Celebrating Diversity in Business

Global Marketing Director | Aviagen

For the past decade Marla Robinson has served as global marketing director for Aviagen, a large international poultry

breeding company. In this role she ensures worldwide consistency of the company’s communications and marketing strategies. Her more than 30 years of experience encompasses management positions for big names in the high-tech world, such

as Intergraph and Silicon Graphics. Born and raised in rural North Alabama, Marla cultivated a love of farming and agriculture early on, and for this reason has found her home at Aviagen. She says she feels her job enables her to make a difference by contributing to a company that is playing a big part in feeding future generations with a sustainable and healthy source of protein. Her team appreciates her creativity, her passion for the poultry breeding industry, her strong leadership ability, and, more importantly, her positive and caring attitude. Marla holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and is an active member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), as well as a number of poultry industry organizations.

Dean, Institutional Advancement | Calhoun Community College

Uniquely situated in north Alabama’s high-technology corridor, Calhoun Community College exemplifies the community college mission at its best. The largest of the two-year institutions comprising the Alabama Community College System and the sixth largest institution of higher education in the state, Calhoun is recognized among the region’s most successful economic and workforce development engines, providing educational and training opportunities to approximately 10,000 credit students and more than 3,500 non-credit students.

The College is proud of our long and established history within the community, and deeply values and celebrates the diversity among our students, faculty, staff, and the communities we are so very fortunate to serve.

With a student body that truly represents a microcosm of our region, Calhoun’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is clearly evident and is an integral component among the College’s primary values.

Calhoun Community College continues to meet the educational and training demands of a unique and highly diverse population and is proud to serve our community as an active partner in the continued success of the north Alabama region.

Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Officer | Redstone Federal Credit Union®

Dealer Principal & General Manager | Landers Mclarty Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Subaru, Fiat & Alfa Romeo

In 2014, Stephanie Bryan became part of her Tribe’s history when she became the very first woman elected to serve as tribal chair and CEO for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. She previously served as the Tribe’s vice chair from 2006 until she was elected to Poarch’s top leadership position.

During the years that Stephanie has served in leadership, Poarch’s economy has grown by 1000 percent. Further, the Tribe has become a major driver of economic growth in the state, and its business endeavors have grown to include multiple locations across the United States and the Caribbean. Nationally, Chairwoman Bryan is known as a passionate advocate for Indian Country and serves on numerous regional and national boards. Her most recent distinction was when she was selected as a Woman Warrior by the National Indian Gaming Association. She also has been recognized as a Woman of Impact by Yellowhammer and Alabama’s Top 40 Over 40 by Alabama Magazine. Bryan attributes her success in shaping policy that affects her Tribe and others to her deep and abiding love for her people.

Stephanie and her husband Keith enjoy spending time with their three children and grandchildren — loving reminders that there is always work that needs to be done to ensure that Poarch remains a healthy, productive sovereign Indian nation for generations to come.

President | Drake State Community & Technical College

Dr. Patricia G. Sims was named the fourth president of Drake State Community and Technical College in December of 2018 by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees. Under her leadership, Drake State is transitioning to become the premier training destination for businesses in greater Huntsville. She recently served as the dean for the College of Education at Athens State University after 12 years as an administrator for the Alabama Community College System. She has also served as a teacher and principal in the Huntsville City Schools System.

“My career as an educator, administrator, advocate and community leader has prepared me for the role of president at Drake State,” Sims said. “I am passionate about the role Alabama’s community colleges play in preparing individuals for successful futures and I am committed to expanding this mission in the Huntsville community.”

With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Sims has been recognized by Huntsville Progressive Chapter of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Alumni and by the Alabama Community College System with awards.

CEO/President | PROJECTXYZ

Founded in 2002, PROJECTXYZ is a technical solutions company using its expertise to solve problems and deliver results for federal and

commercial customers at various locations, both domestic and international. Headquartered in Huntsville, PROJECTXYZ provides expertise in the research, design, development, integration and sustainment of innovative solutions in engineering, logistics, information technology and alternative energy.

PROJECTXYZ is a minority woman-owned small business. Kim Caudle Lewis (CEO) and Larry Lewis (President) are the owners. In recent years, the company has started to diversify by investing in real estate and other small businesses.