait Thursday • Page 16
Countdown to Artemis II: Kennedy Space Center Receives Huntsville-Made SLS Hardware for Mission to the Moon
Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) recently reached a significant milestone for the Artemis II mission by completing and successfully delivering the OSA (Orion stage adapter) to Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, August 19.
Entirely built and assembled at MSFC, the OSA connects the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket's interim cryogenic propulsion stage to NASA's Orion spacecraft. A diaphragm inside the adapter provides a barrier and protects Orion and its crew from gases generated during launch.
Monique Wallace, OSA deputy lead, described MSFC's involvement in completing the project.
"The panels were welded here, everything was painted here, all done by Marshall partners," said Wallace.
Wallace noted that her team is dedicated to ensuring every component meets the highest standards.
"We've been focusing on making quality hardware. We want to put the best products," Wallace said.
The OSA is located at the very top of the SLS rocket. Also, the hardware can carry CubeSats, shoebox-sized satellites that support science experiments and technology demonstrations. During Artemis II, four CubeSats from NASA partners will be deployed around Earth as Orion continues its journey to the moon.
The adapter will remain at NASA Kennedy's Multi-Payload Processing Facility for CubeSat integration before moving to the Vehicle Assembly Building, where it will then be stacked on the SLS rocket.
For AJ Gallemore, NASA Composite Materials and Processes Engineer, the opportunity to work directly with Artemis hardware is a career highlight.
"It's really exciting to be able to work on supply hardware. It's not something that everyone gets to do throughout their career. Having the SLS Artemis mission come through our center, being able to be hands-on
with the hardware is unlike anything else," Gallemore said.
He also emphasized the intense teamwork that it takes to get a complex project like the OSA completed successfully.
"It takes a lot of work, a lot of teams, analysis, manufacturing … everyone's involved and works together every day to make this hardware happen," Gallemore said.
Russell Lane, SLS payload integration lead, said the data from CubeSat payloads flying on Artemis II will pave the way for scientific endeavors on future missions to the moon.
"It'll give us good insight into 'How does radiation affect human tissue?' How does radiation affect electrical components that can be used on future lunar missions based on the design of the mission?'" Lane said.
Lane continued, saying the CubeSat payloads could potentially help with "… establishing and verifying long-range communication links, and future mission design optimization."
If Artemis II goes as planned, Artemis III will launch mid-2027 and will be the first time humans will explore the lunar South Pole region.
The journey to the moon and back will take around 30 days total.
While it's not ready to ship to Kennedy yet, the MSFC also built and assembled the OSA for Artemis III. According to Gallemore, the Artemis III OSA is ready for the next phase of the process, integrating items such as the secondary payload brackets, the composite diaphragm, and other wiring and instrumentation.
The Artemis II test flight will take four crew members to the moon in April 2026 for a 10-day mission. It is NASA's first crewed mission for establishing a long-term presence on the moon.
Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) continues to play a pivotal role in NASA's Artemis program, managing the SLS.
MSFC's responsibilities for the SLS include:
• Advanced manufacturing
• Vehicle design and analysis
• Systems engineering and integration
• Secondary payloads
• Structural strength and dynamics testing
• Flight software development and hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Space flight imaging systems and sensors
• Concept and trade study to support future SLS evolvability and missions
With the Artemis II OSA delivered and preparations underway for Artemis III, Marshall Space Flight Center continues to anchor NASA’s journey back to the moon and onward to future deep space exploration. w
By: Katie Holt / Photo by Katie Holt
Huntsville Housing Market Forecast: Why the Next 10 Years Will Redefine Growth
By: Matt Curtis
From Space Command jobs to the $84 trillion wealth transfer, national trends and local drivers are aligning to make Huntsville one of America’s hottest real estate markets.
Huntsville has already established itself as one of America’s fastest-growing cities, but the next decade could make today’s home prices look like a bargain. A unique combination of national housing trends and local economic drivers is setting the stage for continued appreciation and investment opportunities.
One of the biggest national factors is pent-up demand. The median age of first-time homebuyers has risen to 38, the highest ever recorded. Millions have delayed buying due to affordability, but when rates ease, markets like Huntsville — with strong job growth and lower costs — are poised to capture them. Even a modest decline in mortgage rates makes a difference: moving from
7% to 6% increases buying power by about 11%. Emerging loan programs, such as 40-year mortgages and coinvesting models, may further boost access to homeownership.
At the same time, Millennials and Gen Z are entering their prime buying years. Together, these two generations represent more than 140 million Americans, with surveys showing that 52% of Millennials and 67% of Gen Z plan to purchase a home. That equates to as many as 55 million potential sales over the next 15 years, and Huntsville’s affordability and career opportunities position it well to capture this demand.
Add to that the $84 trillion wealth transfer from Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation, and Huntsville
stands to benefit not just from young buyers but also from retirees seeking affordability and healthcare access.
The national housing shortage — estimated at 4 to 5 million homes — ensures that demand will continue to outpace supply.
Locally, job growth is a powerful driver. Space Command headquarters is expected to bring 1,700 positions along with additional support jobs, while the FBI could add more than 2,000 roles over time. Meanwhile, expansions at Mazda-Toyota, Redstone Arsenal, and within the biotech and defense sectors continue to drive employment growth. Combined with Huntsville’s recent annexations, quality of life rankings, and unified leadership at the state and federal
level, these forces create a runway for decades of growth.
For residents, investors, and business leaders, the message is clear: the next 10 years will likely make today’s prices look cheap. w
Matt Curtis of Matt Curtis Real Estate
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Huntsville Marks 15 Years of Cyber Leadership: CMMC Rules Reshape Defense Contracting
The Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus recently hosted a gathering of cybersecurity professionals, educators, and defense leaders to celebrate Cyber Huntsville’s 15th anniversary. Mayor Tommy Battle delivered the opening address, framing the milestone not just as a moment of pride, but as a pivotal juncture for Huntsville to reinforce its cyber readiness in the face of evolving federal mandates.
“Education, innovation, and a competitive spirit have given Huntsville an edge that people around the world respect,” Battle said. “The work you’re doing ensures our community will have jobs for the future, employment opportunities on a global scale, and a vital role in providing for our nation’s security.”
A 15-Year Transformation Grounded in Partnership
Since its inception in 2010, Cyber Huntsville has grown from a handful of enthusiasts meeting around a kitchen table to a central force linking schools, industry, and government. The organization has focused on workforce development, training programs, and building a pipeline of talent to sustain the city’s defense and technology sectors.
Battle recalled, “It’s great to grow, but if we don’t have the people, then we’re just stealing talent from each other, and I don’t like that at all. What Cyber Huntsville has done is create opportunities, develop students, and prepare our own workforce instead of poaching from somewhere else.”
While building a skilled workforce has been a cornerstone of the city’s success, local contractors now face new federal cybersecurity requirements that will test their readiness.
The CMMC Imperative: Compliance Costs and Challenges
This anniversary comes as Huntsville’s defense contractors face new requirements under the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0. Contractors handling federal or controlled unclassified information must
meet stringent cybersecurity standards, with phased enforcement rolling out between October 2025 and 2028.
Under CMMC 2.0, defense contractors must implement a range of cybersecurity practices to protect sensitive federal information. Foundational requirements include limiting who can access data, training employees on security best practices, and maintaining logs of system activity. Contractors handling more sensitive information, such as controlled unclassified information (CUI), must take additional steps, including encrypting data, monitoring networks for intrusions, and establishing formal incident response plans. Beyond technical safeguards, companies must document policies and processes to demonstrate consistent compliance. Level 1 certification can often be self-assessed, while higher levels typically require thirdparty or government-led evaluations. These measures are designed to ensure that even small contractors take cybersecurity seriously, reducing the risk of costly breaches across the defense supply chain.
For small firms, the financial burden is particularly steep. A baseline assessment may cost around $6,000, while full implementation for mid-tier certifications can escalate to $100,000 or more. Large prime contractors can often absorb these costs, but small and mid-sized suppliers may struggle to maintain eligibility for lucrative contracts. To help smaller firms navigate these steep compliance costs, Cyber Huntsville has stepped in with targeted programs and resources, often by
channeling resources directly to small companies.
Public tax filings show the organization’s annual revenue grew from about $140,000 in 2018 to more than $380,000 in 2022, while total assets now exceed $650,000. With no salaries or board compensation reported, nearly every dollar supports programs such as workforce development initiatives, student cyber competitions, and the annual National Cyber Summit. CH President Nichole O’Brien highlighted the organization’s fundraising efforts, primarily through their annual Cyber Gala, noting, “Last year we gave six $5,000 scholarships; this year let’s go for at least eight.” This lean, volunteer-driven model allows Cyber Huntsville to focus its impact— offering workshops, scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and shared resources to help smaller firms meet CMMC requirements without jeopardizing their financial health.
Cyber Insecurity Isn’t Theoretical: The Stakes Are Real Alabama has experienced firsthand the disruptive impact of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. In July 2019, Springhill Medical Center in Mobile, Alabama, fell victim to a ransomware attack that incapacitated its computer systems for nearly eight days. During this period, staff resorted to manual processes, recording patient information on paper charts. The attack disrupted access to vital medical data, including fetal monitoring systems. Tragically, a baby born during this time suffered severe brain damage due to undetected complications and
died several months later. A lawsuit filed by the infant's mother alleges that the hospital's failure to inform staff and patients about the cyberattack contributed to the tragedy. This incident underscores the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures in healthcare settings to protect patient safety and prevent potentially fatal outcomes.
In May 2025, the State of Alabama experienced a cybersecurity breach that compromised employee credentials and disrupted email, phone, and website communications, requiring rapid intervention from third-party experts. Nationally, small businesses are particularly vulnerable: one in two small companies that experience a cyberattack fail within six months, while the average data breach can cost millions. Median ransomware losses have more than doubled recently, with the typical small-business incident averaging $26,000.
These incidents highlight that investment in cybersecurity isn’t optional—preparing a skilled workforce is just as critical to keeping Huntsville’s defense ecosystem resilient.
Building the Workforce of the Future
Mayor Battle emphasized that Huntsville’s success is rooted in education and collaboration. Initiatives like CyberPatriot summer camps, UAH’s cybersecurity programs, and the National Cyber Summit are creating a skilled pipeline to meet growing cybersecurity demands.
As CMMC rules take full effect and cyber threats grow more sophisticated, Huntsville is poised to maintain its leadership role. The city’s combination of defense expertise, collaborative culture, and investment in people ensures it remains resilient and competitive.
“Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data,” Battle concluded. “It’s about protecting jobs, protecting our nation, and building a community that others look to with admiration. Congratulations on 15 years, and let’s make the next 15 even stronger.” w
By: Kait Thursday / Photos by Kait Thursday
Huntsville’s Federal Contracts Market Remains Strong Amid Uncertainty
As Huntsville continues to grow into one of the nation’s leading hubs for government contracting, national policy shifts under the Trump administration could spell change on the horizon for local businesses.
“Driving from the airport to downtown and seeing Research Park, the new construction, and the recognizable logos on those buildings was striking”
During a recent interview, Todd Overman, managing partner of Bass, Berry & Sims’ Washington, D.C., office and chair of the firm’s Government Contracts Practice Group, discussed the city’s unique position, the federal dollars driving its growth, and the changes that could impact Huntsville companies competing for contracts.
By: Noah Logan
striking,” Overman said. “The level of sophistication in the work being done there is impressive.”
Huntsville’s contracting ecosystem relies heavily on what Overman called its “three major pillars” of federal activity: NASA, Redstone Arsenal, and the FBI. These agencies anchor thousands of jobs, attract skilled professionals from across the country, and sustain a network of contractors at every level, from small startups to global defense firms.
The Space and Missile Defense Symposium, which has been held in Huntsville for 28 years, highlights that ecosystem. Overman said the scale of participation demonstrates the city’s influence.
“Driving from the airport to downtown and seeing Research Park, the new construction, and the recognizable logos on those buildings was
Overman visited Huntsville during the Space and Missile Defense Symposium earlier this month and said he was struck by the city’s rapid expansion and sophistication.
“This was my first symposium, and I was blown away,” Overman said. “From the large contractors to small businesses giving 15-minute pitches, the diversity of the ecosystem
“From the large contractors to small businesses giving 15-minute pitches, the diversity of the ecosystem is what makes Huntsville unique”
is what makes Huntsville unique.”
Each presidential administration brings policy shifts, but Overman said the Trump administration is driving changes that could alter how government contracts are awarded and executed.
One major initiative involves rewriting the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), a system that governs the government’s contracting process.
“Rewriting the FAR could change how contractors interact with the federal government,” Overman said. “That will affect everyone, whether you are in Washington or Huntsville.”
GOVERNMENT
Overman also pointed to the administration’s growing use of flexible contracting models such as Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs). These tools allow agencies to fund ideas faster, bypassing traditional timelines that can slow innovation.
“These approaches get money behind ideas quicker,” Overman said.
“For a hub like Huntsville, where so much cutting-edge work is happening, you are going to see more of these models being used.”
With economists warning of a possible recession, Overman addressed whether Huntsville’s reliance on federal programs provides some insulation from economic downturns.
“As long as the federal govern-
ment continues funding these core programs, Huntsville is going to keep growing,” Overman said. “I would not call it recession proof, but it is certainly better positioned than most cities.”
He added that continued investment in programs tied to Redstone Arsenal, NASA, and the FBI makes Huntsville more resilient than markets that lack significant federal involvement.
Overman believes Huntsville’s role in federal contracting will continue to expand as policy evolves and agencies adopt faster, more flexible funding methods. With a growing ecosystem of contractors, a steady flow of federal dollars, and an expanding workforce of engineers and cybersecurity specialists, the city is poised to remain a major hub for innovation.
“You have these pillars supporting an ecosystem that is attracting talent and investment from across the country,” Overman said. “With the administration’s push for quicker, more adaptive contracting, there is a lot of opportunity ahead for Huntsville.” w
Momentum Leaders Helps Huntsville Women Rise in Business
In today's business climate, the world around us is moving faster than ever. Technology is evolving at a rapid pace, remote work continues to reshape office dynamics, and decisions are being made in real time.
For women, these challenges are often layered with family responsibilities and shifting professional landscapes.
One local organization, Momentum Leaders, is stepping in to help North Alabama women navigate these changes and thrive in the process.
"Our mission is to be the premier leadership organization in the state of Alabama and raise up women leaders who stay in our state and lead our state and Huntsville"
The Huntsville Business Journal recently sat down with Amy Gandy, Momentum's North Alabama director of programs, for an inside look at the group's mission to empower women across the region.
"Our mission is to be the premier leadership organization in the state of Alabama and raise up women leaders who stay in our state and lead our state and Huntsville," Gandy said.
Momentum has been supporting women in the Birmingham area for over 20 years. In 2022, the organization expanded to North Alabama.
In Huntsville and the surrounding areas, Momentum offers two main programs: an executive option for high-level leaders and another avenue for early to mid-career women.
The Huntsville Leadership Program (Executive Class) is comprised of an orientation/opening retreat, six monthly sessions, a closing ses-
sion, and a graduation ceremony. Speakers are usually brought in from businesses around the country. Tuition is typically paid in whole or in part by the participant's employer.
The Huntsville Upward Program launched in the Rocket City in February 2025. It is similar to the leadership program with some minor differences. Participants in this inaugural class will enjoy a lower tuition rate, a full-day opening session instead of a retreat, and a lineup of local yet powerful speakers.
In addition to these opportunities, Momentum also offers corporate training, a free mentor matching program, and free virtual training sessions that are available anytime on YouTube.
Currently, the mentor program is being built in Huntsville. One hundred twenty matches will be available to area women within the next year.
Gandy emphasized that Momentum not only helps women strengthen professional skills but also creates a space where they can
connect honestly with one another.
"I think what is also great about our programs is you have that personal development as well as professional development," Gandy said.
She continued, "One of the things that is the strongest about our programs is that we give women the opportunity to be vulnerable with other women. At the same time, they're getting real-life work experience."
These programs also offer women in business to advance their careers in a tangible way.
According to Momentum's website, for Upward members, "the average salary increase of participants was $15,000, and 40% of participants reported receiving upward mobility or a promotion during the program."
Gandy also shared that the organization also encourages women to think differently about the idea of work-life balance, focusing instead on giving their best where it’s needed most.
By: Katie Holt
"We don't say there's a work-life balance because I think that's false. Sometimes you have to give your job a hundred percent, and sometimes you have to give your family a hundred percent. That's not taking away from either one of those," Gandy explained.
Gandy offered an example of how a typical session in the Leadership or Upward program might unfold. Facilitators often walk participants through real-world scenarios, pointing out, "… yes, these are the events that are happening in your office. These are the things that are happening with your employers and employees. This is how you can make it better, change yourself, or work on your office culture."
The organization is also hosting the Be Bold Leadership Summit in Huntsville on January 28, 2026, in partnership with local organizations: Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship, Junior League of Huntsville, Leadership Greater Huntsville, the Women's Economic Development Council, and WEDC Foundation.
Gandy also noted that, in Huntsville, one of the ongoing challenges is that men have traditionally dominated leadership and business circles.
"It's a little harder here because we are in a very male-dominated community as far as leadership and business. That is changing, and we hope to help that change move forward. We're not taking anything away from the male leadership in our community. They're awesome, but there's a place for both," Gandy shared. w
/ Photos courtesy of Momentum Leaders
Pictured from left to right: Momentum Huntsville Executive Class 1 alumnae Veronica Cram, Connie Spears, Melissa Marty, Stephanie Kelly, Ashley Young, Kathi Tew, and Laurel Bailey. Photo courtesy of Momentum Huntsville.
Rockin' Around the Scientific Clock: HudsonAlpha's Bandstand Night Gives a Musical Overview of New Research, Funding Challenges, and Growth Ahead
At HudsonAlpha's Bandstand night, Dr. Neil Lamb, president of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, delivered a comprehensive and entertaining update on the research organization's status, framing his presentation around popular songs from the 1960s to the 2000s.
Dr. Lamb began the event by playing "Turn! Turn! Turn!" by the Byrds and spoke about the organization's need to diversify revenue sources beyond federal grants, effectively recognizing that different seasons require different approaches to financial sustainability.
“We will always be focused on research first and foremost, but how do we support the institute sustainably with other revenue so that we aren't
so dependent on federal grants? We've been working on this for a couple
of years”
“‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’ is all about understanding that there are different periods of time in all of our lives, in our society, and that it’s important for us to be willing and ready to turn with that new season of life,” Lamb said.
Dr. Lamb shared details of the significant multi-million-dollar funding gap that HudsonAlpha is facing due to recent shifts in federal research priorities.
He also described the many “green shoots" the institute is excited about, promising new projects and opportunities that bring hope despite the organization's financial challenges due to the potential federal grant cuts.
“We anticipate that as the administration aligns their priorities
and restructures the mechanism for how science is funded, that we will see more of these funding announcements and more funding proposals in the years ahead, and we expect that those numbers will go back up," Lamb said.
He continued, "What encourages me is that I know that these green shoots actually align with things that the administration has said they want to fund.”
Dr. Lamb said these projects HudsonAlpha is working on include "…things like chronic disease, especially Alzheimer's, autism — which sits right at the center of our rare childhood diagnosis work, increasing roles for artificial intelligence, bio cybersecurity, food security, and onshore supply chains."
According to Dr. Lamb, the institute has also been continually working to diversify its revenue sources, making the organization less dependent on federal funding. The institute rents space to 55 technology companies on its campus, offers tools and services that other scientists can use for a fee, and collects private donations from supporters.
"We will always be focused on research first and foremost, but how do we support the institute sustainably with other revenue so that we aren't so dependent on federal grants? We've been working on this for a couple of years," Lamb said.
Dr. Lamb shared the following songs and topics during the evening's engaging presentation:
• "Respect" by Aretha Franklin: Plant science and biomass production, explicitly focusing on Miscanthus campus (a type of prairie grass) and the BRIDGES Engine project.
• "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles: The institute's research on Alzheimer's disease and dementia offers hope after the "long, cold, lonely winter" of the devastating condition that affects millions of families.
• "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" by Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson: HudsonAlpha's education programs that encourage students to become scientists, mathematicians, genetic counselors, and entrepreneurs.
By: Katie Holt / Photos by Katie Holt
• "Garden Song" (John Denver): The development of HudsonAlpha Wiregrass in Dothan, Alabama, emphasizing how things grow "inch by inch, row by row" through intentional community building and agricultural research.
• "Start Me Up" (Rolling Stones): HudsonAlpha's startup accelerator program and innovative ecosystem supporting biotech entrepreneurs and early-stage companies.
• "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" (U2): Plant breeding challenges and Josh Clevenger's work developing genetic tools to help researchers find specific DNA changes linked to desired plant traits.
• "The Hustle" (Van McCoy): The institute's determination to work with energy, drive, and resourcefulness to achieve its mission of using genomics to make the world a better place.
Dr. Lamb concluded the evening by expressing his appreciation for his team at HudsonAlpha, particularly as the institute faces funding challenges.
"I could not ask for a better group of people to sail through the waters and onto what comes next. They are amazing. We are also supported by an incredible board of directors that is an advocate for us and sees the work we are doing and supports it," Lamb shared.
Lamb continued, "I just want to acknowledge the amazing people that are making the stories that I told you about actually come true. We are learning to thrive in the midst of adversity. That is the very definition of resilience— growth, beautiful growth in challenging places," Lamb said. w
Huntsville Gears Up for Space with Jobs, Roads, and
By:
Now that Huntsville residents and city leaders alike have had time to celebrate the relocation of the U.S. Space Command from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, what kind of changes can we expect to see in the coming months? The answer is even more complex than you might think.
The headquarters relocation will bring new jobs, accelerate major road projects, and fuel housing growth across North Alabama. City officials and business leaders say the focus now is on making sure Huntsville is ready to handle the opportunity.
The Army plans to phase in the relocation. Redstone Arsenal Deputy Garrison Commander Martin Traylor said a small “torch party” will be the first to arrive, followed by an advance team of around 100 people.
A temporary 450,000-squarefoot campus at Redstone Gateway is expected within 18 to 24 months. The permanent headquarters, a 427,000-square-foot complex on 64 acres near the center of the arsenal, could take five to seven years to complete, though Traylor believes the command could be operational here within three years.
“If they told me to execute to-
night, we could make that happen,” Traylor said. “That is how ready we are.”
Mayor Tommy Battle estimates the move will bring between 1,200 and 1,600 direct jobs, while Rep. Dale Strong has put the number closer to 1,700, with an additional 3,000 spinoff positions across the region. The FBI is also expected to add about 2,200 jobs in Huntsville over the next five years.
Battle said not all employees will transfer from Colorado, leaving openings for North Alabama workers. “The indirect positions are always a variable,” he said. “Some people will move here, some won’t, and the ones who don’t will be backfilled. That means new opportunities for people already in the region.”
Councilwoman Michelle Watkins said the benefits go beyond payroll numbers. “This creates new career paths for young people, more customers for small businesses, and growth that uplifts the entire community,” she said.
Councilman Bill Kling compared the moment to Huntsville’s turning point in the 1950s, when Wernher von Braun’s rocket team ar-
rived. “This is another milestone for our city and our region,” Kling said. Infrastructure is the top priority and is the first change to implement. Each day, about 110,000 people drive into Huntsville for work while another 60,000 leave for jobs elsewhere.
To keep pace, the city is advancing projects that include:
• Added lanes on I-565
• Improvements to eastbound I-565
• A redesigned interchange at I-565 and Memorial Parkway
• Resolute Way, a new connector between I-565 and Gate 9 at Redstone Arsenal
• Arsenal East Connector, linking I-565 to a proposed new gate near Triana Boulevard
“These roads are not just about Space Command,” said Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon. “They are about keeping up with growth, which is coming either way.”
Huntsville pledged $425 million to secure the headquarters, including $10 million for temporary office space and $385 million in transportation upgrades. More than 90
percent of the roadwork is already complete.
The State of Alabama has committed $8 million for senior leadership housing at Redstone Arsenal and $3 million for a national recruitment campaign, bringing total state support to $11 million, while the Tennessee Valley Authority has added a $1 million economic development grant. In addition, approximately 60 acres at Redstone have been identified as the future site of U.S. Space Command headquarters.
The move has drawn attention from major defense firms that already have operations in Huntsville:
• KBR employs about 800 people here and considers Huntsville one of its primary growth markets.
• Aerospace Corp. plans to expand in Huntsville even after recent investments in Colorado Springs.
• Auria, with 15 years in Huntsville, expects local growth in missile defense and Space Development Agency programs.
• Infinity Systems Engineering said the relocation could open
Noah Logan / Photo
Space Command Arrival and Housing Growth
Photo by Kait Thursday
recruiting opportunities for Huntsville companies.
• Nooks, which provides classified office space, announced Huntsville as part of its nationwide expansion.
• Infinity Technology Services (ITS) is growing in Colorado Springs but says Huntsville remains a key opportunity.
Relocation concerns and workforce reality
An Inspector General’s report raised concerns that as many as 1,000 civilian staff, contractors, and reservists might not follow the headquarters to Alabama. For critics, the stakes go far beyond staffing numbers — the question is whether such a move could affect the mission itself.
Beyond the jobs and infrastructure, U.S. Space Command is critical to national security. As policy writer Charlotte Clymer noted in a September 2 Twitter/X thread, the command’s Space-Based Infrared System can detect missile launches anywhere in the world within seconds. It then processes satellite and radar data to confirm the threat, plot the trajectory, and calculate time to impact, sharing that information with other military commands almost instantly.
Clymer called Space Command the “nervous system” of America’s nuclear infrastructure which ties detection and communication together. She also pointed out that Colorado’s network of existing Space Force facilities made it the natural home for the command in 2023. Critics of the move to Alabama argue that relocating could temporarily disrupt this tight web of communication and delay full operational capability.
Mayor Battle has heard those doubts before. During the 2005 BRAC round, when the Army Materiel Command moved from Washington, D.C., to Huntsville, early reports predicted very few people would relocate. Many did, and those who came often described Huntsville as one of the best choices they could have made.
Supporters of the move counter that Huntsville’s advantages outweigh the risks. Consultant John Boyd Jr., Principal of The Boyd Company, told Scott Turner of AL.com that the risk is overstated. Boyd, whose clients include Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, and United Technologies, said Huntsville’s advantages will be clear to employees.
“I think that concern is way overblown,” Boyd said. “Given the cost of living and home affordability in Huntsville compared to Colorado
Springs, this is a very desirable move. The aerospace and defense industry is almost double the size here, which means better long-term career options for many employees.”
Huntsville’s population has grown nearly 16 percent since 2020, adding more than 34,000 residents in just five years.
The median sales price of a home in July 2025 was about $349,000, a modest year-overyear increase of less than one percent. VA home purchase loans rose nearly 19 percent in the first half of 2025, showing strong demand from military families.
trails, pickleball courts, a pool, and large green spaces.
Colorado Springs, by comparison, is far less affordable. Home prices there have hovered around $500,000 this summer, dipping slightly to $480,000 in August, and homes are taking longer to sell.
That contrast highlights Huntsville’s edge. Lower housing costs, a growing defense ecosystem, and strong demand from veterans and military households make the city attractive to relocating families.
Communities around Huntsville are already responding to the growth. In Athens, officials approved rezoning for a new 255-home neighborhood by DDB Capital Fund. The 122-acre development will include
“With Space Command coming to Redstone Arsenal and job growth accelerating, Athens is positioned for durable demand and value creation,” said Derek Distenfield, managing director at DDB Capital.
Huntsville has a track record of successfully absorbing major relocations. From the von Braun team in the 1950s to BRAC-era transfers in the 2000s, the city has proven its ability to handle growth.
For McCutcheon, the relocation is as much about national security as local development. “This is about having the right people in the right place with the right education and technology to get the job done,” he said. w
The Humes Legacy in Huntsville’s Industrial Dawn
It is often determined that visionaries throughout history were ahead of their time, but Captain Milton Humes and his wife were very much “of their time” as Huntsville’s elite.
One of the most prominent attorneys in Alabama and known throughout the South, the Captain became a leading player in creating the North Alabama Improvement Company (NAIC) that led Huntsville’s industrial pursuits at a time agriculture ruled Southern economies.
Humes (1844-1908) was not just a notable lawyer. He was also a shrewd real estate investor, railroad company associate, state house representative and was known as the father of the public road system in Madison County. He served as state bar president, but declined an offer to join Alabama’s Supreme Court.
Humes and his wife, Elizabeth Chapman Humes, were both community-driven philanthropists. They liked to socialize at Abingdon Place, their home
on Meridian Street across from what would become Lincoln Mill.
“He’s everywhere in the late nineteenth and the early twentieth century,’’ said Donna Castellano, executive director of the Historical Huntsville Foundation. “He was part of the investor circle that recruited (textile mill magnate) Trevanion Dallas to Huntsville.
“Humes,’’ she added, “also had an
interesting, albeit tragic, death.”
Industry rising
Like many Huntsville settlers in the 19th century, Milton Humes was a Virginian born in Abingdon. When the Civil War began he enlisted in the Confederate Army, was later shot through the hips at Chickamauga and was wounded again at Kennessaw Mountain.
Already a captain, he was elevated to major for gallantry on the field at
By: Mike Easterling
Chickamauga. The former sobriquet followed him into civilian life.
After the war, Humes lived with his sister, Mrs. L. B. Sheffey, in Huntsville before returning to Virginia to attend law school at Washington and Lee. He went back to Huntsville after graduating and married Ellelee in 1870.
Humes and other prominent Huntsville figures joined New York’s O’Shaughnessy brothers in the startup NAIC that changed the trajectory of Huntsville.
Trevanion Barlow Dallas, better known as T.B., joined the crew as a company executive. The group’s first project was building Hotel Monte Sano, an exclusive resort built on top of the mountain.
The NAIC soon turned its attention to manufacturing, establishing four cotton mills that transformed Huntsville into a regional textile hub: Dallas, Madison Spinning, Merrimack, and Lowe. Dallas Mill was the first to open in 1891, followed by Madi-
son Spinning in 1900, a facility later renamed Abingdon and eventually Lincoln.
In the 1890s, Humes, Dallas and others founded the Madison Spinning Company as an offshoot of the new syndicate. Humes eventually bought the mill outright, renaming it Abingdon in 1906.
Meanwhile, Humes co-founded Monte Sano Dairy, which was located in a pocket of northeast Huntsville in the valley beneath the mountain. The dairy was home to Lily Flagg, the city’s legendary cow.
Civic service
Among the projects Humes helped finance was the paving around the public square. He was the first to step forward with a donation, a move that led The Morning Mercury to declare, “This is not the first time by any means that the captain (sic) has been the first to show a progressive spirit in the upbuilding of Progressive Huntsville.’’
Ellelee had many causes and was instrumental in establishing the City Infirmary, a precursor to Huntsville Hospital. She was passionate about pushing for passage of the 19th Amendment
ROCKET CITY REWIND
to the U.S. Constitution, a move that would grant women the right to vote.
Her sister, Alberta Chapman Taylor, invited suffragist pioneers Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Chapman Catt to speak at Huntsville City Hall in 1895. They came and addressed an overflow crowd, followed by Milton Humes announcing the formation of the Huntsville Equal Suffrage Association (HESA).
A grand party followed at Abingdon Place, which was razed in 1968.
Ellelee (1850-1920) died one month before the U.S. Congress ratified the 19th Amendment, ensuring women the right to vote.
Tragic end
Milton Humes fell ill in late December 1908. Ellelee later reported that
during the night he had entered her adjoining bedroom, complained of a stomach issue and went downstairs to get some soda phosphate.
She awakened a few hours later at 6:30 a.m. and went to Milton’s room. The bed was empty. A broken phosphate bottle, a heavy framed mirror and a broken silver shaving cup lay on the floor underneath a shattered window.
She looked out of the opening and saw Captain prone on the pavement below, dead.
The prevailing assumption was Humes was having trouble breathing, and to get fresh air he tried to open the second-floor window and failed. He then used both the mirror and silver cup in a frantic attempt to break the window
pane, which he did, and fell through. It was discovered he had a broken leg and cuts to his arm and head. His wounds weren’t bleeding. The coroner deduced he was deceased before the fall, likely from a stroke of apoplexy. He took his findings to a grand jury, which agreed.
Humes was buried at Maple Hill Cemetery where his father-inlaw and 13th governor of Alabama, Reuben Chapman, was interred. Ellelee and her sister, Amanda, are also buried there.
Meanwhile, doubts about the circumstances of Captain Milton Humes’ death lingered. One of his descendants suggested to historians that Humes, who was fond of spirits, may have been inebriated during the event and fell in a drunken state.
The reporter William Lewis Clay of the Huntsville Weekly Democrat, who wrote that Captain Humes was “generous to a fault,’’ gave no weight to any gossip regarding one of the city’s historical giants.
“He was a leader of men, brave, chivalrous, gallant,’’ he added. “Peace to his ashes.’’ w
ACCOLADES
Small Businesses Take Center Stage as Chamber Marks 40th Gala
The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber marked a milestone last week with its 40th Annual Small Business Awards Gala at the Von Braun Center. While the evening began with a brief technical issue during the opening video, the program soon found its rhythm, celebrating the companies and individuals who keep Huntsville’s economy dynamic and resilient.
Recognizing the Backbone of Growth
The awards program honored organizations across industries, from hospitality and retail to high-tech defense and engineering. This diversity reflects the dual engine of Huntsville’s economy: a robust defense and aerospace sector on one side, and a growing ecosystem of local services, hospitality, and cultural ventures on the other.
• SkyfireAI, named Small Engineering/Defense Business of the Year, exemplifies Huntsville’s role in advancing artificial intelligence for defense and commercial applications. By developing tools that support national security, the company not only contributes to federal missions but also helps anchor Huntsville as a center for AI innovation.
• Good Company Café, recognized as Hospitality Services Business of the Year, demonstrates the value of small, community-driven businesses in creating a city where people want to live and work. Its recognition points to the importance of quality-of-life amenities in retaining top talent drawn to Huntsville for engineering and defense jobs.
• ReLogic Research, Inc., winner of Minority-Owned Business of the Year, shows how diverse ownership strengthens the region’s technical workforce. Companies like ReLogic are key to broadening participation in Huntsville’s high-tech economy and ensuring that growth is inclusive.
A Double Honor for Advocacy
One of the night’s most memo-
rable moments came when Lisa Davis
Mays of The Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship was recognized twice, first as the Huntsville Association of Small Businesses in Advanced Technology’s Small Business Advocate of the Year, and again
on behalf of The Catalyst team. In her remarks, Mays underscored the collective nature of her work:
“I stand here representing a group of extraordinary individuals that I have the privilege of doing life with every day and watching them as they fulfill their passion for helping you all succeed and make the world a better place, one small business at a time.
By: Kait Thursday
but on people committed to fostering the success of entrepreneurs at every stage.
Why Small Businesses Matter Now
Although Huntsville is often defined by its large defense contractors and NASA’s presence at Redstone Arsenal, small businesses form the connective tissue that sustains the city’s economic momentum. According to Chamber data, small firms make up the majority of its membership and employ thousands of workers across Madison County.
“These companies may not always make headlines the way a billion-dollar contract does, but their impact is constant,” one Chamber representative noted. “They hire locally, they adapt quickly, and they contribute directly to the community fabric.”
Outside of being a mom to my twin boys … I don’t really have many greater joys than being able to have a front row seat to watch you all succeed every day. So thank you for trusting The Catalyst to walk alongside you in your small business journey. We really are your biggest fans.”
Her comments drew warm applause and reinforced the spirit of the evening, that Huntsville’s growth depends not only on capital investment and contracts,
This year’s honorees reinforced that point. Winners ranged from health care providers like Cove Chiropractic to creative outlets such as Pinot’s Palette, reminding attendees that Huntsville’s economy depends not just on rockets and research, but also on businesses that provide services, culture, and care to residents.
Looking Ahead
After forty years, the Small Business Awards Gala remains one of the Chamber’s signature events. Beyond recognition, it serves as a snapshot of Huntsville’s evolving business landscape. This year’s honorees highlighted both continuity, with established firms like Science & Engineering Services winning in the large engineering/defense category, and change, with Cahaba Federal Solutions taking home Emerging Business of the Year.
In a city that has grown by nearly 20 percent over the past decade, the resilience and creativity of small businesses will continue to shape how Huntsville competes for talent and investment. Whether in technology, dining, health care, or retail, these enterprises are not just filling gaps, they are defining the region’s identity. w
/ Photoes courtesy of Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce
Pictured: Lisa Davis Mays of The Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship
The Next Battlefield Advantage is Being Built in Huntsville
A witness summed up a recent demonstration of locally manufactured drones designed as battlefield weapons and for surveillance.
“That is truly terrifying,’’ he whispered.
With three hovering drones providing a menacing presence in the sky, the controller moved one forward to drop a mock explosive payload onto a ground target.
A second drone was then moved away from the kill zone, released another device that dropped straight down, took a sharp 90-degree turn and quickly found its programmed objective.
Imagining this unfolding in war zones was, indeed, terrifying. But this scene played out in a field behind the new state-of-the-art, 90,000-square foot Performance Drone Works (PDW) robotics facility in the Research Park District.
The drones were the C100, which is PDW’s prototype “mothership.’’
“C100 is essentially replacing air support,’’ said PDW CEO and cofounder Ryan Gury. “From a backpack of a soldier, they can do ordinance resupply. Recently we were shooting precision missiles with the F-35.’’
He continued, saying the C100 “allows a single unit to deploy any variety of missions across the front line. And that distribution and scale is what we essentially believe that the U.S. military and militaries throughout the world are going to evolve into.’’
PDW held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a tour of the facility, capped by a demonstration for the media and other attendees. The company is hiring and expects to have an $81 million annual impact in North Alabama.
Among those on hand were city and state representatives, along with company backers including Miami Dolphins owner, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Stephen Ross, as well as celebrity chef Robert Irvine.
“PDW is the most important drone company in the United States,” Gury said. “The reason why is that China has begun a campaign of economic sabotage to undermine the U.S. drone market. They had the foresight to realize that future warfare will involve these
small drones.
“We need to ensure that on U.S. soil we have the best drone technology and we have a domestic supply chain. So now we are ready. We need plenty of (other drone producers).”
Another co-founder, Matt Higgins, said PDW feels “tremendous urgency here because we understand that we are playing catch up, not as a company, but as a country.’’
Drone production at the facility began July 1. The goal is to produce 60,000 drones per year. PDW already has contracts and is supporting different branches of the U.S. military and is also supplying drones for surveillance to the Secret Service and Customs and Border Patrol.
Higgins was press secretary for then-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani during the terrorist attacks on 9/11. He was 26 years old at the time and the event gave him a passion to get involved.
“I was standing under the Twin Towers and just could not comprehend
what I was seeing,’’ he said.
Higgins said he spent 952 days at Ground Zero.
“One question I would ask myself throughout that entire journey was, ‘How does this happen?’” he said. “How is America so caught off guard –the greatest country on earth with the greatest intelligence infrastructure.’’
Later, Higgins, Ross, and others teamed to form the Drone Racing League (DRL), a 3D-based competition. That was the genesis of RDW, which was born among 12 members of the DRL who met at Stovehouse on Governors Drive. An idea hatched for competition morphed into a company to benefit soldiers on the battlefield.
According to Higgins, after 9/11 he had a “lurking feeling’’ that America could be caught off guard again.
“Only the adversary this time was not Al Qaeda or terrorism,’’ he said. “It was China.’’
He added, “The reality is the next 9/11 will not arrive by plane, but by a swarm of drones. And we need to make
By: Mike Easterling
sure we understand every aspect of this technology and build the greatest drone companies in the world right here (in the USA).’’ PDW launched in 2018 and relocated to Huntsville in 2020.
“Unfortunately,’’ Higgins said, “China and others have a head start, but we are throwing everything at it.’’ China took control of the drone market with cheaper products. Up to 90 percent of America’s police forces were using the communist-produced drones, since they were affordable when PDW began making plans to enter the industry.
PDW states the facility, named Drone Factory 01, features production at scale, materials management, robust quality engineering capabilities, and 99.9 percent pathogen reduction via Lit Thinking’s Visium Far-UVC devices, ensuring DF01 is the cleanest engineering facility in the world.
Higgins said that, while not intending to disrespect Silicon Valley—“except maybe slightly”—locating the plant in the Tennessee Valley was the right choice. “This is where we should be building and investing in our military, the future of the military, especially our drone industry. So we think, ‘It’s not why Huntsville, but why anywhere else?’”
PDW currently has 200 employees and is hiring “rapidly’’ with growth already exceeding expectations. The company hopes to eventually employ over 500.
“PDW is an innovation engine for national defense and an economic catalyst for Huntsville,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. “This expansion brings high-quality jobs, strengthens our advanced manufacturing sector, and reinforces Huntsville’s position as a strategic hub for defense and aerospace. We’re proud to have PDW growing here and contributing to our community’s future.”
The mission at PDW, Gury said, is “creating attributable robotics to be spread to front line operators everywhere in the world.” w
Photos by Mike Easterling and PDW
PDW co-founders Trevor Smith, Ryan Gury and Matt Higgin are joined by major backer Steve Ross in manning the scissors for the company's ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Retirement Foundations: A Conversation with Morgan Stanley’s John Jeffery, Corporate Retirement Director and Financial Advisor
John Jeffery is an experienced financial services professional concentrating in corporate retirement plans. John has worked in Huntsville’s Morgan Stanley office since 2010 and has served as a Corporate Retirement Director since 2012, focusing exclusively on retirement plan solutions for businesses.
He holds several industry-recognized certifications, including the Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist SM (CRPS ®) and Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC) designations.
John holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Vanderbilt University.
Recently, John spoke with the Huntsville Business Journal about the work that he does to help businesses design and manage comprehensive retirement plans for their employees.
Can you tell me a bit about the companies that you work with? How are they similar or different in terms of employee count, industry, location, and other factors?
My team manages retirement plans for over 100 companies, primarily defense contractors, with operations in Huntsville. Our clients range from start-up businesses with one employee to established companies with 1,000+ employees. The factors that they all have in common are a growth orientation, deep trust in their partners, and an enduring commitment to their employees’ financial wellbeing. We serve clients with
401(k), 403(b), ESOP, cash balance, and nonqualified deferred compensation plans.
At what point do you recommend an organization seek out the services of a Corporate Retirement Director? Is it a function of the size of the company, assets under management, or some other combination of factors?
Ideally our clients start working with us before they make their first hire. This lets us help them design a retirement benefits structure that can help attract and retain the talent that they need to succeed.
What unique resources can a Corporate Retirement Director contribute to a company that they might not otherwise have access to?
Morgan Stanley’s Corporate Retirement Directors offer access to first-class resources that are designed specifically to tackle the hurdles our clients and their employees face.
We offer personalized employee engagement solutions including in-person support. Employees at our client companies may receive personalized advice and insights from the vast resources of Morgan Stanley. We host in-person seminars for companies as well as one-on-one meetings that are available for all employees. These meetings can be to assist with rollovers, money coaching, education planning, financial planning, or helping create an estate planning strategy.
How does Morgan Stan-
ley support their Corporate Retirement Directors so they can provide a high level of service to the companies they work with?
As a Corporate Retirement Director, Morgan Stanley serves as investment fiduciary for many of my clients’ plans. This means that we have a duty of loyalty to act in the sole interest of our clients’ employees. We also have a duty to the highest standard under the law to help ensure that we use care, skill, prudence, and diligence in every action for the sole benefit of the employees that we serve.
Morgan Stanley supervises a fiduciary plan management model for our Corporate Retirement clients to help ensure that all aspects of a plan are addressed through a quarterly review schedule, which covers the following plan essentials: Plan Governance, Fee Structure, Investments, Employee Support, and Vendor Management.
About 2% of Morgan Stanley’s 16,000 Financial Advisors are Corporate Retirement Directors as of December 2024. What additional education and training did you pursue to become qualified to be a CRD?
I attended the College for Financial Planning to get the Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS) designation. I continued my training with the National Association of Plan Advisors to get the Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC) designation.
Can you share a few examples of how you’ve helped clients or their employees navigate
By: Sarah Zupko
important retirement-related challenges?
Three situations come to mind. We frequently use the saying that you will never look better in a bathing suit than you will today. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t save for retirement. But it does mean that you need to find a balance between your need for assets in the future and your need for meaningful experiences with people you love today.
Our team has helped companies that purchase businesses bring each new company on board, merge the retirement plans together when appropriate, and welcome the new employees into their company. We strive to help make the transition process simple and efficient.
We provide education to the participants to help them understand their retirement benefits.
What methods have you seen companies employ to incentivize, or encourage, employees to take full advantage of their company’s retirement plan?
Huntsville is full of incredible HR professionals that develop creative ideas to increase participation in retirement plans. The most important incentive is for a company to offer a matching contribution for employees who save. We work with companies to create fun events like “Taco Bout Retirement” lunches or ice cream socials like “Get the Scoop on Retirement” to help employees get enrolled in the plan. Finally, most of our clients also offer quarterly
seminars or webinars to encourage employees to engage deeply with important financial topics like budgeting, investing, debt reduction, Social Security, or Medicare. We often joke that the average American spends more time planning a vacation than preparing for retirement and we work with our HR and executive leadership every day to reverse this trend.
How do you measure your success in this role? Both in terms of the performance of the retirement plans that you manage and in terms of your personal impact?
Our goal is for every employee in our retirement plans to be prepared physically, emotionally, and financially for retirement. We want our clients and their employees to find the intersection of health and wealth. Many of our clients have enough money to retire, but they don’t have hobbies, volunteer opportunities, friendships, or communities that will provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment in retirement. We hope that our ability to connect with people allows us the opportunity to guide people in not only their retirement, but also their overall financial wellness.
John Jeffery is a Financial Advisor with the Wealth Management division of Morgan Stanley in Huntsville, Alabama. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC SIPC - Securities Investor Protection Corporation Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor(s) engage Huntsville Business Journal to feature this article]. John Jeffery may only transact business in states where he is registered or
excluded or exempted from registration https://advisor.morganstanley. com/john.jeffery. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where John Jeffery is not registered or excluded or exempt from registration. The strategies and/ or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trusts, estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning or other legal matters.
When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary”
under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www. morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a
Retirement Account.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please visit us at http://www.morganstanleyindividual.com or consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 4617892 08/25.
John Jeffrey Photo taken by Erin Cobb, photographer Photo provided by Morgan Stanley
BRIEFCASE
Huntsville Artists Shine at Stellar
Gospel Music Awards
The Huntsville Music Office is celebrating the success of two of its own after the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Saturday, Aug. 16.
ADIA Andrews, a Huntsville native and official Music Ambassador for the city, won New Artist of the Year and took home Song of the Year for “Amen,” a collaboration with Michael McClure Jr., Terrell Anthony Pettus, Andrea Crouch, David “DLo” Outing and Pastor Mike Jr.
Fellow ambassador Dante’ Pride was nominated for Rap/Hip-Hop Song of the Year for “Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah” featuring Lisa Page Brooks. Pride delivered a powerful live performance during the ceremony.
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards, often called the “Grammys of Gospel,” spotlight the brightest stars in gospel and inspirational music.
Andrews’ win and Pride’s nomination underscore Huntsville’s growing role as a hub for creative talent and affirm the impact of the Huntsville Music Ambassador Program.
“ADIA and Dante’ exemplify the very best of Huntsville’s music scene and the caliber of artists participating in the Music Ambassador Program,” Huntsville Music Officer Matt Mandrella said. “Their recognition at the Stellar Awards demonstrates the strength of incredible talent we have within our community that we are so proud to champion.”
Huntsville’s Music Ambassador Program is the first strategic music export program in the country to be launched and administered at the municipal government level. Others have adopted the model, including the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture’s Tulsa On Tour ambassador program. w
New Startup Joins HudsonAlpha Biotech Community
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology has added a new name to its roster of resident companies: Veil Genomics.
The startup, founded by HudsonAlpha geneticists Alex Harkess, PhD, Josh Clevenger, PhD, and Kendall Lee, PhD, focuses on genetic testing and informatics.
Veil offers end-to-end services in long-read, low-pass sequencing, a technology with wide applications in human health, agriculture, biodiversity research, and defense. It becomes the latest of more than 50 independent companies operating on HudsonAlpha’s biotech campus.
The idea to launch Veil emerged from a collaborative laboratory innovation between the three founders. Each has a deep understanding of long-read DNA sequencing, which empowered them to explore ways to speed up the process with high accuracy and scalability.
“We’ve redefined what it means to do long-read genome sequencing at scale,” said Alex Harkess, co-founder at Veil. “Our mission at Veil is to democratize the ability for anyone to create rapid impact in their field by harnessing the power of long-read PacBio HiFi sequencing to identify meaningful genetic variation faster than ever.”
Veil Genomics also represents a commercialization success story for HudsonAlpha. One of the Institute’s founding missions has been to translate discoveries out of the academic lab setting into applications that can be used by the people and organizations that need them most. Veil is the latest
example of the innovation cultivated on HudsonAlpha’s campus that has broadened its reach to make a deeper impact.
“I’m thrilled to see Alex, Josh, and Kendall driving genomic innovation forward through the launch of Veil Genomics,” said Dillon Fritz, PhD, HudsonAlpha’s Vice President for Economic Development and Commercialization. “Their work is a testament to the groundbreaking science happening here at HudsonAlpha. As both a launchpad for translational research and a landing spot for life science ventures, HudsonAlpha provides the ecosystem and support needed to turn discovery into real-world impact. We are excited to welcome Veil as they build on their scientific excellence and contribute to the continued growth of our innovation community." w
Mayor Battle Welcomes U.S. Space Command Commander to Huntsville
Mayor Tommy Battle welcomed Gen. Stephen Whiting, Commander of U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM), to Huntsville on September 8. The visit marks an important step as the city and Redstone Arsenal begin the formal transition to host Space Command’s permanent headquarters.
Mayor Battle and Gen. Whiting previously met in Colorado Springs, but this visit marked Whiting’s first visit to City Hall. Mayor
Battle emphasized Huntsville’s strong relationship with Redstone as well as regional collaboration.
“We are honored to welcome Gen. Whiting to Huntsville,” Mayor Battle said. “This is an exciting moment for our city, but more importantly, it’s about ensuring the security of our nation. We look forward to working closely with Gen. Whiting and the entire Space Command team as they relocate to Redstone Arsenal.”
Whiting expressed Space Command’s enthusiasm for becoming part of the Huntsville community and said they are excited to partner with local leaders and Redstone.
“North Alabama has been very welcoming, and we're thrilled to be here on the ground,” Whiting said. “Our job right now is to figure out how expeditiously, in a professional and disciplined manner, we can start to make the move that the President has directed, all
while continuing our vital national security missions, which is to defend American interests in space.”
Whiting said this iteration of Space Command is just over six years old. Its mission is to evaluate and plan for how the U.S. can use its space capabilities to make America stronger and to defend the United States' interests and its citizens.
Mayor Battle said, “We're part of something a lot bigger than just Huntsville or Alabama. We're part of something that protects and defends our country. We, as a community, have been doing that for a long time. We take that mission very seriously.” w
Veteran Banker Herman Stubbs Joins First Horizon Bank in Huntsville
Herman Stubbs has joined First Horizon Bank as Senior Vice President, Business Banking Sales Manager. Stubbs is an accomplished professional with more than 35 years of experience in the banking industry and is dedicated to supporting clients as a trusted financial advisor. His expertise includes relationship management, business banking and commercial lending, and structuring custom solutions to help clients grow and succeed. Active in the community throughout his career, Stubbs consistently strives to make a positive impact both within the bank and throughout the community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Herman to our Huntsville team,” said Brian Daniels, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Group Manager for First Horizon. “With his extensive experience as a veteran banker and deep understanding of our clients’ needs, Herman brings a commitment to excellence which aligns well with our mission to provide exceptional financial solutions and service to our clients in Huntsville.”
ServisFirst Bank Expands Huntsville Leadership with Appointment of Jacob Bridges
ServisFirst Bank has announced the addition of Jacob Bridges as Vice President and Commercial Relationship Banker for ServisFirst Bank Huntsville. In this role, he will be responsible for partnering with businesses across North Alabama to provide tailored financial solutions that foster growth, stability, and long-term success.
“We are excited to have Jacob join our team. He brings a strong understanding of various sectors of commercial banking including government contracting, manufacturing, and commercial real estate,” said Andy Kattos, Regional CEO of ServisFirst Bank Huntsville. “Jacob combines sharp financial insight with a people-first mindset that makes him a tremendous resource for our clients and our community.”
Bridges brings nearly a decade of commercial banking experience and has built a reputation for developing trusted relationships with business clients and helping them achieve financial success through customized banking strategies. A native of Tupelo, Mississippi, Bridges earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Managerial Finance and Entrepreneurship from the University of Mississippi in 2019.
United Community Expands Huntsville Commercial Banking Team with Two Senior Hires
United Community is growing its Huntsville commercial banking team with the addition of experienced bankers Will Quinlivan and Chris Jackson.
Will Quinlivan joins United as senior vice president – commercial relationship manager, after a 15-year career in commercial banking at a regional bank. A Huntsville native and graduate of the University of Alabama with degrees in finance and accounting, Quinlivan brings extensive experience in credit and relationship management. He has worked closely with North Alabama’s C&I middle market, providing treasury management solutions and financing for real estate, equipment, business acquisitions and working capital.
Chris Jackson also joins United as senior vice president – commercial relationship manager. With more than 15 years of experience in credit, production and relationship management, Jackson most recently served as a commercial portfolio manager at a regional bank, where he helped oversee more than $1 billion in commercial relationships. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Jackson is a former board member of the Huntsville Association of Small Businesses in Advanced Technology.
