Kenny Campbell is co-owner and founder of plastic recycler KW Plastics and KW Container, which makes one-gallon plastic containers. Based in Troy, the companies also have locations in California, Illinois and Pennsylvania. Campbell is president of Sanders Lead Co., owner of Pike Aviation and holder of eight U.S. patents. He is on the boards of Wiley Sanders Truck Lines, Troy Bank and Trust, Pike Economic Development, the Association of Battery Recyclers, the Society of Plastic Engineers and the Army Aviation Museum. He is also active with the International Lead Association and the National Association of Plastic Recyclers.
Philip Clayton is director of economic development for the Eufaula Barbour County Alabama Chamber of Commerce. Earlier, he practiced law and served in the Alabama Army National Guard, retiring after 36 years and reaching the rank of colonel. A graduate of Auburn University, he holds a law degree from Faulkner University’s Thomas G. Jones School of Law, a Master of Laws in taxation and additional certifications. He also holds Lean-Six Sigma Blackbelt and Greenbelt Certificates and is a U.S. Green Building Council and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) – Accredited Professional.
Chase Cobb is president of the Pike County Economic Development Corp. He also coordinates industrial and retail recruitment efforts in partnership with the Pike County Commission, the city of Troy, the city of Brundidge and surrounding municipalities. Before serving in his current role, he served as the director of government affairs for the Association of County Commissions of Alabama.
Jack Hawkins is chancellor of Troy University. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Montevallo and his doctorate from the University of Alabama. He is the longest-serving CEO of a public university in the U.S. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, where he received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and a citation from the Korean Marine Corps. He has overseen an era of change and growth at Troy, including more than $375 million in capital improvements with new academic buildings on all four campuses.
Steve Hawkins is executive director of the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce. He is a Jacksonville State University graduate with a master’s from Troy State University. A former high school band director and administrator, he serves on the Eufaula Committee for the Promotion of the Performing Arts, Southeast Alabama Works & WIOA Region 6 Councils, the Alabama Committee on Credentialing and Career Pathways Task Force and the Eufaula Historic Preservation Commission. He is a graduate of Leadership Barbour, active in Economic Development Association of Alabama and the Eufaula Rotary Club and organist/choirmaster at Eufaula’s First Presbyterian Church.
Lynn Jinks has practiced law for 48 years, with offices in Montgomery and Union Springs. He served in the U.S. Navy as Staff Judge Advocate and the Admiralty Officer for the Eighth Naval District. He has been recognized for his outstanding community service by the Bullock County Voters League, served on the board of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra and serves on the executive committee and board of the Alabama Partnership for Children.
Jeff McClure is the administrative assistant to the superintendent for the Pike County Schools, responsible for prevention and support and accelerated learning: academy, dual enrollment, and career technical education programs. For nearly 10 years, McClure has served on the Counseling, Rehabilitation and Interpreter Training Advisory Council and the College Education Advisory Board. He has worked as a classroom teacher and in varied administrative roles. He holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from Troy University.
David Padgett is the economic development director at Bullock County Development Authority. He is a board member for Grow Southeast Alabama, the Bullock County Chamber of Commerce and South Central Alabama Development Commission. He is a member of the Economic Development Association of Alabama, the Southern Economic Development Council, the Alabama Agribusiness Council and the Alabama Forestry Association. He also serves on Wallace Community College, Sparks Campus, Foundation Board. He is a graduate of Auburn University.
Midge Putnam is executive director of the Tourism Council of Bullock County, the district area coordinator for the Bullock County Soil and Water District and the Spanish teacher at Conecuh Springs Christian School. She works with the Red Door Theatre, local Field Trials events and beautification efforts. She is a graduate of Troy University. She is a council member for MidSouth RC&D, chair of the Distinguished Young Women of Bullock County and a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and the Twentieth Century Book Club.
Rick Smith is CEO of Troy Regional Medical Center. Earlier he held leadership roles at hospitals in Florida. He is a graduate of Kennedy Western University with a master’s from Warren National University and a fellowship in radiology administration from the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators. He is a member of the Troy Rotary Club, Pike County Chamber of Commerce board and professional associations.
Missy Thomas serves as chief nursing officer at Medical Center Barbour. She has been with the hospital since 1997, working on the medical surgical unit, intensive care and mental health, as well as administrative roles. Thomas earned her degree in nursing from Auburn University.
McKenzie Wilson is a lifelong resident of Pike County. She has worked with the Pike County Commission for 24 years and has served as the county administrator since 2018. She is currently involved in the construction phase of a new Judicial and Jail Complex, and has been active in a 10-year debt reduction plan and helping secure funding for Pike County’s largest ever road construction and maintenance plan. Wilson is a graduate of Troy University and serves on the board of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the Pike Liberal Arts School.
Linda Young is president of Wallace Community College, with campuses in Dothan and Eufaula. A graduate of Enterprise State Junior College, she holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Troy University, and a doctorate from Auburn University. Under her leadership, the college has gained national recognition for instructional programs and initiatives. A Leadership Alabama graduate, she will become chair of its board in 2023. At Wallace, she has helped develop programs for adult women that have been designated as exemplary models by several professional organizations.
This appeared in the September 2022 issue of Business Alabama.
