Leah Banks is a community development specialist at Alabama Power. With more than 20 years of experience, she has played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and vitality within Alabama’s Black Belt. Banks serves as president of the Western Division Alabama Power Service Organization, the company’s employee-led volunteer group. She also is active with the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of West Alabama and the Eutaw Garden Club. She recently received the West Alabama Young Leader Award. Banks, a University of West Alabama graduate, lives in Eutaw with her husband.
Marcy Burroughs is superintendent of Sumter County Schools, where she is leading a comprehensive transformation of the district focused on academic improvement, operational efficiency and facility modernization. A graduate of Stillman College, Burroughs holds master’s degrees from the University of Alabama and the University of West Alabama, as well as an Ed.S. from the University of West Alabama and a Ph.D. from Samford University. Her career includes roles with the Alabama State Department of Education and leadership positions across multiple school systems, as well as experience as a secondary math teacher and adjunct professor.
Shannon Chandler is vice president for institutional advancement at the University of West Alabama, with 18 years of higher education fundraising and development experience. She has designed and executed strategies that secured millions in external funding, expanded scholarship opportunities and strengthened donor and corporate partnerships. A former Miss Alabama and a graduate of UWA, Chandler is committed to building a forward-looking advancement department that drives philanthropic growth, inspires community engagement and provides critical resources to empower students and strengthen the university.
Corey Cockrell is mayor of Eutaw. He is a native of Eutaw’s Branch Heights community and a graduate of Greene County High School, where he serves as a coach and is a leader and mentor for young people. Before his election to mayor, Cockrell served as a county commissioner for 12 years, gaining a reputation for a hands-on approach, dedication to progress and unwavering support for the citizens of Greene County, particularly for senior citizens. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University.
Audrey Crawford is vice president for enrollment management and student success at the University of West Alabama, overseeing admissions, recruitment, career development, financial aid, international programs and student support services. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UWA, and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. She returned to her alma mater in 2026, bringing 18 years of progressive experience in enrollment management that reflects significant first-year enrollment growth, advances in recruitment planning, enrollment marketing, dual enrollment, transfer pathways, scholarship access and student engagement.
Todd Fritch is president of the University of West Alabama. In his first year as president, Fritch led the establishment of a 10-year strategic plan that focuses on building a culture of shared governance and broad representation. Under his leadership UWA has experienced record enrollment and a slate of major capital improvements. Fritch holds doctorate and master’s degrees in geology, both from Baylor University, and a bachelor’s degree in geology from Lake Superior State University. He also has earned the executive certificate in higher education leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education and completed Harvard’s Institute for Educational Management.
Krista Garrick works in real estate throughout West Alabama and along the Gulf Coast. Originally from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, she moved to the U.S. in 2004 for a softball scholarship at East Mississippi Community College and later the University of West Alabama. While in Livingston, she fell in love with the area and met her husband, and soon made West Alabama her permanent home. She is a permanent U.S. resident currently working toward citizenship and loves connecting with local buyers and sellers and helping them succeed through her strong network, valuable resources and creative approach.
Emily Guin is the owner and designer of Emily G. Collection, working in interior design, home and business staging, and graphic design. She is a freelance artist for Magnolia Lane Collection, Hobby Lobby, Buc-ee’s, Kroger and other businesses. She also is the owner of Emily G. & Company, a home décor and gift shop in downtown Livingston. She recently opened the event space The Fora on Franklin. Guin, a fourth-generation resident of Sumter County, serves on the boards of Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, Blackbelt Regional Child Advocacy and Livingston Beautification. She is active with Livingston Alive.
Derrick Hester is assistant superintendent at Demopolis City Schools, the first to ever hold that title. He started in the district as a math teacher in 2006 and later served as a principal and coordinator of curriculum and instruction. In 2025, he was promoted to assistant superintendent, where he oversees curriculum and instruction, testing, counseling, professional development and compliance across the district. Hester earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and an Ed.S. degree, all from the University of West Alabama.
Angie Miller is executive director of the Marengo County Economic Development Authority. She has leadership experience in nonprofits, fundraising, strategic planning and community engagement. Before joining MCEDA, Miller served more than two decades with the YMCA movement, including as CEO of the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County. She also served as vice president of development with HumanKind. She is a graduate of Auburn University, Lead Virginia, Leadership Marengo County and Auburn University’s Government & Economic Development Institute. She is a Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellow.
Gina Morse is a certified personal trainer and running coach in Livingston. She is chair of the Livingston Beautification board and a board member of the Livingston Strategic Planning Committee. She also is a member of the Primrose Club and Livingston Historical Committee and volunteers for the city of Livingston to help with the downtown restoration and trash clean-up initiative. A native of Bessemer, Morse is a graduate of the University of Montevallo.
Garria Spencer is a Greene County commissioner. During his tenure, he has worked on projects including storm shelters, public safety and fire department projects, infrastructure and more. He has helped secure more than $200,000 for a new garbage truck, $1 million for highway improvements, $500,000 for road repairs and more than $300,000 for courthouse renovations. And he has worked diligently to support the continued operation of Greene County Hospital — recognizing its critical importance to the community.
Timothy Thurman is superintendent of Greene County Schools and pastor of Hope Hill Baptist Church of Dayton and First Baptist Church of Thomaston. Before joining Greene County Schools in February 2026, Thurman served as superintendent of Linden City Schools since 2015. He started his career in education as a teacher and football coach and later served as a principal and in several administrative roles. Thurman is a graduate of Alabama State University with a master’s from the University of West Alabama and a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. He also has completed the Superintendent’s Academy at the University of Alabama.
JJ Wedgworth is vice president for external affairs and strategic initiatives at the University of West Alabama. In this role, she oversees external relations, governmental affairs and cross-sector collaborations. Wedgworth also serves as CEO and official liaison for University Charter School, a university-funded public charter school located on the UWA campus. Under her leadership, UCS has achieved significant academic success, including earning an A rating on Alabama’s state accountability system. Wedgworth is actively engaged in educational policy and legislative strategy.
Tyesha Weeks is the director of Greene County Parks and Recreation, where she is redefining community impact through intentional programming and leadership. Weeks is a certified life coach, community activist and youth mentor. She is a Greene County native and a graduate of Greene County High School.
Rodgerick Williams is CEO of Greene County Health System. He has worked as a professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and in various hospital administrative positions for Community Health Systems, Houston Methodist Health System and Tenacore. Williams is a volunteer for the American Heart Association, United Way and Fosters Farmacy. He serves on the boards for the Boys and Girls Club and is the founder of ARAP. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
This article appears in the June 2026 issue of Business Alabama.
