The Association of Fundraising Professionals Alabama Chapter has honored its National Philanthropy Day winners. The luncheon at Birmingham’s The Club on Wednesday, Nov. 12, included awards to eight individuals and organizations whose achievements have made a significant impact across Alabama. In addition, AFP Alabama recognized seven “Volunteers in Philanthropy.”
Here are the award-winners:
Award: Wells Fargo Outstanding Corporate Citizen
Winner: AmFirst
Nominated by United Way of Central Alabama
In 1936 during the Great Depression, 19 U.S. Steel employees pooled $1,500, kept in a cigar box, to provide mutual financial support. From those humble beginnings, AmFirst credit union has grown to serve more than 200,000 members across 21 branches, with assets exceeding $2.5 billion. But AmFirst hasn’t strayed from its founding mission: to enhance financial stability and strengthen the communities it serves. “At AmFirst, our Commitment to Community is one of our core values and a driving force behind everything we do,” says Jody Mattson, director of philanthropy and community engagement. Guided by the credit union motto, “People Helping People,” AmFirst supports organizations and initiatives across Alabama. In 2025, AmFirst and its employees contributed nearly $388,000 to United Way agencies statewide. In addition, employees dedicated 1,804 volunteer hours and participated in more than 1,000 community events. The credit union’s initiatives range from collecting 1,500 children’s books with Better Basics to providing 55,000 meals through its Feeding Families Across Alabama Food Drive. Seasonal programs like toy and pantry drives bring relief and joy to families in need. AmFirst also invests in future generations, sponsoring the Rising Star program with WBRC and awarding six annual $5,000 scholarships. Through its signature Community First program, employees select four nonprofits to receive $40,000 each year, with beneficiaries honored at the Annual Charity Golf Tournament. “Giving back is not just an initiative at AmFirst,” Mattson says. “It is woven into our mission and core values.”
Award: Outstanding Charitable Organization
Winner: Birmingham Corps
Nominated by Birmingham Corps
Birmingham Corps, founded in July 2022, is transforming the city’s workforce by connecting overlooked talent to jobs in education, health care and neighborhood revitalization. Since its launch, the nonprofit has supported more than 1,000 residents in navigating the job market, providing six-week workforce readiness training, one-on-one career coaching and targeted partnerships with employers, colleges and training institutions. “Birmingham Corps was launched in 2022 to build a smarter, more effective workforce solution for our city,” says Yamini Bhat, founding executive director. “Modeled after Baltimore Corps, our mission is to transform service into career pathways — recruiting, training and placing underestimated talent into jobs that make a difference.” In just three years, Birmingham Corps has grown from one employee to a team of six. At the same time, it has trained and supported thousands of residents and placed dozens into meaningful roles with local employers and nonprofits. This integrated approach not only prepares individuals for sustainable careers but also strengthens the local economy by ensuring access to a diverse and motivated talent pipeline. Looking to the future, Birmingham Corps’ new strategic plan, Vision 2028, aims to double job placements, expand employer partnerships and generate an estimated $29 million in local economic impact. “Fundraising is absolutely vital to our mission,” Bhat emphasizes. “We run on a blended revenue model of public-private partnerships. Each dollar invested helps us create a stronger pipeline of local talent while also meeting employer needs in Birmingham’s workforce.”
Award: United Way of Central Alabama Outstanding Civic Leader
Winner: Will Brooke Sr.
Nominated by the University of Alabama
William “Will” Brooke Sr. has worn many hats over the course of his distinguished career — attorney, business leader, investor and political figure — but the role that has defined him most in recent years is philanthropist. After retiring from Harbert Management Corp. in 2021, which he co-founded nearly three decades earlier, Brooke has dedicated much of his time and energy to causes that strengthen communities across Alabama. With his wife, Maggie, by his side, Brooke has supported a wide range of institutions. Together, the couple has endowed scholarships and faculty funds at The University of Alabama, their alma mater, and championed organizations including the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, McWane Science Center, King’s Home and United Way of Central Alabama. Brooke says his commitment to philanthropy is rooted in both faith and family. “Both my father and my father-in-law were deeply involved in civic, charitable and church activities,” he recalls. “My faith taught me to give back, my father-in-law showed me how to do that, and throughout, my wife, Maggie, has encouraged us to do more.” For Brooke, giving has never been passive; it’s about rolling up his sleeves. “Nearly every civic, charitable and church organization is feeling the pressure to do more with less,” he advises. “Pick an organization of interest to you and ask how you can help. Then, really get involved.” Brooke has found that helping others is not just meaningful, but joyful. “As it turns out, participating and giving are fun,” he says. “That’s what keeps pulling us deeper.”
Award: William M. and Virginia B. Spencer Outstanding Philanthropist
Winner: Frank and Marti Buck
Nominated by Samford University
Fifty years ago, a chance decision set Frank Buck on a path that would change his life. Fresh out of Michigan State, the Ionia, Michigan, native flipped through a law school catalog and landed on Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. “Obviously, the good Lord wanted me here in the Bible Belt in Alabama,” he says. What he didn’t know then was that Samford would give him more than a law degree — it would give him Marti. The bright undergraduate from Trussville caught his eye at a Samford basketball game, and by 1975, they were married. That love story is at the heart of the Bucks’ philanthropy. For more than four decades, Frank and Marti have poured their time, resources and hearts back into the place that brought them together. Their giving has touched nearly every corner of campus, from nursing scholarships and men’s basketball to the Cumberland School of Law, where Frank’s career began. This year, Samford honored them with the naming of a new central plaza. Their commitment is deeply personal. Two of their three daughters followed Frank into the law, while the third chose nursing, mirroring the very programs the Bucks support. “Samford has been very good to my family,” Frank says simply. A seasoned attorney focusing on plaintiff personal injury work and concentrating on trucking and auto accidents, Frank remains passionate about helping the underdog. “I’ve been a blessed, lucky man,” he says. “I call it Buck Luck.” His advice for would-be philanthropists? “Decide where your passion is,” Frank says. “Decide where your heart is.”
Award: Bill Moran Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy
Winner: Frances Grace Hirs
Nominated by Children’s of Alabama
At 26 years old, Frances Grace Hirs has already endured more battles than most face in a lifetime. She grew up in Fairhope and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at age 3. After relapsing at ages 9 and 13, a life-saving bone marrow transplant in September 2013 gave her a second chance. “The people who have been with us all this time have watched me grow up, go through my last two diagnoses and overcome them.” That community spirit is at the heart of “Tee Off Fore a Cure,” a golf tournament her parents, Allen and Debbie Hirs, launched when Frances Grace was 5. Over two decades, the event has raised more than $1 million for childhood cancer research at Children’s of Alabama. “God and people are what have made this tournament go on for so long,” she said. “Most of the people on our committee have been with us since day one because they care about us and our cause.” Today, Frances Grace is turning her personal journey into a professional calling. After earning her B.S. in health sciences from Spring Hill College, she began working at Eastern Shore Children’s Clinic, the very office where she was once a patient. Now a licensed practical nurse, she is completing her RN and BSN programs. “I love kids and want to continue to work in pediatrics,” she said. “I love where I work and want to eventually go into pediatric oncology.”
Award: Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham Outstanding Professional Advisor
Winner: Leigh A. Kaylor
Nominated by Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham
For nearly three decades, Leigh A. Kaylor has helped families and individuals in Alabama shape their financial futures and philanthropic impact. An attorney with Dentons Sirote in Birmingham since 1997, Kaylor is a member of the firm’s Trusts, Estates and Wealth Preservation practice. Her work spans everything from drafting basic wills to designing sophisticated estate planning strategies, such as grantor-retained annuity trusts and dynasty trusts. Kaylor’s practice is distinguished by her emphasis on philanthropy. She has guided numerous clients in establishing family foundations and nonprofits, ensuring they meet complex legal and tax requirements. Her expertise extends beyond technical compliance, however — she is focused on aligning clients’ values with long-term giving. “One of the most fulfilling parts of my work is helping clients connect their personal values with lasting impact,” Kaylor says. “Whether it is establishing a charitable trust, creating a foundation or incorporating philanthropy into an estate plan, I see firsthand how clients are able to support causes they care deeply about, often far beyond their lifetimes.” Her interest in trusts and estates began early in her career. “I saw how powerful thoughtful planning could be, not only in protecting families but also in honoring their values across generations,” she reflects. Recognized nationally for her excellence, Kaylor has been listed in “The Best Lawyers in America” for more than a decade and regularly earns top rankings for private wealth law.
Award: AFP Alabama Chapter IDEA Award
Winner: Libby’s Friends
Nominated by XVI
When Lane and Debbie Hagan welcomed their daughter Libby into the world, they had no idea her life would inspire a movement of compassion across Alabama. Injured in the NICU at just 12 days old by a devastating insulin overdose, Libby’s doctors told the Hagans to “go home and love your baby” because she would not live long. But Libby defied every expectation. For 10 years, she lit up rooms with her radiant smile, contagious laughter and unwavering spirit. “Libby was an angel,” remembers her father, Lane. “Her smile and joy were infectious … We got 10 beautiful years with her. She was so loved and adored by her siblings, peers and school faculty and staff.” In 2020, the Hagans started Libby’s Friends, a nonprofit to help families like theirs navigate the steep costs of raising a child with special needs. From medical equipment and devices to therapies, expenses can quickly overwhelm families. “Those are three things that really impacted Libby and our family, and insurance is doing its best to cover less and less,” Lane said. Today, Libby’s Friends provides grants for medical equipment, devices and therapy to families across Alabama. Its support is funded through events such as a May baseball tournament, a fall festival called Franks N’ Steins and an annual golf tournament. Lane, executive director of the Libby’s Friends, says that Libby’s story continues to remind him of Genesis 50:20: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”
Award: William S. Roth Outstanding Fundraising Executive
Winner: Katrina Watson, CFRE
Nominated by STAIR of Birmingham
Katrina Watson has built a career on the belief that philanthropy is about people, relationships and the power of generosity to transform communities. Not only has she put that into practice, she’s teaching it to others as well. Watson is senior vice president of community impact at United Way of Central Alabama, where she oversees the annual distribution of more than $30 million to nonprofits. Among her innovations is LEARN United, an initiative designed to equip nonprofit leaders with expert guidance, best practices and professional development. “Philanthropy and fundraising are about people,” Watson says. “The word ‘philanthropy’ means love of mankind, and that love begins with building genuine relationships and identifying shared values.” Early on in her career, when a mentor, former Outstanding Fundraising Executive award-winner Dr. Shirley Salloway Kahn, recognized her strengths in communication, relationship-building and inspiring action. Watson went on to become a Certified Fund Raising Executive, raising tens of millions of dollars and teaching fundraising at UAB. She also has led The Literacy Council of Central Alabama. Watson’s civic leadership includes roles with Momentum Leaders, the Rotary Club of Birmingham and national service on the Barbara Bush Foundation’s Equity & Access Working Group. She is a graduate of Momentum, Leadership Birmingham and the Alabama Leadership Initiative. Guided by a family legacy of service, Watson views her work as both professional calling and personal mission: “Service and nonprofit leadership are powerful ways to create change, uplift communities and leave a legacy.”
Volunteers in Philanthropy
In addition, “Volunteers in Philanthropy” were honored at the luncheon: Sandy Berglund, honored by UAB St. Vincent’s Foundation; Kevin Callahan, honored by Walker Area Community Foundation; Monday Morning Quarterback Club, honored by United Ability; The Service Guild of Birmingham, honored by The Bell Center; Bob Stafford, honored by the Greater Birmingham Humane Society; Frank Hilton-Green Tomlinson Jr., honored by the University of Alabama at Birmingham; Nancy Cargile Tumlin and Dr. Dotti Bailey, honored by the Megan Montgomery Foundation; and Phyllis and Larry Wojciechowski, honored by the Birmingham Zoo.
A version of this story first appeared in the November 2025 issue of Business Alabama magazine.
