BUCKMASTERS 31ST ANNUAL EXPO RETURNS TO MONTGOMERY AUGUST 14–16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BUCKMASTERS 31ST ANNUAL EXPO RETURNS TO MONTGOMERY AUGUST 14–16 Presented by Mountain Dew Montgomery, Ala. — The Buckmasters Expo, presented by Mountain Dew, returns to the Montgomery Renaissance Convention Center August 14–16 for its 31st year. As Buckmasters celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2026, this year's Expo promises to be one of the biggest and most exciting yet, bringing together outdoor enthusiasts from across the country for a weekend of hunting, family fun,
MAX CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES KEY EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP PROMOTIONS
MONTGOMERY, AL (June 10, 2026) — MAX, a full-service financial institution, announced two significant promotions within its executive leadership team, reinforcing the organization’s longstanding commitment to developing exceptional people who serve its members with excellence. Tara McDowell has been named Chief Talent Officer, and Brantley Leverette has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer. “These promotions are a reflection of who we are at MAX,” said Martin Head, President and CEO. “We believe
Military Families Invited to Enjoy Free Day of Appreciation at Montgomery Zoo
MEDIA ADVISORY Military Families Invited to Enjoy Free Day of Appreciation at Montgomery Zoo The Montgomery Regional Chamber's Military Support Organization, the Wright Flyers, will host Military Appreciation Day at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum on Thursday, June 11, from 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. This annual event honors the service and sacrifice of active-duty military members, retirees, veterans, and their families by providing free full-access admission to the Montgomery Zoo and Mann
Striepe Named Senior Manager at Jackson Thornton
Montgomery, AL – Jackson Thornton, an accounting and consulting firm headquartered in Montgomery, AL, is pleased to announce that Crystal Striepe has been promoted to Senior Manager. Striepe joined the firm in 2021 and is an experienced professional who manages audit and attest services. In addition, she has significant experience advising on audit and accounting engagements for electric, water, telecom, and gas utilities. She serves on the board of the Autauga Education Foundation and is the
We at DAS Are Proud to Support Floyd Middle School Band
We at DAS are proud to share today’s visit to Floyd Middle School, where we presented a donation to support its band program, reinforcing our commitment to education and community engagement. It was great to visit the school; this is where it all starts. The students performed for us and sounded great. It was a clear reflection of the discipline and teamwork being developed. This contribution will support instrument reeds, repairs, and sheet music, resources that will have an immediate impact on the
MAX Insurance Services Expands Team to Better Serve Members and Community
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAX Insurance Services Expands Team to Better Serve Members and Community MONTGOMERY, AL (April 8, 2026) – MAX Insurance Services is proud to welcome Travis Williams and Seth Johnson to its growing team. With Agent Crystal McIntyre, these additions reflect MAX Credit Union's ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding insurance solutions to the members and communities it serves. Travis Williams, a Montgomery native, brings more than a decade of industry experience to his new role
ServisFirst Bank Montgomery Announces New Advisory Board Members John Mazyck and Bryant Wood Join ServisFirst Bank Advisory Board
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – ServisFirst Bank, a subsidiary of ServisFirst Bancshares (NYSE:SFBS), is pleased to announce the addition of John Mazyck, CEO of The Frazier Lanier Company, and Bryant Wood, Vice President of Sales of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, to the ServisFirst Bank Montgomery Advisory Board, effective February 2026. “John and Bryant each bring decades of leadership experience and strong ties to the Montgomery business community,” states Carl Barker, Executive Vice President, Regional CEO of
New Waters Realty Welcomes Pike Road Native Tony Griffin to Team
Pike Road, Alabama – March 31, 2026 - New Waters Realty is pleased to announce the addition of Tony Griffin to its team of real estate professionals, further strengthening the brokerage’s presence in Pike Road and the River Region. A proud native of Pike Road, Griffin brings a unique combination of local roots and extensive professional experience to his new role. Throughout his previous career in recruiting, he developed strong skills in communication, negotiation, and client advocacy, qualities that
Caddell Construction Announces Key C-Suite and Executive Promotions
MONTGOMERY, Ala., March 19, 2026 — Caddell Construction has announced a key C-suite addition and two additional executive promotions. Ricky Byrd has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, Zach Moore to President - Commercial and Michael Lewis to Vice President - Governmental. “These promotions recognize leaders who have already played a significant role in Caddell’s success,” said President & CEO Mac Caddell. “Each of them has demonstrated the ability to build strong teams and deliver
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NEW ATTORNEY ANNOUNCEMENT - STEPHEN DEES
Stephen Dees started his journey at Beasley Allen in 2026. He focuses on personal injury and products liability cases. Every legal matter begins with a personal story, and Stephen takes the time to truly get to know his clients—who they are, what they’ve been through, and what matters most to them. He approaches every case with care, respect, and a strong commitment to doing what’s right for the people he represents. Stephen’s dedication to excellence has earned him an AV Preeminent® Rating from
LogoBranders Promotes Morgan Symons to VP and General Manager
Montgomery, AL. 2/2/2026 — LogoBranders, a leading provider of Promotional Products and Logo’d Apparel today announced the promotion of Morgan Symons to VP and General Manager. In this new role, Symons will be responsible for leading LogoBranders, a 33 year leader in the industry to new heights, modernizing and upgrading systems and working closely with Sales to increase individual strategic goals. Morgan Symons has been a vital part of the LogoBranders team for 5 years, previously serving as Program
Evan Perry Taylor Joins New Waters Realty, Blending Real Estate Expertise with a Designer’s Eye
Pike Road, Alabama – January 28, 2026 — New Waters Realty is pleased to announce that Evan Perry Taylor has joined the brokerage as a licensed real estate agent, bringing a thoughtful, client-centered approach shaped by more than 13 years of interior design experience and deep roots in the Pike Road community. Evan believes real estate is both art and strategy, helping clients make smart decisions while seeing the beauty and potential in every home. Drawing from her interior design background, she helps
HARDY JOINS SMARTBANK’S MONTGOMERY TEAM
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – SmartBank is pleased to welcome Chase Hardy to its Montgomery team as a Senior Vice President, Corporate Relationship Manager. With a career spanning 16 years of banking experience and a deep understanding of the local market, Hardy will play a key role in strengthening client partnerships and supporting the bank’s continued growth in the region. “We are excited to welcome Chase to the team,” said Jay Baker, Market President. “His dedication to helping clients achieve their financial
SMARTBANK PROMOTES JAY BAKER TO MARKET PRESIDENT
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – SmartBank is pleased to announce Jay Baker has been promoted to Market President for Montgomery County, Alabama. In his previous position as Corporate Relationship Manager, Baker dedicated over four years to cultivating strong partnerships with commercial clients and driving significant business growth across Montgomery. Leveraging extensive experience in commercial credit, underwriting, portfolio management, and advanced financial analysis, he brings a collaborative and forward-looking
Jackson Thornton Names New President/CEO
January 8, 2026 – Montgomery, AL – Jackson Thornton, a certified public accounting and consulting firm headquartered in Montgomery, AL, is pleased to announce that Alan Alexander has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the firm effective January 1, 2026. Alexander joined the firm in 2018 and is based in the firm’s Montgomery corporate office. In his role as President & CEO, Alexander is responsible for guiding the firm’s strategic direction as well as overall administration and financial
WARREN AVERETT ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBER IN MONTGOMERY
Birmingham, AL (January 7, 2026) — Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors is excited to share that one outstanding individual in Montgomery has been promoted to Member of the firm.Rick Blanton, CPA (Audit, Montgomery), is a member of the firm’s Public Sector Practice Group and specializes in planning and conducting audits for higher education, governmental and nonprofit organizations, including Uniform Guidance Audits. Rick advises several family-owned businesses and C corporations and connects them with Warren
New Waters Realty Welcomes Cassandra Crosby to Its Growing Team
Pike Road, Alabama – January 7, 2026 - New Waters Realty is pleased to announce that Cassandra Crosby has joined the team as a licensed real estate agent, bringing a distinctive blend of real estate, design, and strategic expertise. Before becoming licensed in 2025, Crosby founded CCI Premier Staging and Design in 2017, a successful home staging and redesign firm serving Alabama and Georgia. The firm remains active today, and Crosby will integrate her real estate services at New Waters Realty with CCI
Jackson Hospital Announces the Appointment of Arla Chandler as Vice President of Planning and Marketing
I am pleased to announce and warmly welcome Arla Chandler to Jackson Hospital as our new Vice President of Planning and Marketing. Arla is a registered nurse (BSN) and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Many of you already know Arla from her previous tenure at Jackson Hospital, where she served as a nurse and later worked in business development from 2011 to 2017. She has also been a dedicated member of the Jackson Hospital Foundation Board for the past 15 years. In addition to her
Port Authority CEO Announces New Chief Operating, Engineering Officers
MOBILE, Ala., December 31, 2025 — As the Alabama Port Authority looks ahead to 2026, the Port today announced two senior leadership appointments designed to strengthen operational execution and support delivery of its historic capital investment program. Both appointments take effect early in the new year. The appointments enhance the Port’s executive capacity in two critical areas—operations and engineering—at a time of increasing cargo volumes and significant infrastructure investment. “As the
DONNA COOPER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT, LEAVING A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – SmartBank today announced the retirement of Donna Cooper, Market President in Montgomery, effective December 19, 2025. Cooper is stepping down after a remarkable 45-year career in banking, which includes what she describes as the ‘BEST years’ of her career at SmartBank. “Donna is without a doubt, an industry icon in the banking sector,” said Billy Carroll, SmartBank CEO. “Her dedication, market expertise, and deep commitment to our clients and community have been foundational to
WSFA Names Sally Pitts News Director
MONTGOMERY, AL — December 8, 2025 — WSFA today named long-time anchor and reporter Sally Pitts as its News Director. Pitts joined WSFA in 2002 and has held several roles within the news department. She currently anchors Alabama Live! and WSFA 12 News First at 4. Pitts has a storied career at WSFA 12 News and is credited with covering some of the state's biggest stories, including the Enterprise tornado, the BP oil spill, and the Auburn and Alabama national championships. "Sally brings to her new
Jackson Hospital Appoints New Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer
Jackson Hospital today announced the appointment of a new three-member Board of Trustees and the selection of John Quinlivan as chief executive officer, marking a pivotal step forward in the hospital’s ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy and reorganization proceedings. The new board, which assumed leadership on October 31, 2025, brings vital healthcare and financial competencies to guide the organization through restructuring, a feasible bankruptcy recovery plan, essential infrastructure repairs, payer
Montgomery’s Trip Strickland Promoted to Relationship Manager
Montgomery, AL, October 8, 2025: River Region President Gene Crane is pleased to announce Trip Strickland’s promotion to Relationship Manager at River Bank & Trust. Based in Montgomery, Strickland will serve business and consumer clients across the River Region, helping them reach their financial goals. “Trip is knowledgeable, professional, and trusted by our team and our customers,” says Crane. “He will serve the bank and the community very well in this expanded role.” Strickland began his banking
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NEW ATTORNEY ANNOUNCEMENT - CADE CROW
Cade Crow started his journey at Beasley Allen as a law clerk before being promoted to attorney in 2025. He focuses on cases involving Kratom, video game addiction, predatory gaming practices, and Ozempic, advocating for individuals who have been harmed by powerful corporations. Cade’s passion for the law was shaped early in life. Growing up, his parents instilled in him and his sister the importance of helping those who cannot help themselves. One defining moment came when Cade watched his father, also an
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NEW ATTORNEY ANNOUNCEMENT - RYLEE BUZBEE
Rylee Buzbee started her journey at Beasley Allen as a law clerk before being promoted to attorney in 2025. She focuses on cases involving toxic exposure. Growing up on the Alabama coast in Bayou La Batre, Rylee witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the BP oil spill on her community. That experience sparked her passion for environmental law and continues to drive her dedication to protecting communities from harm. She is also deeply committed to juvenile justice, believing that children are our
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NEW ATTORNEY ANNOUNCEMENT - SARAH GRACE STRENGTH
Sarah Grace Strength started her journey at Beasley Allen as a law clerk before being promoted to attorney in 2025. She focuses on cases involving toxic exposure. Sarah Grace’s inspiration to practice law comes from her father, also an attorney, whose dedication to his clients showed her the profound impact a lawyer can make. That early influence continues to motivate her to work tirelessly for her own clients, ensuring they have a strong advocate by their side during life’s most difficult challenges. She
Central Alabama Sports Commission Welcomes Alvin Briggs as New Executive Director
MONTGOMERY, AL – The Central Alabama Sports Commission (CASC) today announced the hiring of Alvin Briggs as its new Executive Director. Briggs will lead efforts to recruit, develop, and enhance major sporting events in Montgomery and the Central Alabama region, strengthening the area’s reputation as a premier sports destination. A native of Greenville, Alabama, Briggs has spent decades as both a coach and administrator in athletics across the state. He played football at Auburn University from 1983–1987
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Names Caleb Goodwyn Chief Officer Economic Development
MONTGOMERY, AL – The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce has named Caleb Goodwyn Chief Officer Economic Development. In the role, Goodwyn will lead one of Alabama’s top-performing economic development organizations, representing a public/private partnership committed to driving economic growth in the capital city and central Alabama region. “From recruiting and expanding industry in advanced manufacturing, logistics, corporate, technology, and defense, to creating talent strategies and transformative
MAX Credit Union Appoints Director of Professional Development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAX Credit Union Appoints Director of Professional Development MONTGOMERY, AL (September 2, 2025) - MAX Credit Union, a local financial institution serving East and Central Alabama, is proud to announce the appointment of its new Director of Professional Development, Laura Chambliss. Laura joins MAX with 16 years of leadership experience, most recently specializing in continuing education. She offers strong expertise and a commitment to staff development, enhancing the
Montgomery Forward: A Bold Commitment to Community and the Future
For Immediate Release: July 31, 2025MONTGOMERY, AL — From long-awaited community center upgrades to a modernized fire station and revitalized public parks, the City of Montgomery is building momentum through Montgomery Forward—an ambitious infrastructure initiative created by Mayor Steven L. Reed and the Montgomery City Council to deliver tangible improvements across the city. Montgomery Forward focuses specifically on enhancing community spaces like recreation centers, parks, fire stations, and more.
MPS Welcomes Roseanna Smith and Monae Stevens to the MPS Communications Department
Montgomery, Ala.-Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) is proud to announce the appointment of two experienced media professionals to lead the district’s communications and outreach efforts. Roseanna Smith Brewton has been named the Director of Communications, and Monae Stevens will serve as the district’s new Marketing and Community Development Manager. Both women bring strong backgrounds in broadcast journalism, public relations, and strategic messaging, and both are familiar faces to many in the Montgomery
Montgomery Police Department Welcomes Veteran Law Enforcement Leader as New Chief of Staff
MONTGOMERY, AL — The Montgomery Police Department has appointed Chief Ettice Brickus as its new Chief of Staff, bringing with her nearly 24 years of experience and a distinguished career in law enforcement. Chief Brickus joined the department in July 2025 following a celebrated tenure with the Baltimore Police Department, where she most recently served as Deputy Chief of the Neighborhood Patrol Division. A proud Montgomery resident, she now serves as second in command to Police Chief Jim Graboys,
CRISTY ANDREWS STEPS INTO LEADERSHIP ROLE IN MONTGOMERY OFFICE
Montgomery, AL. (July 21, 2025) — Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors is proud to announce that Cristy Andrews, CPA, CGMA, has been named the new Local Partner in Charge (PIC) − Growth for our Montgomery office, effective July 1, 2025. Cristy steps into this role following the leadership of Sandy Coaker, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the Montgomery office’s culture and client relationships over the years. “It has been a privilege to serve in this role and to work alongside such a dedicated team,”
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SS&L Architects Hires Six Full-Time Designers, Opens Pensacola Branch
MONTGOMERY, AL — SS&L Architects is proud to announce the hiring of six new full-time designers. This is the latest development in the firm’s recent tremendous organic growth. SS&L will expand its footprint in the Sunshine State with a new branch office in Pensacola, Florida. The firm excitedly welcomes the following new full-time employees to the SS&L team: LAUREN ARINGTON, AIA, NCARB PENSACOLA, FLB. Arch., Mississippi State University, 2012 Lauren brings over 15 years of experience in architecture,
Billy Whigham Promoted to Montgomery County President
Montgomery, AL, July 16, 2025: River Region President Gene Crane is pleased to announce the promotion of Billy Whigham to Montgomery County President at River Bank & Trust. In this role, Whigham will lead the bank’s consumer lending and retail teams in Montgomery, while continuing to care for his clients and help local neighbors and businesses reach their financial goals. “Billy has a deep understanding of our clients, our community, and the values that define our bank,” says Crane. “He’s a natural
