Positive Maturity Top 50 Over 50 2016

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Positive Maturity’s 3rd Annual

2016

TOP

50 50

OVER

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER BIRMINGHAM

Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/NASCAR via Getty89Images B-METRO.COM

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Positive Maturity’s

Top 50 Over 50

Dear Top 50 Over 50 Winners and Guests, Welcome to our 3rd annual Top 50 Over 50 Awards ceremony!

On behalf of Positive Maturity’s Board of Directors and staff, we extend our congratulations to the class of 2016. The Top 50 Over 50 Awards was created in 2014 to recognize individuals over the age of 50 who have made significant contributions to their communities either through business, civic engagement, or lifetime achievements. We hope through these awards we will inspire others to be proud of all they have accomplished in their lifetime and then (as two of our recipients this year would say) ”Do good and be better.”

We also want to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors: the City of Birmingham, United Way of Central Alabama, McGriff, Seibels, & Williams, Alabama Power, American Cast Iron Pipe Company, Regions Bank, Alacare Home Health & Hospice, and AARP. A special thanks to Sara Walker, our photographer, who donated her time and took some amazing pictures.

Since 1972, Positive Maturity has been the fabric of the senior communities in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker Counties. We are a proud partner of the United Way of Central Alabama and a sponsor for the Corporation for National and Community Services’ Senior Corps Program. Our mission is to positively enhance and empower the lives of older adults through social services and civic engagement. Programs include the Retired and Senior Volunteers, AWARE (Aging Workers Are Reliable Employees), Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, Shepherd Center East and Geriatric Social Services.

Thank you again for supporting tonight’s event, and we hope to see you again next year!

Photography: Sara Walker and Sara Walker Photography Creative Design: Jacob B. Nance Editor: Tina Savas www.positivematurity.org www.top50over50.com

Penny Kakoliris Executive Director

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Positive Maturity, Inc. Senior Companion Program (SCP)

Positive Maturity’s Senior Companion Program, under the direction of LaQuita Smith, assists homebound senior adults by providing them with respite, companionship, and in-home assistance, helping them maintain their health and independence while at home. The program serves the client, the client’s primary caregiver, and the volunteer senior companion. The companion agreement may include light housework, meal preparation, respite for caregivers, and companionship and friendship to isolated and frail adults. Volunteers may be as young as 55 years of age.

The senior companion volunteers receive a small hourly stipend for up to 40 hours of service a week. There are no income barriers for the clients who are served through the program. The Senior Companion Program is funded through the Corporation for National and Community Service, the United Way of Central Alabama, the Alabama Association of Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and The Beeson Foundation.

Shepherd Center East (SCE)

Shepherd Center East, under the direction of Mackie Horowitz, serves as a recreation center for adults as young as 55. Participants at the center can take part in diverse activities such as cards, quilting, bingo, board games, a line dancing club, choir, Nintendo Wii bowling, the [m]Power cognitive fitness program, computer classes, monthly lunch outings, and special group day trips to destinations such as the Amish Country.

Shepherd Center East also serves congregate meals and is a site for the Meals on Wheels program for qualifying seniors aged 60 and over. Adults who participate in center activities remain active and engaged with others in their community, making the most of their golden years.

Foster Grandparent Program (FGP)

Volunteers for this program are 55 years of age and older, and must have basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills. The volunteers receive a small hourly stipend for 20–40 hours of service per week. This program is designed to serve the volunteer as well as the child. Positive Maturity’s Foster Grandparent Program, under the direction of Deborah Gaddis, helps at-risk children in Jefferson County and surrounding areas by providing them with a substitute grandparent and mentor. Most of our volunteers are in Birmingham elementary schools, where they help children learn to read, write, and develop basic social skills. Foster grandparents also serve as assistants to teachers in order to give children the extra one-on-one attention they need. The Foster Grandparent Program is funded through the Corporation for National and Community Service and United Way of Central Alabama.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

The goal of this program is to connect older adults with meaningful volunteer opportunities within their community, meeting the needs of various organizations and nonprofits and helping to keep older adults active and engaged while giving back. Positive Maturity’s RSVP program, under the direction of LaRue Lockhart, provides volunteer opportunities for volunteers in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker counties. RSVP serves these counties by providing a corps of unpaid volunteers who help fill needs within their communities. Our RSVP volunteers are as young as 55 years but are often younger in heart and spirit. They serve in a wide variety of settings, including community hospitals, libraries, jails, senior centers, and schools. RSVP coordinators work hard to match volunteers with opportunities that interest the volunteers and make the most of their talents, skills, and interests.

Aging Workers Are Reliable Employees (AWARE)

Positive Maturity’s AWARE program, under the direction of Brian Crawford, provides job skills assessment and training, employment opportunities, and job placements to people 50 and above in Jefferson and the surrounding counties. AWARE boasts an active partnership with more than 150 businesses and agencies, including the Birmingham Regional Planning Commission and the Office of Senior Citizens Services, providing services to aging workers who may not meet the income restrictions of those two programs. Each year, AWARE also sponsors several local job fairs to connect potential employers with mature workers. Employers find that older employees have a vast array of knowledge and skills to share with up-and-coming employees, and they model a good work ethic in the work place. Older individuals are also more willing to accept part-time positions that fit their lifestyle, making this a beneficial program for both the job-seeker and the employer.

Geriatric Social Services (GSS)

There are many public and private programs available for senior adults. Each program has its own rules and eligibility requirements. Positive Maturity’s Geriatric Social Worker serves as a “navigator” and “expediter,” enabling older adults and families to understand and choose among the bewildering array of available health and social services throughout Jefferson County and Alabama. Our social worker is also responsible for enrolling eligible individuals for assistance with utility bills and securing free medication from major pharmaceutical companies. Clients can meet with the geriatric social worker at the main office or at one of our sites in the community. Positive Maturity continues to partner with the Jefferson County Office of Senior Citizens and the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging and its SenioRx program to make the most of resources and avoid duplication of services.

2016 Top 50 Over 50

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William M. Miller Award Recipient William M. Miller was a founding board member of Positive Maturity, Inc. He is recognized for his distinguished World War II military service, an outstanding international trade career, and a long and purpose-filled civic life. The William M. Miller award was created to honor individuals who go above and beyond in building communities and creating legacies.

Max SteinMetz Silent for 50 years after his Nazi concentration camp imprisonment, Max finally chose to speak out about the horrors he endured: coming face to face with the infamous Dr. Josef Mengele, the “Angel of Death;” seeing his parents and little sister sent to the gas chamber; and his brother die of starvation. Ten days before liberation, Max weighed only 80 pounds, was sick and hallucinating. He was on a Death March from the Dachau Concentration Camp, moving toward the Tyrolean Mountains. The reason given was that this mass group was being sent to dig ditches to keep the Americans from going into Germany with tanks. In the dark of night, after many days of marching with no food or water, and being terribly sick, Max decided to try and escape, despite the fear of being shot.

Nearing the city of Bad Tolz, he walked toward a light in the distance which turned out to be a farmhouse. A little boy answered his knock at the door, and he began to scream when he saw Max, filthy and very disheveled. His mother came to the door and allowed Max to enter her home. Of interest was that her husband was an SS officer who was away, fighting on the Russian front at Stalingrad.

There was a German soldier at the house, but not her husband. They gave Max his first bath in three years, clothing, food and a bed. After several days, American soldiers knocked on the farmhouse door. Through interpretation, they determined that Max had indeed been incarcerated in a concentration camp and made arrangements for him to be admitted to a hospital.

Max has been voluntarily speaking to organizations over the past 20 years, with a passion to pass on this history to make sure it does not repeat itself.

He does not instill hatred, but does ask that no one be silent in the face of any form of persecution. He asks that “you speak up” when witnessing a wrongdoing and stay informed so that the right leaders are elected. His greatest joy is his family. He has never been an authority figure, but always a patient listener, letting members of his family find their own path in life. Max’s needs are simple to live each day as a “gift” with appreciation for the days that he will be granted and with hope that sharing his experience will in some way make life better in the future for others.

www.positivematurity.org www.top50over50.com

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Bobby Allison

Photos courtesy of www.bobbyallison.com

One of NASCAR’s most famous drivers, Bobby Allison, won 85 races in NASCAR’s top division in his career and won the NASCAR Winston Cup Championship in 1983. His wins included three Daytona 500 victories in 1978, 1982, and 1988. Allison achieved this success even though his stints with several teams were short lived. He was often controversial and he and Richard Petty had a much publicized feud in the early 1970s.

Bobby and his brother Donnie lived in Hueytown, and the two of them, along with Red Farmer and Neil Bonnett, were known as “The Alabama Gang.” In 1988, he ushered in NASCAR’s modern restrictor plate era by winning his third Daytona 500, with son Davey finishing second. Allison called this the greatest day of his life. However, he was “side-lined” from racing after that win, due to a serious crash. To this day, it has wiped out his memory of that ’88 Daytona win. He was named one of NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers in 1998 and inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte in 2011.

Eli Gold Since 1972, Eli Gold has been the voice of sports. He was the first announcer for the UAB Blazer basketball team, the voice of the Birmingham Barons, and NASCAR’s Motor Racing Network, where he is heard on over 450 stations for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, ESPN and TNN Motorsports. In 1988, he became the official voice of the Alabama Crimson Tide football and basketball teams. He has also handled play-by-play for CBS Sports’ regional coverage of NCAA basketball and NBC’s coverage of the Arena Football League. In the fall and winter months, Eli is part of Sports USA Radio’s coverage of the NFL, when he handles the play-by-play of one game each weekend. In addition, he handles play-by-play for post-season college football bowl and all-star games for Sports USA Radio. In his years behind the microphone, Eli reached the National Hockey League as the television voice of the St. Louis Blues, the radio voice of the Nashville Predators, the announcer in the Detroit Tigers baseball organization, and as a freelance announcer at ATP Tennis Tournaments. He’s also voiced many sports and non-sporting corporate videos. Eli is a six-time Alabama Sportscaster of the Year as voted by his peers in the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. Eli was born in December 1953 in Brooklyn, New York, but he’s a Southerner now.

2016 Top 50 Over 50

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HB Brantley

Jeffrey Bayer Jeffrey Bayer founded Bayer Properties in 1983.

Under his leadership, the organization has grown from a local property management company into a national commercial real estate firm. As the President & CEO, Jeffrey oversees the strategic and operational direction for the company.

Prior to Bayer, he served 10 years as Partner in Metropolitan Properties. His nominator adds, “Jeffrey and his company have done so much to change the face of Birmingham and the way we live: The Summit Shopping Center, Cahaba Village, UpTown and the Pizitz Development.”

In addition to his many philanthropic gifts, he and his wife, Gail, pledged $1 million for UAB’s Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts.

HB Brantley has spent his career managing and planning design and construction projects within the Birmingham metropolitan area, all of which have had a positive impact on the quality of life for residents and a direct economic impact.

Brantley has played vital roles in the development and redevelopment of many of the city center’s iconic buildings, ranging from the Regions-Harbert Plaza, Alabama Power Corporate Headquarters, City Federal Building, Innovation Depot, the Civil Rights Institute and the BJCC. He’s also had a vital role in shaping the area’s green and public spaces with the delivery of projects such as Railroad Park (one of his favorites), Kelly Ingram Park / Civil Rights District and Ruffner Mountain Nature Center. He is currently working on the planning of high profile public space projects which he believes will improve the quality of life even more, with connectivity and repurposing of underutilized amenities. Brantley’s efforts to leave an indelible mark in the industry and to give back to the community are evident by his participation on various civic boards over the years. He is a graduate of both Leadership Birmingham and Leadership Alabama. His hobby is bicycling and he has participated in several charity and recreational bike rides, including the Tour de Beach for MS and Bo Bikes Bama for the Emergency Relief Fund. In addition to his professional and civic responsibilities, Brantley recently served as an Adjunct Professor for a 5th year architecture class at his alma mater, Tuskegee University.

Armond F. Bragg Armond Bragg, an inspiration and mentor for thousands, is a child of civil rights and a lifelong member of 16th Street Baptist Church. In 1977, he founded Alapestco, the largest minority owned pest control company in Alabama. He is the first Chairman of the Birmingham Minority Business Council, a Board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurial Center and Vice President of the Metropolitan Business Association. He received the award for Minority Small Business Person of the Year in 1986, and was Miles College’s Alumnus of the Year in 2014. He sold Alapestco and retired last year. Little known fact: He provided pest control services at the Presidential Palace in Gabon, Africa in 1989.

www.positivematurity.org www.top50over50.com

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Nena Bright Moorer A teacher of 28 years, Nena currently teaches technology in the Jefferson County School System. For five years, she has been a volunteer with AARP and was selected to participate in the first digital AARP Volunteer Leadership Institute Class in Washington D.C. She contributes approximately 400 hours each year to AARP, the Junior League of Birmingham, Magic City Chapter of The Links, Jack and Jill of America, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and the Birmingham VA Hospital. Among her many accomplishments, she developed semi-annual technology workshops for seniors; received the Mayor of Birmingham’s 2012 Crystal Seal Award for community service; served as a board member for the YWCA Jr. Board, Pathway’s Homeless Shelter and My Father’s House Foster Care Foundation; was awarded a grant to develop workshops and programs to combat childhood obesity; and instilled the importance of service in her three sons, two of whom have each received Presidential medals and recognition for the past 4 years for their volunteer work. Nena was recently accepted into a doctoral program at the University of West Florida.

Tahiera Monique Brown Born in Albany, Georgia, Tahiera Monique Brown is an author, speaker, and consultant.

Her life was forever changed in 1986 when a stranger held Monique and her children hostage for two years. She almost died because of the choice that she made to save her children’s lives, ending up in a coma from which she still suffers with amnesia. In spite of two years as a hostage and two years in court facing her tormentor and living with amnesia, Tahiera started a casting agency in Atlanta and ran that business for nearly two decades. In 2006, she formed Tavine’ra Publishing to focus exclusively on book publishing. She truly has a mission to lend a helping hand to families in need of assistance as they transition out of domestic violence situations, victim abuse, or difficult financial times. Today, Tahiera is the CEO of Darkness To Light Films and she produces a talk show called Living True and Truly Living: Real People…Real Stories…Real Issues. Tahiera also tells her story in her memoir, Annihilator of Innocence.

Gordon Edward Burns In 1955, Gordon Burns, affectionately known as “Country Boy Eddie,” put together his own band for the first Country Boy Eddie Show on WAPI-TV, Channel 13. It ran on Saturdays at midnight, after wrestling. Two years later, the band was hired as the stage band for the Tom York Morning Show on WBRC-TV. In 1957 the familiar Country Boy Eddie Show was spun off into its own slot weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 AM. On Mondays and Tuesdays in 1961 and 1962, he would drive to Nashville to tape a week’s worth of morning shows for a station there, as well. Burns’ homespun amiability became a familiar part of the morning for many Birminghamians, and was syndicated around the region by as many as 120 cable channels. The show endured for 38 years. Burns retired after the December 31, 1993 broadcast.

Photo Courtesy of TimesDaily/Matt McKean 2016 Top 50 Over 50

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Lucinda Caldwell After 33 years of service with the Vestavia Country Club, Lucinda Caldwell began volunteering as a Foster Grandparent at Minor Elementary. She has loved volunteering with younger children for over 10 years, and just last year, she decided to return to school to obtain her certificate in Early Childhood Education. She felt that this would help her better understand the children that had been entrusted to her in the classroom. In May, she will receive that certificate and plans to continue her education towards an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Carol E. Clarke

After spending her early career in the energy engineering field, Clarke’s career shifted to the public sector for several years, culminating in her role as Economic Development Director of the City of Birmingham for five years until January 2008. Since that time, Ms. Clarke’s work has continued along related lines through two community development roles at Regions Bank, first as Manager of Supplier Diversity and now as Head of the Regions Financial Education Institute. A proud Birmingham native and active community volunteer, Clarke considers her personal mission to be that of “serving to uplift people and places.”

She is passionate about urban revitalization and regards her most important civic work to date as serving on the Birmingham School Board as an interim representative. She currently serves on several volunteer boards and committees throughout the Birmingham area.

www.positivematurity.org www.top50over50.com

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Charles A. Collat, Sr. Founded in 1930, Mayer Electric Supply is ranked among the nation’s largest distributors of electrical supplies and employs over 1,100 people with annual sales of over $811 million. A Mayer associate since 1953, Charles and his family became full owners of the company in 1979. Besides being a true family man, Charles is a very active member of the community and budgets time and resources to support a number of worthy causes including the United Way, Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, Leadership Alabama and UAB, where he and his family funded the Ben S. Weil School of Industrial Distribution. In 1996, Charles’ contributions to the community culminated in his selection to carry the Olympic Torch in the nation-wide relay on its way to Atlanta. Charles’ precedent by which he has tried to live his life is “Do Good and Be Better.”

Nancy Collat Goedecke Nancy Goedecke is the Principal Executive Officer of Mayer Electric Supply, now a certified womanowned business and wholesale-distributor of electrical equipment and supplies, lighting, factory automation, tools and communication equipment.

She presides over all official meetings of the Board of Directors and stockholders. In addition to her role as the Chairman & CEO of Mayer, Nancy is an active member in the community. She currently serves on the Board for the Alabama Productivity Center, the American Red Cross, the BB&T local board, the Birmingham Business Alliance, the Emmett O’Neal Library Foundation, Leadership Birmingham, Pathways, REV Birmingham, and the UAB Leadership Cabinet. Her previous work has included: President of the YWCA Junior Board, a sustainer of the Junior League, a participant in Leadership Birmingham, President of the Jr. High PTA and PTA Council, President of Collat Jewish Family Services, board member of Girl Scouts, Non-Profit Resource Center of Alabama, United Way and YouthServe.

Nancy’s father is another 2016 Top 50 recipient, Charles Collat, Sr. 2016 Top 50 Over 50

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Steven Davis Steven Davis is a Senior Vice President and Director of Construction Risk Services with McGriff, Seibels & Williams. With more than 30 years of risk management experience in negotiating, servicing and developing programs for large construction firms, Davis is widely regarded as an industry expert. He has given countless presentations to industry associations during his career and was named Power Broker by the construction industry. He is also the author of AGC’s Risk Management, Insurance & Bonding for the Construction Industry. In 2012, Davis founded On River Time after many years of realizing the therapeutic effect of fly-fishing in his own life as an abuse survivor. He hopes to give children who have endured unfathomable circumstances a chance to experience the healing that comes from the fly-fishing experience. In 2013, he authored Picking Butter Beans, a fictional account of one character’s colorful journey to understand that his childhood abuse was not his fault. All of the proceeds of this book are donated to Davis’ mission to grow the impact of On River Time. He is working on two additional books, one a children’s book and the other fictional, Things from a Box.

Bob Dickerson Bob Dickerson, a longtime Birmingham small business advocate, is the Board Chairman of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, a national group dedicated to creating healthy financial opportunities in low and moderate income communities. Dickerson founded the Birmingham Business Resource Center, a nonprofit agency dedicated to small business development. Dickerson is also CEO of Foundation Capital, a development company certified by the U. S. Small Business Administration. He is a founder of the annual A.G. Gaston Conference, named after the famous Birmingham business icon. The conference brings together business leaders, authors and academics to discuss economic empowerment in minority communities.

David Frings David Frings grew up roaming the hills of Shades Mountain. His parents were instrumental in the development of his love for science and nature, so he began his career at Alabama Power and Southern Company as a geologist. He spent almost 30 years performing geologic mapping and investigations for the construction and remediation of power plants before retiring in 2006. In 2000, David was elected mayor of Alabaster, and served three terms. His economic development plans increased the general fund revenues from $8 million to $24 million by the time he left office in 2012. During his tenure, the city added almost 200 acres of new park land and constructed a senior citizen center. Additions included connecting Buck Creek Park with Warrior Park, Limestone Park, and Veteran Park, as well as founding the first July 4th celebration and Alabaster Blast. Economic efforts resulted in the Whitestone shopping center, the Propst Promenade, and the South Promenade. He recruited companies such as BTC Wholesale, Thompson Tractor and True Blue Logistics. In 2006, he accepted the position of Director of the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center for Samford University, a nature center in Oak Mountain State Park with an exhibit hall, classroom, and laboratory for students. In 2008, David graduated with a Master’s Degree in Environmental Management from Samford. In addition, he is the Associate Director of the Environmental Management program at the university. He is married to Jennifer and they have three daughters: Haley, Holley, and Heidi. www.positivematurity.org www.top50over50.com

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Cathy Rye Gilmore

Cathy Gilmore is President of the Virginia Samford Theatre, where she led the effort and capital campaign to restore and renovate the now thriving theatre center. She previously served for three years as Executive Director of the Metropolitan Arts Council, dedicated to promoting the arts. She was also Managing Director for The Alabama Ballet for 13 years. She received her early arts training in classical ballet in Birmingham and at the School of American Ballet in New York. At Birmingham-Southern College, she majored in Speech and Theatre. A professional career in Musical Theatre followed, as she performed throughout the Southeast, New York and Europe. She was the co-founder and featured performer with the professional Cabaret troupe – The Wits Other End in Atlanta and Birmingham. Known for her passion for arts education, Cathy was responsible for creating the CityDance inner city outreach program, and her education project, The Bravo Bus, was awarded the BRAVO TV “Arts for Change Award.” Little known fact: Cathy played in a celebrity tennis tourney against John McEnroe. Yes, she lost.

Francine Godchaux Fran is a Senior Vice President at REV, formally Operation New Birmingham, where she is an extraordinary force behind Birmingham’s extraordinary growth, especially in the city’s downtown. She loves to travel and pedal a bike or walk at a blinding speed and leaves a trail of friendship and positive change in her wake. Her community service includes: Co-chair of the Mayor’s Diversity Task Force; YWCA Executive Committee and Board; Auburn Center for Design Board; Hands on Birmingham Advisory Committee; Board President for Collat Jewish Family Services; Leadership Birmingham Program Co-Chair; The Women’s Network Board and Program Co-Chair; Temple Emanu-El Board; and Women’s Forum President.

2016 Top 50 Over 50

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Dr. Joseph C. Ackerson Dr. Ackerson has been a licensed psychologist since 1994 when he set up the first exclusively pediatric neuropsychology clinic in Alabama. He then served as the Director of Psychology for Children’s Health Systems followed by the Director of Pediatric Neuropsychology for UAB. In 2009, Dr. Ackerson transitioned into private practice but continues to serve in clinical, consultative, research and teaching/supervisory roles at UAB and Children’s Hospital. He serves as the chair for the Alabama Statewide Sports Concussion Taskforce and has played leadership roles for the Alabama Head Injury Taskforce, UAB Autism Clinic, UAB Pediatric Epilepsy Program, Children’s Concussion Taskforce, and Children’s Hospital Center for Pediatric Onset Demyelinating Disorders.

Dr. Ackerson has held leadership roles on the national level, serving as a consultant for the National Institutes of Health, chairing the National Multiple Sclerosis pediatric neurocognitive study group, and serving on the national neurocognitive study group for Neurofibromatosis as well as the National Council on Youth Sports Safety. He served on the Ethics Committee for the Alabama Psychology Association and is currently serving his second term on the Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology.

John Archibald John Archibald is a columnist for the Birmingham News, AL.com and Alabama Media Group. His column, about politics and life across the state, appears Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the Birmingham News. Before he began his column in 2004, he worked on the News’ investigative team and has covered everything from crime and punishment to Birmingham City Hall, which is not always the same thing. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1986 and came to the News shortly thereafter. He is married with three children. Although he has been called many things, his favorite is “public nag.”

Lana Guess Thompson Lana is a certified Professional in Human Resources and Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst who is an independent Organization Development and Human Resources consultant, training professional, executive/personal effectiveness coach and professional facilitator. She founded her own business in 1996, and has held several leadership roles both in her specialty and in the community. Lana has served over 150 clients, nationally and internationally. Always willing to lend a hand, Lana’s professionalism and positive attitude has made her services in demand. Her nominator says, “She’s not just a good friend, but is a giving and gracious friend to me and to the community. Lana is known to write poems for people’s birthdays, then sing Happy Birthday to them in German.” She is a native of Western Kentucky.

www.positivematurity.org www.top50over50.com

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Patricia Hefner Patricia is the matriarch for Top 50 Over 50.

She has traveled the world and made her mark everywhere she has traveled. She has written books, and her latest, Chronicles of an Aspie, details her life growing up with Asperger’s. She graduated from UAB with a degree in History.

In addition to enjoying discussions on politics, the history of our country, and religion, Patricia can also give you the history of your name, its origin and meaning. She has a great passion for birds-she owns two canaries and is able to tell you by sight the names of most birds. She is an avid tennis player and figure skating fan. Patricia is an active member of Our lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Her nominator assures us that “to know Patricia is to love Patricia…she is a joy.”

Tracy Hipps Tracy Hipps is the Executive Director of Birmingham Christian Service Mission. He is a leader in community development and has spent more than 30 years “serving the least of these” in Chicago and Birmingham as a selfsupported missionary. During the 2011 tornadoes he was able to mobilize thousands of volunteers and materials to help the communities affected by the storms. Tracy serves on the boards for Christ Health Center, Kaleo Council and the DeVos Foundation. Previously, he was the Community Facilitator for Mission Birmingham and a Youth Pastor for the Center for Urban Missions and the New City Church.

2016 Top 50 Over 50

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Pam Huff Pam Huff has been a “fixture” on news programs in Birmingham since 1977. She was the first woman to be named to a nightly news anchor chair in Birmingham. The Emmy award-winning journalist has always been most passionate about stories dealing with politics and education. Through the years, she has volunteered at Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Pam has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Birmingham-Southern College and at Jefferson State Community College. She is an active member in her church, and for many years sang in local choirs.

She adds, “My best joy comes from seeing my family grow and prosper.” And her philosophy is to “sleep when I die.” Until then, she expects to be engaged in living!

Jan Hunter Jan Hunter has always been a talented actress, singer and dancer, and has used that talent for the benefit of her community. She’s lived in New York City and Los Angeles but has made Birmingham her home for 25 years. Anyone who has gone to a local theatre has most likely seen a Hunter performance. Having recently turned 60, she is still always in rehearsal and performing. Voted Birmingham’s Best Actress in a Birmingham News poll, Jan gives back. For her 50th birthday she decided to make a CD with all her talented friends singing holiday songs and donated the proceeds to the Salvation Army. She now works at Episcopal Place and is planning their successful fundraiser, Gumbo Gala. Jan has taught classes for all ages, including the Adult Master Class Cabaret for people who always wanted to belt a song out for an audience. She sings for the Crooning for Critters event for the Humane Society and has been a tireless fundraiser for Birmingham Aids Outreach. When the tornadoes came through in 2011, she lost everything. As a single mom she could have given up but she didn’t. She picked herself up and started again. Jan is a Birmingham Hero.

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Chervis Isom Chervis Isom published a memoir in 2013 entitled The Newspaper Boy: Coming of Age in Birmingham, Alabama during the Civil Rights Era, which tells of his journey out of the Jim Crow racism of his youth. Over a period of 10 years, stories “for his children” grew into this book that documents the evolution of his life, including the Korean War, the Civil Rights struggle, and the assassination of John Kennedy. The book was named by Kirkus Reviews as one of the Best Books of 2015. He has had short stories published in the The Louisville Review and The Birmingham Arts Journal. A graduate of Birmingham-Southern College and Cumberland School of Law, he has practiced law for 49 years with Berkowitz, Lefkovits, which merged into Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell and Berkowitz. Chervis, now a community activist, was a part of the Committee that conceived the statue of the Four Little Girls in Kelly Ingram Park and spearheaded the fundraising for the memorial.

He is now actively involved with Move I-20/59, Inc. a Section 501©(3) nonprofit corporation, which is working to relocate the Interstate Highway out of Birmingham’s downtown.

Dr. Curtis Jordan Mike Kolen A Birmingham native, Mike Kolen was a standout linebacker at Auburn University and named to the Tiger’s “All-Century Team.” After graduating in 1970, he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins where he played until 1977.

Career highlights include playing on the 1972 “Perfect Season” World Championship Team, and repeating as World Champions in 1973. He became affectionately known as “Captain Crunch.” Following football, Mike excelled in several careers including 20 years in the financial industry. Today, he focuses on public speaking and promoting his new book, The Greatest Team: A Playbook for Champions and as owner and operator of his business, The Kolen Team, Inc.

Dr. Curtis Jordan is currently employed by the Jasper City School System as a 5th grade teacher at Memorial Park Elementary School. Dr. “J,” as he is known by all who love him, has taught for 21 years and hopes to teach for 21 more. Dr. Jordan holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education as well as a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. He was selected to the 2015-2016 Alabama State Textbook Committee, is the Chairperson for the National Honor Society, Grade Level Leader and a Mentor Teacher. In addition to the above stated positions he also serves as a Deacon.

2016 Top 50 Over 50

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Don Lupo

If you live or work downtown, you likely know Don Lupo. If you work at Birmingham City Hall, you know Don Lupo. If you volunteer in times of crisis, if you’re homeless, if you donate to disaster relief, if you live in Birmingham and have been left without food or shelter because of fire, flood, tornadoes or gas explosions, no doubt you know Don Lupo. Any morning, if you see a man picking up trash along the streets or sweeping up a mess on the sidewalks, it’s likely Don Lupo. Officially, Don is the Director of the Office of Citizens Assistance for Birmingham, primarily as a liaison between the citizens, the Mayor and, City Services. His phone number is 254-2806. Everyone knows it.

Gus Malzahn Auburn University Head Coach Gus Malzahn, considered one of the most innovative offensive minds in football, has achieved success at every stop of his 24-year coaching career. He has won or played for a conference title in six of his 10 seasons as a college coach, including winning the 2013 Southeastern Conference title and a trip to the national championship game in his first year at Auburn. Coach Malzahn was named the 2013 National Coach of the Year, 2013 SEC Coach of the Year and was the 2010 Broyles Award winner as the national assistant coach of the year. He’s coached three Heisman finalists, including 2010 winner Cam Newton, when Malzahn was an offensive coordinator for the 2010 BCS National Champion Tigers. Three of his offenses at Auburn are among the best in SEC history and nearly every Auburn offensive record was set under his watch. Malzahn’s coaching career began in his home state of Arkansas where he spent 14 years as a high school head coach. He led seven teams to the state championship game and won three titles. In July 2013, he was inducted into the Arkansas High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Aubrey Miller

Aubrey S. Miller currently serves as a Director of First US Bank, President of the Shelby County Board of Education and Pastor of Faith Church at Oxmoor Valley. Aubrey is active in community and civic affairs, serving on or having served on the boards of the Alabama Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, The Lakeshore Foundation, The Greater Shelby Education Foundation, Alabama Youth Homes and the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham. He is an alumnus of both Leadership Birmingham and Leadership Shelby County. Aubrey is a strong advocate of education as a means of achieving social equality. He and his wife Beverly have two daughters.

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Samuetta Nesbitt Samuetta is Senior Vice President Public Relations and Community Affairs for United Way of Central Alabama and has over 16 years nonprofit experience.

She manages United Way’s corporate brand and communications. She holds a B.A. from the University of Alabama in Communications and an M.S. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Education Leadership. Samuetta was a broadcast journalist in the mid 1970s and in Public Relations for Compass Bank and Birmingham Public Schools. Her professional memberships include The Women’s Network, Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, Public Relations Society of Alabama, Leadership Birmingham, and Leadership Shelby County. She is the recipient of several honors and awards, including the Cahaba Girl Scout Councils Woman of Distinction Award and the Birmingham Business Journal’s Top Business Women Award.

Robert Glenn Nivens Mr. Nivens entered the US Army Infantry as a private and retired after 30 years as a Lt. Colonel, serving in both Korea and Vietnam. He has volunteered nearly 20,000 hours since 2009, and is the founder and charter member of the local Sons of the American Revolution and the Blue Star Salute Foundation. He’s served on the Executive Committee for Birmingham Veteran’s Day; is a permanent member of the Alabama Senior Citizen Hall of Fame; serves the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery; coordinates the Wreaths Across America effort; and works with the Shelby County Historical Society. He has logged over 100,000 miles on his vehicle at his own cost volunteering. Per his nominator: “He is a man of boundless energy and deep integrity.”

Annetta W. Nunn

Annetta Nunn has dedicated her life to saving the lives of others. A 28-year veteran of the Birmingham Police Department, she was the city’s first female police chief. On staff at the YWCA Central Alabama since 2008, she’s certified as a domestic violence prevention trainer by the Department of Homeland Security and provides lifesaving information to victims and the public. Annetta has served on the boards of several local nonprofits, participated in leadership programs and is in the Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir.

She recorded a gospel CD and a music video used in the YW’s dating violence prevention program.

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Dr. Henry Panion, III. As a producer, composer, arranger, and orchestrator, Dr. Panion’s work has produced two Grammy Awards, two Dove Awards, and a host of other national and local music awards. From 1994-2000, Dr. Panion served as chair of the Department of Music at UAB. He is the President and Founder of Audiostate 55 Recording Studios & Entertainment Company and the Gospel Symphony Collection. Dr. Panion was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in 1995, Alabama A & M Hall of Fame in 2000 and in 2009, was appointed to the post of Cultural Ambassador for the City of Birmingham.

Frances Lokey Phelps Ms. Phelps, an RSVP volunteer since 1984, has logged over 6,000 hours volunteering. She is a WWII veteran WAVE, Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, having served as an aviation mechanic in the US Navy.

She was the first female mayor of Wilsonville where she remains active in the Methodist Church and Civitan. She serves on the Property Tax Board of Equalization, the VA Hospital Board, and has worked on behalf of Meals on Wheels, Blue Star Salute, Wreaths Across America, Keep the Spirit of ‘45 Alive, Alabama National Cemetery, and the Alabama Senior Hall of Fame. She’s also transported vets to the VA hospital and other community organizations.

Joel Philhours Since 2006, Dr. Philhours, a retired Math Professor, has been a community volunteer, mentor and advocate for youth. Dr. Philhours began tutoring three days a week, then expanded to assist students preparing for the ACT and SAT on weekends. Now, he is instrumental in helping international students adjust to life in the US and succeed academically. He has worked with students from Serbia, Mali, Sudan, Nigeria, India and China. Dr. Philhours has also participated in Disaster Relief efforts and has actively traveled throughout the southeastern states bringing emergency supplies and lending a helping hand where needed.

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Doris & Glenn Phillips Doris Phillips has built an established career in real estate as owner of Real Source, a real estate support business, and as a licensed Realtor. Doris is currently the COO of Lake Homes Realty, the nation’s largest lake-focused real estate company.

Doris’ list of awards is impressive. She was given the Birmingham Business Journal’s 2015 Business Women to Watch Award, graduated the Birmingham Venture Club’s Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program, and was featured in Good Housekeeping Magazine and MSN.com. What sets Doris apart is the 10 year old Circle of Love Foundation that she founded. The foundation provided over 1500 toys for families in shelters last year.

Glenn Phillips is the CEO of Lake Homes Realty, the nation’s largest lake-focused real estate company. He’s an Auburn University Computer Engineering graduate and has won many awards such as the Birmingham Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 and Healthcare Hero Innovator of the Year, Auburn’s Computer Science & Engineering Outstanding Alumnus & Outstanding Young Alumnus awards. Glenn has also stayed very active in education and the community. He serves on the Industrial Advisory Board for Auburn’s Computer Science & Software Engineering Department, the Board of Directors at Camp ASCCA, and as a Commissioner for the Alabama Career and Technical Education Commission.

Mary Ross Mary has volunteered 25,224 hours with RSVP in Shelby County for which she has received many awards. Her work in the Pea Ridge community has earned her the honorary title of Mayor because of her total involvement in the community. She is a charter member and founder of the Pea Ridge Senior Club where she served as president for many years. She is a fabulous cook which she shares with shut-ins and has delivered Meals On Wheels. Until her recent cataract surgery, she also transported seniors. Since 1993 she has driven people to medical appointments, shared meals visiting and singing at nursing homes, and volunteered at the jail, among many other service projects.

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Michael Ross Mike is one of five named executive officers of Renasant Corporation and the top executive in the Alabama/Eastern/Central Region for the last eight years. Mike was named Chief Commercial Officer approximately 2 years ago, and has been an instrumental part of the winning team that has allowed Renasant Bank to experience exponential growth for the last seven years. A highly regarded business professional recognized throughout the Southeast banking arena, Mike is a servant leader, passionate about his family and community, and dedicated to delivering excellent results while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.

Joel Rotenstreich Joel is a volunteer par excellence! He has shown leadership in Jewish Civic affairs and has made it his life’s mission to bring people together. Rotenstreich served 15 years on the Mountain Brook Board of Education and at age 71, he serves as Director of Client Services for the law firm of Zarzaur and Schwartz. He and his wife, Bunny, have a son, daughter, and twin grandsons. Upon reflection, Joel says, “My life is community. My soul is committed to bringing people together, creating one happy world.”

Dr. Michael Saag Dr. Saag is a physician and prominent HIV/AIDS researcher at UAB. He is the founder of the 1917 Clinic, a comprehensive AIDS treatment and research center at UAB. Saag is a frequent lecturer at scientific conferences around the world and is credited with performing pioneering clinical trials for several antiretroviral drugs now in common use for HIV treatment, and for first demonstrating the clinical value of “viral-load testing” in HIV/AIDS treatment. Dr. Saag is a world renowned physician and pioneer HIV researcher who recently published a memoir chronicling the dramatic successes that converted AIDS from a certain death sentence into a manageable chronic condition.

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Bobbie Siegal Education, young people, and the importance of inclusiveness have been the focus of a lifetime for Bobbie Siegal who has taught Social Studies and English at the junior high, high school, and college levels and who continues to be involved with University of Alabama Blackburn Institute students. Bobbie has tried to live the words of the Jewish Sage, Rabbi Hillel, “If I am not for myself, who is for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” In trying to live by those words, Bobbie’s passion has been race relations, diversity and inclusiveness. She was one of the founders of Peace Birmingham, which has evolved to provide a place for teens of all races and religions to get to know one another and confront prejudice. In 2013, the YWCA brought Peace Birmingham into its social justice program portfolio to build on its strong foundation.

Julia Emma Smith

Van Sykes Van Sykes grew up in his family’s restaurant, and remembers his “first toys were mixing bowls, bus pans, and napkin holders.” Since 1957, Bob Sykes BBQ has been known for barbecuing pork and chicken the oldfashioned way, over slow fired hickory wood. No gas or electricity, just a natural-cured fire and a brick fire box. Folks around here say it’s the best tasting barbecue in the South and the Alabama Tourism Department named his pork sandwich one of the “100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die.” Owner and pit master, Van is the second generation of Sykes to run the restaurant and catering business, founded by his parents, Bob and Maxine. A third generation nephew, Jason Jewell, has now joined to influence the company. Van is a member of Bessemer Legacy YMCA board of directors.

At age 94, Julia Emma Smith is still active. Ms. Smith taught Art and Home Economics at W. C. Davis Elementary School from 1946-1976. She worked at Loveman’s Department Store from 1975-82. A passion of Ms. Smith has been her involvement with the A.M. Brown home, a fine arts center for youth. She became director in 1982. “You just get satisfaction because you’re helping people” is her motto, and she attributes her longevity to keeping active, both mentally and physically. She also feels that the time she volunteers at A.M. Brown honors the spirit of Mr. Brown’s son.

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Tom Walker Tom is the Founder and CEO of The American Village Citizenship Trust. He created a place to educate and inspire the lives of young people to be good citizens by building on America’s founding principle of liberty and self-government. He developed a hands-on classroom to bring American history and civics to life. About 500,000 students have stepped into history and discovered America’s founding and Revolutionary War years. He is a writer, author, and speaker on civic leadership.

He holds a B.A. from University of Montevallo and Master’s from Mississippi State University. He has received many distinguished honors as founder of the American Village, one of which was the 2014 Citizen of the Year from the Women’s Committee of 100.

Dilcy Windham Hilley

Dilcy Windham Hilley is 63, but “in her mind she is not a day over 17,” says her nominator. This can be an asset and a detriment at the same time. People of maturity know this, and walk that fine line every day. Dilcy has been fortunate in her choice of careers. She has worked with the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau for more than 30 years, beginning as a bright, young receptionist, working her way up to her present position of Vice President of Marketing and Communications. She has been involved in community service activities, including serving on the boards of the Sidewalk Film Festival, the Birmingham Jam and the University of Montevallo Foundation. The majority of her life’s work has been in the promotion of the greater Birmingham area, which she loves and calls home. She says, “I am exceptionally pleased to be included in this distinguished class of Top 50 Over 50.”

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Thomas L. Wilder, Jr. Rev. Wilder is the Senior Pastor of the Historic Bethel Baptist Church located in the Collegeville Community, and the Chairman of the Board of the Historic Bethel Church Community Restoration Fund, an organization established for the restoration and preservation of the Historic Bethel Baptist Church building. Rev. Wilder, with his corporate resume, embodies the kind of opportunities that Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth wanted to open up for all people, by eliminating racial barriers. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Commerce and Business Administration and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from UAB.

Teresa Zuniga-Odom Teresa has enjoyed a 36-year career with Alabama Power in various leadership roles, including customer value research, multicultural markets and training and development. She has distinguished herself as a sought after Hispanic community volunteer. Born in Bangkok, Thailand, to a Mexican-American father and Alabama born mother, Teresa traveled extensively as a child. Her multicultural upbringing and Hispanic heritage has fueled her personal interest in Latino issues in our state. She is a Founding Board Member of Fiesta, Alabama’s largest Hispanic festival. Other boards include the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, Children’s Aid Society, The Women’s Network, ANA Multicultural Committee, Jefferson County Health Action Partnership Leadership and United Way Community Initiatives. Past board positions include the Hoover YMCA, Childcare Resources, Oasis, YWCA, Leading Edge Institute, Hispanic Business Council, and the Cahaba Girl Scout Council. In 2014, she launched her blog, Southern Señora, to share the Southern Hispanic lifestyle and highlight the good work occurring in our state’s Hispanic community. An amateur photographer, her photos are featured on the blog. Married to Eddie for 30 years, they have three children, Charlie, Anna Marie and Emily Ruth.

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2016 3rd Annual Top 50 Over 50 Thanks to our sponsors!

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