UAH Engineering Students Among Nine Women in Defense Scholars Nationwide

Two engineering students at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), Paige Berg and Michaela Hemming, are among nine nationwide who received scholarships in academic year 2023-2024 from Women In Defense (WID), a National Defense Industrial Association affiliate founded to engage, cultivate and advance women in all aspects of national security.

Berg, Hemming and the seven other honorees were recognized at the WID Scholar celebration and workshop held June 13-14 in Washington, D.C.

Berg said she appreciated the opportunity to interact with her fellow WID Scholars and expects the connections made through WID to have a long-lasting impact on her career.

“Part of the scholarship was networking with leaders in defense, and I was able to grow my community through the networking. In addition, we learned about our strengths and how to use them to our advantage in our careers and further professional development.”

Hemming said she considers the WID award to be one of her great achievements as a graduate student.

“This award means that I will get to extend my fundamental research experiments to a full-scale application that would have a direct and more profound impact on research and development of advanced propulsion systems.”

Berg completed her master’s degree in aerospace systems engineering at UAH before beginning her Ph.D. in the same program. In academic years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, she received scholarships from the WID Tennessee Valley Chapter.

As a graduate research assistant, Berg has led ground testing for various small-scale solid and liquid propulsion systems at the UAH Propulsion Research Center. Her research focus is characterizing different fuels for solid fuel ramjets by determining regression rates and combustion products.

Dr. Robert A. Frederick Jr., director, UAH Propulsion Research Center, and professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at UAH, describes Berg’s research and praises her abilities:

“She is now working on a new Department of Defense hypersonics research program that uses solid fuels to feed rotating detonation engines for hypersonic applications. Her unique combination of skills will undoubtedly enable her to become a leader in a defense-related industry. She has already made significant contributions in our DoD-sponsored ramjet fuel and rotating detonation engine programs, and has an excellent aptitude for research, collaboration and leadership.”

Hemming is also a Ph.D. candidate in aerospace systems engineering at UAH, where her adviser is Dr. Gabe Xu in the Plasma and Electrodynamics Research Lab. She is a NASA Space Technology Graduate Opportunities Fellow conducting research on injector performance and recovery of multiphase propellants in a rotating detonation rocket engine.

She is the technical development chair for the national chapter of Women in Aeronautics and Astronautics and serves on the outreach committee for her local Greater Huntsville Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Thomas W. Teasley, ER13 Com- bustion Development, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, lauds Hemming’s achievements.

“Not only did she meet the moment and break records for NASA, but she also added to the test project by making recommendations for test conditions and post-test observations. Her contributions will benefit NASA and the scientific community for decades to come.”

Since 1988, Women In Defense has awarded more than $1 million to more than 200 recipients pursuing degrees ranging from law to engineering to math to public policy. These awards are based on academic achievement, participation in defense and national security activities, field of study, work experience, statements of interest, recommendations, and financial need.

Women In Defense was incorporated in 1985 to provide women a business environment for professional growth through strategic networking, education and career development. Through its scholarship program, it encourages women to pursue careers supporting U.S. national security with a focus on defense or foreign policy. w

Alabama A&M University and Calhoun Community College Sign Joint Partnership Agreement

Recently, the joining of two local educational institutions was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by Presidents of Alabama A&M University and Calhoun Community College.

This MOU set the precedent for a partnership between the institutions and is also designed to create a seamless transition to AAMU for Calhoun students with interest in social work career paths.

Students enlisted within the cohort will complete Freshman Experience 101, Freshman Experience 102, and course offerings that prepare them for the Alabama A&M BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) program, explained AAMU online.

“This will introduce them to our culture and history in a learning community comprised of only social work students,” said AAMU Social Work Chair Dr. Tonya Perry.

Calhoun Community College Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences Dr. Donna Estill explained that this collaboration allows students to envision their own futures and success.

“Their first-year experience in social work through Alabama A&M will take them through a pathway that they can develop on their own,” shared Estill.

“It attaches them emotionally to the college and the college experience. We’re really grateful for that opportunity for our students.”

The partnership between these institutions is set to begin this fall, with Perry anticipating both impact at home, and beyond.

“We’re filling a workforce need not only in Alabama, but across the nation,” said Perry. “People may not realize this, but social work is going to be the most in-demand occupation through 2029. So, I can see this program continuing to expand.”

The MOU is the most recent step in AAMU’s work to educate and produce more professionals and faculty within such a specialized field.

“We’re committed to creating a pathway from BSW to PhD not just because of the workforce demands at the entry level,” shared Alabama A&M President Dr. Daniel K. Wims. w who can play defense better,” said Claude Hanley, a partner at Capital Performance Group. “That defense came in a few different varieties: They managed to maintain their margin in the face of rising interest rates and slowing loan demand, and they managed to maintain noninterest income.”

For more information regarding ServisFirst Bank’s recent American Banker interview and ranking, please visit www.servisfirstbank.com. w

The IMS Employee Peaks Fund is comprised of 13 Board of Directors with 75% employee participation. Each employee contributor votes on which non-profit applicants receive grants during each grant period.

“The Employee Peaks Fund is not only a vessel for IMS employees to give back to the community. It’s a staple of the culture at IMS, showing employees and the community how we can move mountains together. Thank you to the IMS employee contributors and the non-profit organizations that dedicate their time and efforts to outstanding causes,” said Bailey Lee, the Chair of the 2022-2023 Employee Peaks Fund Board of Directors.

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. Ranks Third Among Top Publicly Traded Banks

ServisFirst Bank, a subsidiary of ServisFirst Bancshares (NYSE:SFBS), announced that the company ranked third in the top publicly traded banks with between $10 billion to $50 billion in assets, based on yearend 2022 data.

Consulting firm Capital Performance Group partnered with American Banker to compile the annual ranking, and this is the second year in a row that ServisFirst Bancshares has achieved the thirdplace ranking.

“The company managed to take advantage of excess funds on hand to make loans in areas like commercial real estate. That helped the institution maintain its strong results,” said Tom Broughton, ServisFirst Bank Chairman, President, and CEO.

The $14.6 billion-asset institution, ServisFirst Bancshares, had noninterest expenses that were 1.06% of average assets, well below the median of 1.97%. CPG primarily ranked the banks by their three-year average return on average equity between 2020 and 2022. The median ROAE for all banks in the $10 billion to $50 billion asset category was 9.64%, a slight increase from the year ago figure of 9.13%. This metric was 17.03% for the top 10 performers.

“At the end of the day, it’s about

IronMountain Solutions Employee Peaks Fund Awards $64,000 in Grants to 17 Non-Profit Organizations

The IronMountain Solutions (IMS) Employee Peaks Fund awarded $64,000 to 17 non-profit organizations on Friday, July 7th. The recipients shared what their grants will be used for at a grant reception held at the IMS corporate office.

Each organization that received an Employee Peaks Fund grant fits into one of the following quality of life categories: Arts & Culture, Basic Needs, Economic Opportunity, Education, Environment, Health & Wellness, Neighborhoods & Communities and Recreation.

The following 501(c)3 non-profit organizations received grants from the IMS Employee Peaks Fund for the first grant period of 2023:

A New Leash on Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Alabama, Bringing Up Down Syndrome, The Caring Link, Clinica Medica Moscati, Enable Madison County, Free2Teach, Huntsville Assistance Program, Huntsville Hospital Foundation, HuntsvilleMadison County Library Foundation, Kids to Love, Manna House, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Still Serving Veterans, United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville & Tennessee Valley, and Unsheltered International.

Contributors of the IMS Employee Peaks Fund have now given over $480,000 in community grants since the fund was established in 2018.

“I encourage IMS employees to continually ‘make something better.’ I am humbled by the generosity and desire to do just that in our local communities. I am confident that these organizations will use these funds and continue to make a difference in the lives of others,” said IMS President and CEO, Hank Isenberg.

The IMS Employee Peaks Fund awards grants to qualified applicants twice a year based on votes from employee contributors. Grant applications will be accepted again in the fall of 2023. For more details, visit www.ironmountainsolutions. com/community. w

Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® Announces New CEO

Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR) & ValleyMLS. com announced the appointment of Kurtis Krueger as the organization’s new CEO.

With a wealth of experience in operations and diverse business environments, including real estate, Krueger brings a unique skill set and expertise to lead the association into its next phase of growth and success.

Briefcase

His appointment officially begins August 1st.

In an interview with HAAR, Krueger said he was enthusiastic to serve HAAR & ValleyMLS.com.

“I am honored to join the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors as its CEO,” said Krueger. “I look forward to working closely with the dedicated team and leveraging my experience to drive growth and innovation within the association. Together, we will build on the association’s strong foundation and strive to provide exceptional value to our members and the community at large.”

HAAR & ValleyMLS.com President Chris Hulser-Hoover expresses his excitement for Krueger stepping into the role of CEO.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kurtis Krueger as our new CEO,” said Hulser-Hoover. “His exceptional track record in operations, real estate, and non-profit leadership, combined with his cross-cultural understanding, make him the ideal candidate to lead our organization into the future. We

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are confident that under his guidance, HAAR will thrive and continue to be a leading force in our community. “

Krueger is a seasoned operations executive, having held prominent positions in various industries throughout his career. His notable accomplishments include playing an executive role in the creation and leadership of a leading 501(c)(3) organization, where he successfully steered the organization toward its mission and achieved remarkable outcomes.

With a strong background in building strategic plans and budgets, Kurtis possesses the insight to guide HAAR toward achieving its goals and objectives. His deep understanding of technology and other essential areas required by an executive will undoubtedly contribute to the association’s overall success and foster innovation within the organization.

What sets Krueger apart is his extensive international experience and cultural understanding. Having spent several years in Japan teaching English and collaborating with the

Investor’s Resource Welcomes Brock Eson as a Partner and Financial Advisor.

Investor’s Resource, led by 2022 and 2023 Forbes Best in State Advisor, Shari Burnum, is a multi-advisor firm committed to providing services for individuals and families against an ever-evolving economic landscape. The firm has provided wealth preservation, investment management, and financial and tax planning for over 30 years.

Eson’s experience and expertise as an independent Financial Advisor will further add to the organization’s capabilities.

Eson, a native of Huntsville, AL, began his career with AmSouth Bank in 2004. There he specialized in working with insurance, investments, and loans. He became a full-time financial advisor in 2008 and has worked for New England Financial, MetLife, and Mass Mutual.

During his time at MetLife, he worked in management and was responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training financial advisors. In 2020, Eson became an independent Financial Advisor and practice owner with RFG Advisory.

“I am proud to partner with a firm who has a forward-looking vision of meeting client needs,” said Eson. “Investor’s Resource has done an outstanding job growing the business and maintaining quality client relationships. Joining such a dynamic team will allow me to continue to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients and our community.”

To meet these complex client needs, Investor’s Resource employs a team approach to serving clients.

“Our team of professionals are passionate about building bridges across the complexity of life. Gone are the days of traditional retirement planning. Today’s comprehensive planning demands that Advisors consider a multitude of factors including work-life balance, multi-generational wealth transfer, family-owned businesses and charitable giving. Fundamentally the definition of what it means to lead a fulfilled life has changed dramatically,” Burnum continued.

Eson, along with his wife, Kristen and three children ages 13, 11, and 9 are energized and ready to get reacquainted with Huntsville and find ways to serve the community. “There is so much growth and excitement in Huntsville; it feels great to be returning home”, adds Eson.

Japanese government on education programs, he brings a unique perspective to the role. His exposure to diverse cultures and backgrounds equips him with invaluable knowledge that will enhance the association’s ability to connect with its diverse membership base and stakeholders.

Krueger will assume the role of CEO on August 1st and HAAR & ValleyMLS.com is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter of progress, expanding homeownership in North Alabama. HAAR remains committed to its mission and looks forward to the continued support of its members and stakeholders as it moves forward under new leadership.

For more information, please visit haar.realtor. w

City Celebrates Opening of North Huntsville’s Legacy Park

Late June saw the City of Huntsville celebrate the opening of the new Legacy Park. Located off 6000 Cecil Fain Drive, where the former J.O. Johnson High School closed in 2016, the new park is a multipurpose arts, entertainment, and outdoor recreation site.

Local residents sampled free ice cream, demonstrations of the fitness equipment at the park, and enjoyed a musical performance by the Johnson High Alumni Jazz Band.

Legacy Park has walking trails, a children’s playground, spacious parking, and two entertainment pavilions, one of which comes complete with terraced seating, while its Fitness Court boasts a mural painted by local artist Jamal FRESKO Turner.

Commissioned through a partnership between the City of Huntsville, the National Fitness Campaign, Arts Huntsville, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Legacy Park’s Fitness Court –Huntsville’s second, after the Fitness Court at John Hunt Park – employs a circuit training system, designed to give a full-body workout in under ten minutes.

“We are proud to continue our mission of getting people moving outdoors, supporting public art and helping communities combat the fiscal and humanitarian costs of inactivity,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of NFC.

Mayor Tommy Battle was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“From the start, our goal has been to honor the legacy of the J.O. Johnson Jaguars, while creating a neighborhood where people want to live, play, and raise their families,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “Legacy Park, in conjunction with Johnson Legacy Center (JLC), achieves that. It is a crowning jewel for Northwest Huntsville.” w a member of the North Alabama Commercial Brokers Association (NALCOM), a testament to her desire to connect with fellow professionals and stay abreast of the latest trends and opportunities.

For more information, please visit www.chasecommercial.com. w aerospace field. This event is a testament to our dedication to shaping the next generation of pioneers in space exploration."

One of the key aspects of the event is the participation of students who will present their aerospace research projects. These bright and talented young minds showcased their innovative ideas and findings, contributing to the ever-evolving field of aerospace.

Drake State Hosts 2023 International Moon Day Celebration and MUREP Research Colloquium

Lorraine Funes Accepts New Position with NAI Chase Commercial

NAI Chase Commercial Real Estate, a member of the world’s premier managed network of commercial real estate firms NAI Chase Global, announced that Lorraine Funes has accepted a position as Sales and Leasing Specialist. In this role, she will be responsible for lease/sale transactions of office, retail, land and industrial properties in Huntsville and the surrounding areas.

“Lorraine is an exceptional addition to our NAI Chase team” said Douglas A McCullough, Executive Vice President, CCIM and Qualifying Broker of NAI Chase Commercial.

“With her outstanding work ethics, unwavering professionalism, and an innate eagerness to learn, she is poised to excel in the commercial real estate industry. As a registered nurse transitioning into this field, Lorraine brings a unique perspective and a deep commitment to serving others. We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to witnessing her success as she embarks on this new journey”.

With real estate licenses in both Florida and Alabama, she has demonstrated her commitment to expanding her professional horizons and serving clients in different markets.

Lorraine is a member of CCIM, where she is actively pursuing certification as a commercial investment member graduate. She is also

Drake State Community & Technical College hosted the 2023 MUREP Research Colloquium, and International Moon Day Celebration on Friday, July 21. The event brought together renowned experts and aspiring scholars in aerospace research for a day of insightful discussions and presentations.

The event's highlight was the captivating keynote lecture by John Mankins, a distinguished authority on lunar infrastructure. Mankins shared his expertise and visions for the future of lunar infrastructure, shedding light on the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead.

In addition to the keynote address, the event featured an engaging panel discussion titled "From Science Fiction to Reality - Recent Scientific Advances Making Lunar Exploration Possible." Esteemed panelists from various scientific backgrounds discussed groundbreaking discoveries and technological breakthroughs that are setting the stage for the future of lunar exploration.

"One of our core goals at Drake State is to foster innovation and prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future," said Drake State Community & Technical College President Dr. Patricia Sims. "We are thrilled to host the 2023 MUREP Research Colloquium and International Moon Day Celebration, providing a platform for leading experts and aspiring scholars to exchange knowledge and showcase their groundbreaking research in the

"Drake State is proud to produce cutting-edge research and educational opportunities in aerospace," said Drake State Director of Grants and Special Programs Dr. Marina Kingsbury. "This event exemplifies our commitment to advancing scientific exploration. We are pleased to bring together esteemed experts and passionate students to share their insights and showcase their innovative projects. This collaboration between Drake State, the Space and Rocket Center, UAH, NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center, and the Moon Village Association inspires us to continue humanity’s journey deeper into space. It is an exciting time to work on these programs as humans prepare to return to the lunar surface for the first time in over 50 years."

The 2023 MUREP Research Colloquium and International Moon Day Celebration was held at the UAH Conference Training Center at 1410 Ben Graves Drive, Huntsville, AL 35899, from 8 am to 1 pm. The venue offers state-of-the-art facilities, providing an ideal setting for intellectual exchange and collaboration. w

Kömmerling USA Announces Expansion in Huntsville, Adds Additional Jobs

Kömmerling USA, located in Chase Industrial Park in Huntsville, has announced an expansion and additional jobs for the local facility.

Kömmerling’s Huntsville plant will add two new production lines to manufacture window and door profiles. The company currently makes these products elsewhere, including Germany, and this expansion will allow the team to make these items here rather than customers having to import them. Kömmerling is rolling out expansion plans in several parts of the United States, with Huntsville’s addition being the first.

Dr. Peter Mrosik, owner and CEO of profine Group, emphasizes the strategic aspect of the investment.

“By expanding our capacities in Huntsville, we are continuing our international growth strategy and sending a clear signal to our partners and for mutual success,” said Dr. Mrosik. “The site’s upgrade and the additional property are a trend-setting step for profine Group and for its sustainable positive development.”

Currently, Kömmerling employs 125 people in Huntsville who produce plastic products for the graphics and homebuilding industries. With the expansion, 30 new positions will be added, and these will be folded in over the next two to three years.

This expansion by the company represents a $12.6 million capital investment, including $4.5 million to purchase new equipment, $7.5 million to upgrade the existing facility, and $600,000 to purchase additional land next to the existing plant.

“On behalf of the local Kömmerling team we appreciate profine Group’s investment in Huntsville,” said Brandon Moore, Chief Executive Officer – President of Kömmerling USA. “We look forward to growing as a company and within the community.”

Kömmerling is a global player and one of the world’s best known and strongest construction and window brands. The company delivers products to over 100 countries and has its own production facilities and branches at 29 locations in 23 countries. Kömmerling employs more than 3,000 people internationally, developing and manufacturing premium window systems and many other innovative products. w

AFS Expands Gutter Services into Huntsville in Time for Fall Gutter Clean Up

By: Ted Dryce, SEO Content Writer at Groundworks

Autumn is fast approaching. While the season is always a wonderful time of year, it’s not so wonderful for gutters.

Fallen leaves often find their way into gutters, and if ignored, they lead to clogging. Homeowners will have to spend more time cleaning their gutters in the autumn.

AFS Foundation Repair & Waterproofing Specialists (AFS), a Groundworks Company, is excited to announce that our gutter services are expanding into Huntsville. Our innovative gutter system (called AquaGuard) is designed to allow water to flow through the trough while filtering out potential debris.

Historically, November is one of Huntsville’s rainiest months, so right now is one of the best times to install a new gutter system.

Some signs that you need to replace your gutters include rust, joint separation, and leaking, so keep an eye out for those.

There’s a reason we’re expanding our gutter services into Huntsville—they work. If you decide to install AquaGuard on your home, you’ll be able to see why.

Our system is designed with efficiency in mind:

• Slotted arch hood that allows for maximum water flow, even in heavy downpours.

• Gutter “tip” that prevents water from rolling back onto the fascia board.

• Wide mouth opening that creates vortex suction allowing water to escape as fast as possible.

AFS also offers downspout extensions as part of our gutter system. These extend underground and away from your home, avoiding foundation damage caused by water.

Instead of spending the fall constantly cleaning out your gutters, consider installing AquaGuard to avoid the whole process entirely.

If interested, call AFS at 1-769-553-2920 or visit https://www.afsrepair.com.