Stephen Davis FPCTA Kyser Samples Samples Properties

Biography: Stephen Tyler Davis brings decades of experience with him back to FPCTA. In 2006, he received his BA in Theatre from University of Alabama, with honors for serving as President of Alpha Psi Omega, Gamma Gamma Cast. Then in 2016, he earned his MFA in Theatre from Sarah Lawerence College while also serving as the President of the Graduate Student Senate. He has been a guest artist around the country at universities, state festivals, regional theatres, New York Musical Theatre Festival, and New York International Fringe Festival. Davis is committed to connecting communities and inspiring joy through theatre and music in the artistic work that he makes as a director, teacher, writer, performer, producer, and designer. He is the author of plays, poetry, and original musicals, such as Huckleberry Haywood, Bird Brain, Little Trees, Rusty the Robot, Stargazing With Helen Keller, Lights Out in Cootah County, Snow and the 7 Littles, as well as an original adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Davis has toured the United States for three seasons with TheatreWorks USA and is a founder of CitySalt Theatricals NYC, an ordained minister, ASCAP songwriter, and a member of the Actors Equity Association.

Biography: Kyser Samples is a driven and accomplished professional in the field of commercial real estate with extensive experience in facility management, property management, and asset management. A Huntsville Native born in 1993, Kyser grew up in the rapidly changing city we call home. After graduating from Huntsville High in 2011, he went on to earn his business degree from the University of North Alabama in 2016.

Shortly after graduation, Kyser and his brother Alex joined Samples Properties, a leading commercial real estate firm, as third-generation employees. Since then, Kyser has played a key role in managing over 30 properties measuring over 2 million square feet with over 60 tenants. His dedication to his profession is further demonstrated by his recent achievement of the CPM (Certified Property Manager) designation from IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management) in 2022.

In addition to his work in commercial real estate, Kyser is a dedicated community leader. Since 2021 he has been the financial director for Rotaract Club of Huntsville, a young professional organization that prides itself on service over self.

In addition to his professional and community activities, Kyser is a devoted husband and father to his wife Katherine and daughter Kennedy.

Biography: Preston Taylor is an accomplished Business Operations leader with over 8 years of experience streamlining processes, optimizing efficiency, and propelling growth. Possessing a bachelor’s degree in business management and Operations, he has garnered extensive expertise in directing cross-functional teams, deploying highly effective solutions, and successfully managing large-scale projects. Throughout his career, Mr. Taylor has consistently demonstrated his ability to guide organizations towards their objectives while significantly enhancing their operational performance. His reputation for creating an upbeat and productive work environment for his teams sets him apart as a distinguished leader and communicator. Presently, he is responsible for managing the daily business operations for a U.S. military-focused startup company, ensuring seamless processes and sustainable growth.

What is your career goal, and how does HSV fit into that picture?

My goal is to become a better leader in my industry by executing even more significant projects in my field. Ultimately, I aspire to make a positive and innovative impact on my community by utilizing my knowledge, persistence, and efficiency. My background, characterized by growing up in impoverished conditions, has instilled in me a drive to continuously improve and exceed expectations. The Huntsville community has been a source of immense support, aligning with my goals and aspirations. This community has presented me with abundant opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute. The thriving tech industry, top-rated universities, and supportive community have been critical in my personal and professional development. I am humbled and excited to continue my journey in Huntsville, utilizing my skills and experiences to create meaningful change in the lives of those around me.

What is the best place in town to hang out in your free time?

Huntsville has plenty of options for hanging out and enjoying your free time, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, artistic inspiration, or a relaxing place to unwind. My personal favorite being Monte Sano State Park – if you’re up for some outdoor adventure, Monte Sano State Park is a beautiful place to hike, bike, or picnic. The park offers over 20 miles of trails, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife to enjoy.

Biography: Shelby Smith serves as Property Manager at Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT). She is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of COPT’s portfolio in Huntsville, Alabama, consisting of the 468-acre master planned, mixed-use, EUL project Redstone Gateway, as well as the Class A office building located at 310 The Bridge Street. The overall portfolio currently consists of over 2.1M square feet of Class A office and retail space. Shelby earned the Certified Property Manager designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management.

Outside of her role at COPT, she is Vice President of the Building and Managers Association (BOMA) Huntsville, Legislative Affairs Committee Representative for IREM Alabama Chapter 43, and a member of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Huntsville Chapter. Shelby is active in the community as a volunteer with the AUM Foundation and an upcoming graduate of the Connect Class 25 with Leadership Greater Huntsville. She previously served on the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. volunteer committee. Shelby graduated from Athens State University with a degree in Human Resource Management.

How is your experience unique in your field, and what are you doing personally to innovate and produce change in your field?

With anything in life, I believe the key to producing change is to never become complacent and always seek ways to improve. Since I’ve only been in the commercial real estate industry for six years, it’s imperative to learn from others who have successfully adapted to change. Our Regional Director of Operations, Marshanne Castro, has been one that I would like to continue to learn from as it relates to leadership and innovation in property management. She currently serves on a sustainability committee to seek ways of introducing sustainable methods to our portfolio.

What’s your favorite restaurant in town?

A difficult one! Taco Mama is my family’s go to!

What are your hobbies?

I’ve always enjoyed interior decorating, floral arranging, and crafting.

Biography: Tom Radcliffe works with Colliers | Alabama as a Leasing and Sales Specialist. Tom has more than 7 years’ experience in the commercial real estate industry. Prior to working with Colliers, he was employed at NAI Chase Commercial Realty. Tom is a long-time resident of Huntsville and attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Although his expertise lies in Class A/B office space, he recently has found success in leasing or selling troubled or distressed properties.

Since joining Colliers, Tom has added to his history of success rescuing distressed properties. 150 West Park Loop, a 3-story, 56,000 square-foot, Class B+ office property located in Huntsville had struggled for years until new ownership picked it up and got Tom involved. He was able to lease it up from 10% to over 95% occupied in less than two years. During this period, Tom was overseeing an exciting building transformation which included building exterior, new landscaping, updates to HVAC, entire interior remodel, elevator systems, and new monument signage. Tom worked with over 46 different companies to renew, expand, relocate or lease over 215,000 square-feet of office space in 2022. He leases some of Huntsville’s most prominent office properties, including 1500 & 1525 Perimeter Corporate Park, Regions Center, Progress Center, and many others.

Tom’s generosity, leadership, and commitment extends from his role as Associate Broker with Colliers to giving back to his community. Tom and his wife participated in this year’s Make a Wish Foundation fundraiser by donating a weekend at their lake house in the silent auction. Tom and his wife, Jessica, live in Madison with their sons Easton (6), Crew (3) and one-year old twins, Ella and Hudson. Tom competed in Huntsville’s Ultimate Frisbee Elite Mixed Club at the 2022 National Championships in San Diego, California. This was the first time that a Huntsville team has ever competed at nationals and was a huge success for the club. He also has served on the Huntsville Ultimate Board of Directors as Club Representative, captain of the local Men’s Elite Club Team, and Head Coach of the UAH Club Team.

What is your career goal, and how does HSV fit into that picture?

My career goal has always been to provide strategy and growth for good companies. Commercial Real Estate has provided me the opportunity to assist in this process, and Huntsville is ripe with companies moving and pivoting as they expand in the area. Huntsville is far from reaching its developmental finality, and that’s why I see so many career opportunities here.

Biography: Wesley Sparks is the Huntsville Business Development and Strategy lead for American Rheinmetall Munitions, a subsidiary of the global land systems prime contractor Rheinmetall. He has been in the Huntsville area since 2020 after retiring from the US Army as an Acquisition Program Manager in Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems. At Rheinmetall, Wesley develops strategic business case opportunities for large weapon and ammunition programs serving all branches of the DoD. His objective is to grow the company’s portfolio of medium and large caliber ammunition, primary weapon systems, and engineering products and services focused on the US Army and SOCOM.

Achieving this strategy involves continuous interaction with teaming partners, Pentagon staff, and Congressional stakeholders. His training and experience include an MBA, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, DAWIA PM Level 2, Shipley BD and Capture, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Procurement and Contract Management from the University of Virginia. Wesley lives in Madison with his wife, Alaine, and their three kids. When he is not attending trade shows, industry day events, or traveling to the company Headquarters in Germany, he enjoys cheering on his children at gymnastics, dance, and Scholar’s Bowl.

What is your career goal, and how does HSV fit into that picture?

I hope to continue developing experience and growing responsibility in corporate development and strategy in the defense industry. With Cummings Research Park and the large number of prime and small defense companies here in Huntsville there are so many opportunities for growth. This city has been famous for engineering since the beginning of US rocket programs, but there are so many roles in finance, program management, operations, and administration.

What’s the best place to grab a drink, coffee, tea, etc. in town?

There are some excellent breweries across the city and we highly recommend Black Patch Distillery in Madison. Gold Sprint near Lowe Mill always has some great coffee and is a good place to work remote for a few hours.

What is your favorite thing to do in Huntsville on the weekends?

The big things that we always get on the calendar are the US Space and Rocket Center, the Botanical Garden, Toyota Field for Trash Panda games, and our new favorite detour out to the Buc-ee’s on I-65.

Biography: Bart Siniard is a personal injury attorney at Siniard Law in Huntsville. He has represented more than 1,000 people in North Alabama, obtaining settlements and verdicts in both Alabama state and federal courts in his ten years of practice. Bart has also been before the Supreme Court of Alabama, obtaining a unanimous decision on his client’s behalf when he was just four years out of law school. He was recently recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 attorney for the state of Alabama by the National Trial Lawyers.

Bart is also active in the Huntsville community. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama, the board of the Historic Huntsville Foundation, the board of First United Methodist Church’s early education ministry, the board of the Huntsville Young Lawyers Association, and on the executive committee of the Alabama Association for Justice. In the past, he has served as Treasurer of the Huntsville Bar Association and as a young professional member of the Huntsville Committee of 100.

Bart enjoys public speaking and writing opportunities. He has lectured at UAH’s School of Nursing about Alabama medical malpractice laws. He has also made presentations to Greater Leadership Huntsville and the Alabama State Bar Young Lawyers’ Association about effective communication and persuasion. With Huntsville history being a passion of his, Bart frequently contributes articles to local publications about Huntsville history.

What is your career goal, and how does HSV fit into that picture?

I want to help as many people as I can in my personal injury practice. But I also want to be known as someone who cares about this community and gives back through charitable works. I was born and raised here, so Huntsville and the well being of its people is important to me.

What’s your favorite restaurant in town?

Toughest question on this list. I’d have to go with Purveyor. I think it’s the best meal in town. However, I will say that my favorite lunch spot is Viet Cuisine on Jordan Lane. I could have their chicken clay pot every day and would never tire of it.

What is your favorite thing to do in Huntsville on the weekends?

I’m usually chasing kids with my wife on the weekends. We are usually either at Big Spring Park, the Botanical Gardens, or Monte Sano Pool.

Biography: Caroline Bivens is the Corporate Controller at Aviation & Missile Solutions (AMS). Prior to joining AMS, Caroline worked at Dynetics for over 7 years where she held various roles such as Sr. Operational Accounting Manager and Sr. Financial Reporting Manager, where she was responsible for financial reporting for a $1B portfolio with six ledgers across multiple entities. She is an active member of the Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC) and served as the Chair of their Marketing and Communications Committee in 2021.

Caroline is a graduate of the Leadership Huntsville Connect program, a previous participant of Dynetics Young Professionals, and a previous member of the advisory council for Elevate, a global business plan competition for undergraduate and graduate students. She holds her MBA from the University of North Alabama and her BS in Accounting from Lee University, where she has since served as an adjunct professor in their School of Business. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Caroline is passionate about giving back to her community. She has been an active volunteer with many organizations and has provided mentorship to college business students interested in joining the space and defense industry after college. Caroline is dedicated to helping build a strong and vibrant community in Huntsville and is proud to be a part of the city’s growth.

In her free time, Caroline enjoys traveling, exploring new hiking trails, and trying new recipes in the kitchen. She has been part of the Huntsville, AL community for 30 years and currently resides here with her husband Nathan.

What is your career goal, and how does HSV fit into that picture?

When I was 20, I dreamed of becoming a Controller and running an accounting group. Now that I’m there, my new goal is to become a CFO, leading a team of dedicated individuals who want to make an impact in the defense industry and on those around them. At each new stage of my career, I plan to revisit and readjust my goals; I hope that with each step, I set my sights higher. Considering my skill set is tailored to government contracting, Huntsville will always play a significant part in my career goals.

What is the best place in town to hang out in your free time?

I would have to pick Stovehouse.

What is your favorite thing to do in Huntsville on the weekends?

Go on a hike at Monte Sano State Park and Nature Preserve.

Biography: Will Crosby serves as Senior Project Manager of Development & Construction for Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT). Will is responsible for overseeing design and construction at Redstone Gateway, a 468-acre master planned, mixed-use, EUL project. He is also responsible for all project development, managing numerous projects including a 262,000 square feet campus for Northrop Grumman, and a 177,000 square feet headquarters for KBR. Prior to joining COPT, Will served as General Contractor, managing numerous commercial and government facility projects in the Southeast. Will has earned many certifications, including US Army Corps of Engineers Construction Quality Management certification, Construction Infection Control Training Institute (CICTI) certification, OSHA 30 Hour certification, and LEED Green Associate certification.

Will is very active in the community, a member of the Associated Builders & Contractors of Alabama, Alabama Associated General Contractors, and First United Methodist Church of Huntsville. He has volunteered with The Big Event, Manna House Food Distribution, and The Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Will graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology with a minor in business.

What is your career goal, and how does HSV fit into that picture?

Currently, my focus is continuing to help grow Redstone Gateway as we strive to bring new and existing companies to the Huntsville market. Our core team with COPT are all Huntsville natives and we all share a passionate commitment to be a part of the city’s growth. Personally, I want to continue to become involved in local and industry organizations as my career evolves to expand my network and serve the community.

What is the best place in town to hang out in your free time?

That’s tough to pick one. Stovehouse, the square downtown, Big Spring Park are all great family friendly environments.

What’s your favorite restaurant in town?

Commerce Kitchen. On top of the great food, my wife and I both love the atmosphere – especially sitting outside.

Biography: Abbi Johnson is the Marketing Director at Haley’s Flooring and Interiors in Huntsville, Alabama. Abbi is a graduate of Jacksonville State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in communication with an emphasis in broadcast journalism with a minor in English. Abbi began her career as a Digital Marketing Manager at WAFF 48 in Huntsville, Alabama, and it wasn’t long before she was promoted to a lifestyle producer for Tennessee Valley Weekend, now known as Tennessee Valley Living. As her family grew, Abbi transitioned from local television to the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors, and years later became the marketing director at Haley’s Flooring and Interiors. Abbi is humbled and honored to have been nominated for the Top 40 Under 40, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication that she has put into my career.

Biography: Christopher Jeacock, along with his wife Megan and daughter Kylee, reside in Owen Cross Roads. Christopher has been working as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch since 2016. Before embarking on his career as a financial advisor, Christopher served as a motor transport operator and paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC. During his eight-year tenure in the military, he was involved in aiding the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and completed two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. Following his military service, he went on to earn both his BSBA in Finance and MBA from the University of Alabama in Huntsville before joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

Christopher is an active member of his community, contributing his time and resources to various non-profit and charitable organizations in Huntsville. He is on the board of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), AUSA YP, and is also a member of Solar Lodge #914. At Merrill Lynch, Christopher places his clients' needs and priorities at the forefront. He collaborates closely with them to understand the various aspects of their financial lives and determine what is most important. Once clients' unique needs and priorities are identified, Christopher works with them to achieve their goals and those of their loved ones. His advice and guidance are personalized, and he offers access to Merrill's investment insights and Bank of America's banking convenience. Christopher's focus is on clients, their aspirations, and their legacies, not on industry benchmarks.

Biography: Devin Townsend is a creative entrepreneur from Prattville, Alabama, who moved to Huntsville to pursue higher education. With an undergraduate degree in Communication and Film and Media Studies

UAH, followed by a graduate degree in Professional Communication with a focuson film from the same institution, Devin embodies a true passion for the art of storytelling. Driven by a desire to make people from all corners of the globe feel seen and understood, Devin aims to leverage the power of film to create impactful narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. Huntsville has played a significant role in Devin's journey, providing a nurturing environment to explore and cultivate their creative talents. Devin has embraced the city's resources and support to enhance their storytelling abilities.

Outside the realm of filmmaking, Devin finds solace in quality time spent with family. Recognizing the importance of personal connections and cherished moments, they prioritize creating lasting memories with their loved ones. Devin's journey as a creative entrepreneur has been shaped by a dedication to their craft, a relentless pursuit of personal growth, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference through the power of storytelling.

Biography: Amanda Pope, MBA, PMP is the Chief Strategy Officer at Invariant Corporation. She joined the company over 18 months ago and has hit the ground running, helping the organization to level-up their business practices as they have experienced unprecedented growth. She has been integral in the success of implementing a new enterprise resource planning system, working towards Invariant becoming employee-owned and more than doubling their footprint in south Huntsville this upcoming year with additional offices, conference rooms, and lab space. Amanda is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville’s Management Academy, a Director on the board of the Women's Economic Development Council serving as the co-chair of the Finance Committee in addition to volunteering her time with the Bob Jones Lacrosse Team to help grow the game in north Alabama.

How has Huntsville shaped your career path?

I was drawn to the business world and the desire to serve my community, having grown up in service-based industries. When I arrived in Huntsville, I was impressed by the city's emphasis on supporting the military, especially the warfighter. It was here that I gained a deeper understanding of the crucial role contractors play in national security. I can confidently say that if I hadn't ended up in Huntsville, I wouldn't be working in government contracting today, and I can't imagine a more rewarding industry. My work now holds greater significance and purpose.

What is the best place in town to hang out in your free time?

This is a tough question because there are so many great places to hang out in Huntsville. If I had to pick one, it would be Midcity District. I love that there are so many options all within walking distance of each other including Top Golf, High Point, The Camp, great restaurants, and of course, the Orion Amphitheater.

What’s your favorite restaurant in town?

My favorite restaurant in Huntsville is Old Black Bear. I especially recommend trying their Giant Bavarian Pretzel!

Biography: Dr. Cole J. Kupec II is the President and co-founder of CE Solutions Inc., a company offering cost estimating, operations research, and acquisition support services. He served as a twice elected member of the board of directors of the International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA), a global nonprofit that supports operations researchers. In addition to teaching and promoting the cost estimating profession, he is published on the defense industry workforce, public sector operations research, project management, andragogy, and STEM education. Dr. Kupec guest lectures at the collegiate level as well as at national conferences. He has supported and mentored marketing, real estate, and defense start-up companies with an outstanding track record.

Huntsville was recently ranked the 4th most prosperous city and one of the best places for career building opportunities. Why do you think Huntsville is so unique for younger career seeking individuals and entrepreneurs?

It is no surprise to me or anyone on my team that Huntsville, AL continues to be prosperous and rank high in career opportunities. Huntsville has an abundance of entry level to senior positions in various industries, as well as a robust entrepreneurial network and a spirit to match.

How is your experience unique in your field, and what are you doing personally to innovate and produce change in your field?

I have contributed to many relevant studies, analyses, and projects done by the federal government, academia, and industry, always with the personal aim of encouraging dynamic, responsible progress. I have worked on tools, strategic management initiatives, and operations research projects that have made a tangible impact on how business is accomplished. That is something I have been very proud of, and I have strived to promote professional data analytics, management, and cost estimating standards along the way.

What is the best place in town to hang out in your free time?

The Huntsville Museum of Art and the surroundings features in Big Spring Park are as pleasant an area to spend free time as you could wish.

What’s the best place to grab a drink, coffee, tea, etc. in town?

Stovehouse has live outdoor music and some great options.