HBJ March 2026

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GOVERNMENT

Madison County Commission Chairman Talks Upcoming Retirement, Public Services, Says County is Successful Thanks to Collaborative Leadership

Few Madison County residents have had as dedicated and wide-ranging a career in public service as Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon. By Katie Holt - Page 10

REAL ESTATE

Huntsville Housing Growth Continues; Madison County Home Sales on the Rise

Last year’s record home sales in Huntsville built upon 2024 momentum and kept the Rocket City at the top of the list of Alsabama’s fastest growing cities. The review reported nearly 5,000 new housing units on the market throughout 2025. By Haley Walden - Page 14

ADDITIONAL STORIES

• UNA and Samford Kick Off Football Season at The Joe By Bud McLaughlin • Page 2

• Adding Green to Maroon & White, Alabama A&M Rolls out State's First EV Police Fleet By Bud McLaughlin • Page 5

• Huntsville Continues Limestone County Expansion; OKs Agreements with Blue Origin, SPX with More Than 450 Jobs, $200M Investments By Bud McLaughlin • Page 9

UNA and Samford Kick Off Football Season at The Joe

It’s officially called Week Zero in the college football season.

However, that will be a misnomer, as far as the University of North Alabama, Samford University and the city of Huntsville are concerned.

It will be a real week in the schedule when the two schools meet Aug. 29 on Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium.

The intrastate contest will be the first NCAA Division I (Football Bowl Subdivision) game hosted by the city. The UNA Lions are members of the United Athletic Conference; the Samford Bulldogs are in the Southern Conference.

“This is why we renovated Joe Davis Stadium,” said Mayor Tommy Battle, who was introduced as the city’s “head coach” by Joel Lamp, the sports development manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“This exciting day wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous team we have here,” Battle said. “Hosting the matchup reflects the commitment of the city’s partners. Sports tourism had a $50 million economic impact on Huntsville.”

Dr. Josh Looney, UNA director of athletics, said talk of the Lions playing in Huntsville started about five years ago.

“Count us in for football at Joe Davis,” he said, noting the city has seen the Lions host women’s soccer, beach volleyball and cross-country events in Huntsville.

UNA is opening Bank Independent Stadium - its first on-campus football stadium - this year and Looney said an element of its design - the end zone berm - was influenced by Joe Davis Stadium, when the Lions were there for a soccer game.

“We will have a tiered berm, identical in size to Joe Davis Stadium,” he said.

In seven months, the Lions will hit

the field at The Joe.

“Promises made; promises kept,” Looney said. “We’re playing a college football game here.

“Can’t wait to kick things off. Roar Lions.”

Samford Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Martin Newton said the Bulldogs under first-year Coach John Grass are eager to make the trip from Birmingham.

"We are excited about the opportunity to open the 2026 season and the John Grass era at this great venue in Huntsville," he said. "Taking on a quality in-state opponent at a neutral

By: Bud McLaughlin /

site is a great way to kick off the season and we are thankful to the city of Huntsville and the Huntsville Sports Commission for this opportunity.

“We look forward to a great experience at Joe Davis Stadium on Aug. 29."

Stewart jokingly responded to UNA being familiar with Huntsville in general and Joe Davis Stadium in particular, referring to the “neutral site” game. But, he did say current Samford and former UAH head basketball coach Lennie Acuff gave a good recommendation about Huntsville.

“He said ‘you will not meet a finer group of people’,” Stewart said. “The only thing I ask is that UNA’s football team be as gracious and hospitable as you have been.”

Mark Russell, executive director of the Huntsville Sports Commission, said information on tickets, tailgating and other game-related issues will be forthcoming.

“We will have the information, a meet-the-coaches and other activities this summer,” he said.

Battle said he anticipates an exciting clash at The Joe.

“Whether you’re cheering for the Lions or Bulldogs,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the stadium filled with energy and fierce competition and team spirit.” w

Robins & Morton Completes Two More Redstone Gateway Projects

It was an inside job for Robins & Morton.

In fact, it was a pair of interior projects for the construction firm that is known for its contributions to the city’s skyline and growth at Redstone Gateway.

“Robins & Morton has been building at Redstone Gateway since 2010 and has completed more than 10 projects there, including new construction, interior buildouts, and renovations,” said Robins & Morton Division Manager Mitch Coley. “Beyond Redstone Gateway, we regularly perform office buildouts and renovations as part of our broader commercial portfolio.”

The firm recently added to its Gateway portfolio with the office renovations in buildings 8100 and 9700.

A one-floor, 7,019-square-foot office space renovation in the Redstone Gateway 8100 building

includes a conference room, private offices, cubicle areas, and a breakroom for Camgian.

The final space to be completed in the Redstone Gateway 9700 building was for IPG Photonics. The suite includes office and showroom areas in the front and nearly 11,000 square feet of high bay research and development space in the back. The space also

features drive-in and docking capabilities.

“The continued growth of Redstone Gateway with these two projects mark another exciting milestone for this area, and we look forward to seeing these spaces utilized by exceptional tenants for many years

By: Bud McLaughlin /

ahead,” Coley said.

Robins & Morton was the general contractor for the projects. McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture was the architect for the Redstone Gateway 8100 project and Nola I VanPeursem Architects was the architect for the Redstone Gateway 9700 project.

Robins & Morton had originally constructed the buildings and, according to Coley, there are continuing projects on the horizon.

“Robins & Morton continues to be active in Huntsville and across North Alabama, with ongoing and upcoming projects that include additional office buildouts and healthcare, manufacturing, and secure facilities, as well as support structures like parking decks and warehouses,” he said.

Celebrating its 80th year, the Birmingham-based firm has an office in Huntsville, as well as Nashville, Miami, Dallas and elsewhere. w

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Adding Green to Maroon & White, Alabama A&M Rolls Out State’s First EV Police Fleet

Continuing its drive for sustainability, Alabama A&M has rolled out an EV campus police fleet.

With four new electric vehicles, A&M became the first university in the state to operate an all-electric police vehicle fleet.

“We’re the first police department in the state to have this type of vehicle supporting a university campus,” said Police Chief Montrez Payton. “That’s something we’re very proud of - supporting green initiatives while still being able to respond efficiently to the needs of our students and campus community.”

In 2019, Alabama A&M became the first college in the state and first HBCU in the nation to introduce electric buses for campus transportation. Officials have set a long-term goal to reach zero emissions on The Hill by 2031.

Though they’re electric-powered, the Chevy Blazer EVs have all the bells and whistles as regular patrol cars, Payton said.

“These are police-packaged vehicles - they’re not just EVs,” he said. “They have all the same capabilities and equipment as traditional patrol vehicles. Even though they’re fully electric, they support everything we need from a functionality standpoint.”

According to university officials, the EVs are primarily for on-campus patrols. The school’s Department of Public Safety will use its gas-powered

vehicles for longer-distance travel to support off-campus activities.

In addition to supporting sustainability goals, Payton said the EVs will generate long-term cost savings for A&M.

“It’s a tremendous benefit,” he says. “You eliminate oil changes and many of the maintenance costs that come with gas-powered vehicles, while still maintaining the same response capabilities.

“The technology in these EVs has improved tremendously over the years, and after test-driving and speaking with campuses in Georgia that have already transitioned to EVs, we felt confident this was the right direction for us.”

Last semester, DPS opened a dedicated charging station behind the University Services Building to sup-

port the new fleet.

Also, to enhance the cost-savings, the vehicles were acquired through federal appropriations, making the investment cost-free for the university, Payton said.

“The federal government wanted to invest in our campus and campus safety,” he said. “That support made this possible at no cost to Alabama A&M.”

Payton said the new vehicles have been well received by officers.

“They appreciate the investment the university has made in campus safety,” he said. “They feel we’re on par with any other agency, while also being part of something innovative. Being the first to do this is meaningful for our officers and for our campus community.

“It’s an exciting time for Alabama A&M.” w

Bank Independent Brings a Financial Vibe to MidCity District

When you step into the newest Bank Independent office, you feel a special vibe.

Which is fitting since the office is in Huntsville’s vibrant MidCity District.

And, the building is different from the company’s other offices which reflect a Williamsburg style. The MidCity office blends elements of Williamsburg with the MidCity vibea carryover from the MidCity districts in Huntsville and New Orleans.

But, it’s what’s inside that counts.

“This building doesn’t look like our other buildings,” said Bank Independent CEO Macke Mauldin at Thursday’s ribbon-cutting. “But when you go inside, you know it’s us.”

And when you go inside, the feeling is similar to walking into someone’s living room.

Comfortable couches on a vibrant rug in the lobby provide a welcoming atmosphere.

“The sales office is designed to make our customers feel comfortable,” said DeMarco McClain, the area president for Madison County.

“We’re bringing our unique approach to customer service,” said Chief Administrative Officer Penny Camp.

Reflecting on the old Madison Square Mall property which is now the site of the MidCity District, Senior Vice President Tim Singleton said it was “hard to remember” what the area used to look like when the mall was leveled, leaving barren land.

“We now have a place with so much energy and enthusiasm,” he said. “We hope to do our part to bring the same energy and enthusiasm to here.”

Mauldin said the mall was an “icon of my childhood” but the site today is a salute to Huntsville’s legendary success with public-private partnerships.

“The public-private leadership in the greater Huntsville area is world class,” he said. “There is no better place in the U.S. than Huntsville-Madison

County for public-private leadership.”

The new office is at the corner of MidCity Drive and Commerce Place, just off the University Drive entrance to the district.

Lindsey Pattillo Keane, director of the MidCity District Association, said, “It’s so great you’re on this corner.”

She said the bank’s new location after three years elsewhere at MidCity brings a permanence.

“We have families, markets, busi-

By: Bud McLaughlin /

nesses,” she said. “It feels like a village; it feels fantastic.”

Started in 1947, Bank Independent has 34 traditional sales offices across North Alabama, an on-campus Deshler Tiger Branch, and the Digital Sales Office.

Bank Independent will move its operations into its new headquarters in March with an official celebration in May. The four-story, 100,000-square-foot Operations Center sits on 50 acres of former TVA land in Muscle Shoals.

The bank entered Huntsville in July 2014 with the opening of a loan production office and opened its MidCity office in 2022.

Bank Independent opened a five-story mixed-use development project at 225 Holmes Avenue in early 2023. The office building offers more than 77,000 square feet of Class A office space and ground floor retail opportunity.

Further growth followed in 2023 with a new office in Hampton Cove and an office opened last year on South Memorial Parkway. There are also plans for a North Huntsville office.

As Bank Independent branches out, McClain said the MidCity office is part of a growing Rocket City.

“This office represents our commitment to Huntsville long-term,” he said. “We’re here to support economic growth.

“Bank Independent came here to be a part of the fabric of the city.” w

Walking Tour Puts Huntsville’s Reconstruction History at Your Fingertips

As we recognize the contributions of Black Huntsvillians to the city’s history and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, the Huntsville Historic Foundation is offering an opportunity to take a walk through history.

“Cornerstones of Freedom: A Walking Tour of Huntsville’s Reconstruction History” brings to life the stories of those whose leadership shaped the community.

Visitors are reminded of the 4 million formerly enslaved men, women, and children whose exercise of their freedoms brought a war-torn nation closer to a more perfect union.

This self-guided tour introduces visitors to Huntsville’s Black leaders who put these principles into action. The 10-stop tour around downtown Huntsville, including the Courthouse Square, can be explored in about an hour.

Among the stops, the tour includes sites associated with Harrison and Daniel Brandon, whose firm provided the masonry for some of Huntsville’s historic buildings, as well as high school principal, city alderman, and newspaper publisher Henry Binford, who pioneered the city’s Black suffrage movement

After the 1901 Alabama Constitution disenfranchised Black voters, Daniel Brandon and Binford were the last Black men to hold city office in Huntsville until 1988 when Dr. Richard

Showers Jr. was elected.

“Their stories stand in plain sight,” said Historic Huntsville Foundation Executive Director Donna Castellano, “After emancipation, Huntsville’s Black community organized around education, entrepreneurship, and political equality. Our tour introduces you to the people who put those principles into action.”

Following the Civil War, amendments to the U.S. Constitution guaranteed rights to former slaves.

• The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery.

• The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to freed people and their descendants.

• The Fifteenth Amendment, ratified in 1870, provided voting rights to male citizens, regardless of race.

Unfortunately, in the following decades, southern legislatures and courts began to implement laws that codified legal discrimination.

But, Huntsville’s Black leaders wouldn’t knuckle under and rallied around education, entrepreneurship, and political equality.

Fittingly, the tour begins at Harrison Brothers Hardware on the Square.

Harrison Brandon, the father of Daniel, was the embodiment of Black

entrepreneurship after the shackles of slavery were removed. He and his son formed the Henderson Brandon & Son masonry business in 1886 and constructed 11 buildings in downtown Huntsville - four

By: Bud McLaughlin /

are still standing - from 1886-1902.

The Harrison Brothers building is the best preserved building constructed by Daniel Brandon.

Also on the route are the original site of Alabama A&M University, founded by William Hooper Councill at the corner of Clinton Avenue and Monroe Street; and the site of Huntsville Utilities on Spragins Street, where the Brandons built Alabama’s first public water system at Big Spring.

To take the first step of this educational stroll through the roots of Huntsville history, just scan the QR code on the Harrison Brothers Hardware window and tap the link. It doesn’t require an app.

This opens the route which follows public sidewalks for about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how long you pause at each stop.

The content is mobile-friendly and can also be accessed at cornerstonesoffreedom.org. w

It’s the Little Things: HudsonAlpha Scientists Discuss Future of Rare Disease Diagnosis

It was a tiny topic that kicked off a big year for the HudsonAlpha Event Series.

What happens when a tiny, invisible change in DNA alters the course of a life?

For many families, the answer has been locked away for years … until now.

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology scientists presented “Tiny Genes, Big Effects: Hope for Rare Diseases,” a free event that revealed how modern science is solving medical mysteries that were once considered unsolvable. The program is part of the HudsonAlpha series “Understand the Role DNA Plays in Your Life.”

Hosted at The Electric Belle at Stovehouse instead of at the Jackson Center on the HudsonAlpha campus, the evening broke the mold of a traditional seminar. After social networking and a happy hour, a TED talk-style learning experience featured visually stunning presentations that brought the world of genomics to life.

Dr. Sarah Sharman opened the night, taking the audience on a journey of diabetes diagnosis from 100 A.D. Rome to 1850s’ London to today.

“This historical journey shows us that breakthroughs in medicine rarely come from knowledge or technology alone, it’s their combination that really changes everything,” she said. “The fundamental discovery that sugar in urine was a marker in the disease combined with the chemical assays and later combined with advanced diagnostic tools to create the precision medicine that benefits us all today.”

While diabetes is a much-studied and common disease, it’s the rare diseases that pose a different challenge, Sharman said.

The program featured three lead-

ing voices in the field:

• Greg Cooper, Ph.D.: A HudsonAlpha faculty investigator who uses advanced genomic sequencing to hunt for the specific DNA “typos” responsible for rare neurodevelopmental conditions.

• Susan Hiatt, Ph.D.: A research faculty investigator in Cooper’s lab, she implements cutting-edge sequencing techniques into the analysis pipeline to identify new disease genes.

• Whitley Kelley: A board-certified genetic counselor who bridges the gap between complex data and patient care, helping families navigate their diagnostic journeys.

The audience was shown how identifying a single genetic change

By: Bud McLaughlin /

can unlock life-changing answers for patients and provide a roadmap for future research and treatments.

Cooper compared the “crazy idea” of advanced genomic sequencing to the program that put man on the moon.

“It became a rallying flag, a goal, that united a whole bunch of labs all across the world much like saying ‘we’re going to put people on the moon’ became a rallying flag to technology in the ‘60s and engineering,” he said. “And just like the moon landing, this fostered a huge amount of cooperation, innovation, engineering and, in fact, over the next 10 years they were able to generate a single draft copy of one human genome.

“This achievement is comparable to the moon landing in the sense of

it’s really emblematic of what humans can do when they work together. And it was a huge achievement that transformed our understanding of the world and our place in that natural world.”

From public seminars on the inner workings of genomics to updates on its latest research, HudsonAlpha is hosting this series to help people understand the role DNA plays in lives, medical care, and environment.

HudsonAlpha Event Series

• HudsonAlpha U Recent Genomics and Biotech Discoveries, Feb. 24, 6 p.m., The Jackson Center

• Spring Benefit Rewriting the Future of Alzheimer’s Disease in Alabama April 23, 6 p.m., The Jackson Center

• Memory and Mobility June 23, 5:30 p.m., The Jackson Center

• Southern Solutions Plant Science as an Economic Engine Aug. 18, 5:30 p.m., Mars Music Hall

• Future Proof: The Science of Healthy Aging Part two of the three-part aging series featuring Dr. Neil Lamb and Kelly East Oct. 13, 5:30 p.m., The Jackson Center

• Future Proof:

The Science of Healthy Aging Part three of the three-part aging series featuring Dr. Neil Lamb and Kelly East Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m., The Jackson Center For information, visit.hudsonalpha.org/event-series/. w

Huntsville Continues Limestone County Expansion; OKs Agreements with Blue Origin, SPX with More Than 450 Jobs, $200M Investments

It was a busy night for the Huntsville City Council.

The Jan. 22 meeting saw the city continue its westward expansion and also approve development agreements that would create more than 450 jobs with nearly $200 million in capital investment.

The council approved annexing nearly 650 acres into Huntsville on the south side of Interstate 565 and east and west of Swancott Road. The annexation, which was requested by GL McCrary Farms, moves Huntsville ahead of Chicago as the nation’s 37th largest city in land area.

According to the city, 100 acres will be for a P-8 city school and potential expansion; the rest will be for residential and development.

The development agreements are with Blue Origin and SPX Enterprises, reinforcing the city’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation.

According to its agreement, Blue Origin will invest $71.4 million to expand operations in Cummings Research Park and Jetplex Industrial Park, establishing Alabama as home to its thruster production and creating 105 jobs.

In turn, the City will provide up to $200,000 in hiring incentives and up to $200,000 to support related infrastructure improvements as the project meets specified targets.

In the other agreement, the city and Industrial Development Authority approved up to $250,000 in incentives, contingent upon SPX meeting agreed-upon hiring and wage benchmarks through Dec. 31, 2029.

SPX Enterprises is developing a $118 million production facility west of County Line Road in the Greenbrier area to manufacture large-scale cooling and air-handling equipment for data centers. The

460,000-square-foot facility is expected to create 350 jobs.

Both development agreements include non-educational tax abatements for a period of 10 years.

“Huntsville’s stability in governance, coupled with a highly skilled workforce, continues to make the Rocket City attractive to new and expanding industry,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “As a result, these large-scale capital investments in facilities and people are fueling Huntsville’s economy

and are providing regional employment opportunities for generations to come.”

The annexation follows a year in which Huntsville annexed 3,011 acres, the most since 2008, when the city saw a growth spurt of nearly 10,000 acres.

Huntsville now covers more than 230 square miles, moving just ahead of Chicago (227.7 square miles) in area and behind Tucson, the country’s 36th largest city in area at 242.9 square miles. Thursday’s action follows recent developments about a North Huntsville retail district which is slated to begin construction this year.

The city approved a contract with Schoel Engineering two weeks ago for engineering and construction services, including public infrastructure improvements, related to the North Village Town Center project at North Memorial Parkway and the Northern Bypass.

The scope of the work includes general mass grading, utilities, and additional roadway improvements for the area.

The $240 million development, which will be anchored by Target and Home Depot stores, was announced in December. Upon completion, it will include more than 600,000 square feet of retail shops and restaurants.

In a related move, the city also agreed to sell 15.23 acres directly across from North Village Town Center to Hank Holdings LLC..

The property will be developed to deliver additional retail and restaurant tenants to the North Huntsville retail district. w

Madison County Commission Chairman Talks Upcoming Retirement, Public Service, Says County is Successful Thanks to Collaborative Leadership

Few Madison County residents have had as dedicated and wideranging a career in public service as Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon. Born and raised on a farm in Toney, McCutcheon is a United States Army veteran who has served as a law enforcement officer, Alabama State Representative for District 25, farmer, and associate pastor.

Also among his notable achievements are the eight years he served as the 66th Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives and his 25year career with the Huntsville Police Department (HPD), where he worked in various roles. In January 2023, he was appointed chairman of the Madison County Commission by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.

In late December of last year, McCutcheon publicly announced he would soon retire due to health issues. He was diagnosed with stage four kidney disease, which he said requires a life-changing dialysis treatment schedule.

The Huntsville Business Journal sat down with Chairman McCutcheon to discuss his decision to retire, reflect on his decades of service, and share his perspective on the future of Madison County.

In discussing the decision to retire, McCutcheon said the demands of his diagnosis ultimately reshaped his ability to continue in the role.

“I realized then that it was going to be a lifestyle change and my schedule was going to have to be adjusted,” McCutcheon said.

McCutcheon continued, “I take the vote of the people very seriously, and they voted for me to do a job. I felt like I was not able to fulfill that commitment. It was a difficult decision to make, but I realized at the end of the day that with my family, my health concerns, and being able to do the job the way it should be done, the best thing to do was to go ahead and retire.”

When asked what advice he would give to the next Madison County Commission chairman, McCutcheon said a thorough understanding of county departments, how they function, and how they operate is essential to serving local residents well.

Overall, he said the position should focus on helping local residents with the everyday issues that impact

their daily lives.

“It’s about quality of life for the people we serve,” McCutcheon said.

Reflecting on his work in recent years as the Madison County Commission Chairman, he shared that his two proudest accomplishments have been the creation of a countywide 10-year transportation plan and increasing the involvement of each district’s commissioner in the budgeting process.

Referencing the budgeting process project that required input from the entire commission, McCutcheon said he and his team took a deep dive into the county’s budget and revenue streams.

“It was a big move forward for us. By doing that and working together as a commission, we were able to start looking at our budget and our revenues, and we became more efficient in the way we spent taxpayer dollars,” he said.

By: Katie Holt

Looking ahead, McCutcheon acknowledged the challenges following Madison County’s rapid growth. He called the commercial and residential growth a “very delicate balance.”

“There are some challenges there as to the fact that you want to protect the residential space for people who bought homes and are living in the county,” he said.

At the same time, he emphasized, residents need thoughtful commercial growth so they can easily access daily necessities like food and medical services.

McCutcheon also highlighted that growing traffic congestion and road maintenance are becoming the county's most pressing issues, requiring a unified effort and significant funding to address in the future.

“When you look at that, in order for us to get state dollars up here and to get the revenue money that we need, it's going to take everybody working together and pulling in the same direction to see it happen,” he said.

McCutcheon credited the cooperative relationship between city and county leaders as one of the driving forces behind Madison County’s continued success.

“We have a great collaborative spirit here in Madison County among our city leaders, councilmen, and county commissioners, and we have accomplished a lot because we work well together,” he said.

As he prepares to step away from office, McCutcheon said he is especially grateful for the relationships he built with fellow area leaders.

“I just want to say thank you to the leadership that I've had the opportunity to work with in our cities, as well as our county commissioners. We've had a good working relationship. I'm very thankful for each one and their willingness to step out and be involved in a leadership role in our local government,” McCutcheon noted. w

Every March, we honor women’s achievements, resilience and innovation as we observe Women’s History Month.

As a crucial part of that, womenowned small businesses are a vibrant and vital force driving economic growth and diversity in the community.

Illustrating the diversity of Huntsville’s economy, women are the engine that drive many of our defense, medical, service, retail and education sectors.

The powerful impact womenowned small businesses have in supporting our local economy and in driving important goals such as diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility cannot be measured.

As a celebration of women in business, four Huntsville women who are among the leaders in their industries reveal their challenges, successes, mentors and advice on their career paths.

Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State Community & Technical College

What advice do you have for women and girls who are seeking leadership positions?

Finding your leadership style and personal approach requires being in touch with your head and your heart and shaping your interactions so they work for you and become effortless. This allows you to prioritize work and the relationships that support that work.

It is important to be prepared when you start this journey by being told directly by a friend or mentor that there won't always be people who like you or encourage you. If you trust in yourself and lead with your heart, you can map a course and find your way.

Of course, leading with your heart doesn't mean abandoning your intellect. In fact, it's quite the opposite. When you lead authentically from the heart, you create the space to use your head, your intellect, to be truly successful. Your emotional intelligence and genuine care for the work and the people you serve lays the foundation for your strategic thinking and expertise to flourish.

This is where real impact happens, when your passion and your heart and your intellect intersect.

Do you have a mentor/inspiration for your career path?

One of the people who has inspired me the most and whom I recently connected with was my high school English teacher, Mrs. Cooper. She is everything I ever wanted to be: poised, professional, beautiful, and graceful.

I had not seen her since I left high school, but I recently had a class reunion, and she was a speaker. The impact that she has had on my life has been immeasurable. She was inspirational and encouraged me to pursue college and to understand that there was life beyond my small town of Canton, Miss. I have looked up to her for a long time, and it was wonderful to reconnect with her and be reminded of where I come from.

What was your career goal (what did you want to be when you grew up)?

Growing up, I wanted to be a scientist, and as a STEM-minded individual, it was always my goal to understand how the world works through the scientific approach. But it was in a biology lab supporting students at Alabama A&M that I came to realize I loved to teach, to inform, and to share. That was the start of my journey as an educator, and the beginning of knowing myself and my purpose, my vocation more deeply.

From there, I pursued a certification in teaching and was fortunate to serve Huntsville City Schools, teaching science to middle school students.

Women-Owned Small Vibrant and Vital Force

By: Bud

Over the years, as I have grown in my profession, I've held different positions in the education field to understand the broadening importance of policy and impact, and to collaborate with partners and leaders from other sectors to improve education for the good of our community.

However, I always come back to my own background, making science exciting and interesting for students. That’s the fun part!

I think teaching is a vocation, a true calling that some of us hear and feel when we listen closely to what God is whispering. That’s where it started for me.

What is/was your greatest challenge/success? How did you meet/ overcome the challenge?

One of our primary challenges is ensuring we're prepared to meet the tremendous growth in North Alabama and the demand for trained professionals in our region. As a small institution experiencing rapid local development, we must work diligently on several fronts.

First, we need to ensure our faculty remain current in their fields so that what we're teaching students stays relevant to evolving industry needs. Second, we must provide excellent training that prepares our students to support both new employers coming into the area and existing small and large businesses.

These goals present significant challenges, particularly financial ones. Technology is changing rapidly, and for state-supported institutions, keeping pace is costly. Yet our community expects excellence, and rightfully so.

To deliver the skilled, trained employees our industry demands, we must find new and creative ways to partner with business and industry supporters. Through collaboration, we can meet their needs while making a meaningful contribution to our community.

Laurel Bailey, COO of Industrial Properties of the South

Why did you choose commercial real estate, a male-dominated field?

I was working in public accounting in Birmingham and the opportunity arose for me to move home to Huntsville and work at our family business. I was able to use my accounting knowledge and learn the business quickly. Over the years, I have carved out a niche for myself in the industry in Huntsville.

Who was your mentor?

Since I work at our family’s business, I would say my parents have been my mentors in many ways. They taught me a lot about commercial real estate and the business world in general. I have also leaned on other women in my industry for knowledge and encouragement.

What is your biggest challenge? Biggest success?

My biggest challenge has been balancing work and being a mom. There were many days of being pulled in two directions, but now that my children are older, I am focusing more on the business. My biggest successes have been developing multimillion-dollar properties, growing our business and helping my employees succeed.

Do you have advice for women and girls looking at a business career?

My advice would be to learn as much as you can about business in a broad way. I didn’t start out to work in accounting but, after 9/11 hap-

Small Businesses are a Force in the Community

McLaughlin

pened, I had to pivot and learn more about accounting to get the jobs that were available at that time. Because I was willing to learn and be flexible, more doors opened to me during a really tough time in the job market. I would also encourage women or girls to work on finding other strong women to lean on. There will be tough times, and having a support system of other women has been critical for my success and happiness.

immediately drawn to the attention to detail and the pure artistry involved with creating beautiful smiles.

Who was your mentor/greatest influence?

My parents have been my greatest influence. They never treated being a woman as a limitation - in their eyes a willingness to work hard and lead defined my opportunities. To this day this shapes my career and the way I show up for my team and my patients. I try to give 100% to them every day because that is what they deserve.

What was/is your biggest challenge and success?

Dr. Sonya Wintzell, dentist and owner of Dental Professionals on Whitesburg

What prompted you to go into the medical field, in general, or dentistry in particular?

Of all things, a personality test! I was in college and my chemistry advisor was concerned that I had no exact plan on what to do with my chemistry degree. He suggested I take a career/ personality aptitude test. Dentistry came up as an ideal choice and was something I had never considered. I worked that summer as an intern at a dental office and immediately knew it was something I wanted to do. I was

Let’s start with success because I am a glass-half-full person. I take pride in the mastery I have developed in cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, and facial esthetics by learning from some of the greatest clinicians in the field of dentistry. But just as important to me is the trust I have received from my patients and the empathy they experience from not just me but my entire team. It truly is a part of our team culture.

Creating this culture where people feel valued, supported, and proud of their work is something I consider a true measure of success.

What advice do you have for a woman or girl to go into medicine/ dentistry?

Walk into every room knowing you belong there even when you do not feel like it. Commit to mastery with the skills that you love and are drawn to. Remember behind every smile is an actual human being with feelings, concerns, and worries. When you pair empathy with skill you will shape not only your patients but your team.

Panzica,

Why did you choose to open Stella's Elixir Lounge and The Blind Tiger?

When I moved to Huntsville in 2018, I saw a growing city with incredible momentum, but a gap in elevated, curated nightlife experiences. In 2020, I saw the opportunity to build a space that felt intentional, with beautiful design, thoughtful cocktails, great music, and an atmosphere that made people feel like they were somewhere special the moment they walked in.

Three years later, The Blind Tiger grew from that same vision, but with a focus on private events. I wanted to create a venue that offered concierge-level service and the kind of attention to detail you would expect in a major city.

Both concepts were built to bring more culture, more experience, and more opportunity to Huntsville.

Who was your mentor/inspiration?

My mother built a meaningful and successful career as a nurse, and her work ethic is unmatched. She carried herself with professionalism and discipline, earning deep respect in a demanding field. Her commitment to excellence shaped the way I built my career. She taught me that integrity matters, consistency builds credibility, and developing skills can truly give you power. That foundation allowed me to build brands with purpose and hold a

high standard in everything I do.

What was/is your greatest challenge/success in business?

The greatest challenge has been building two businesses in an industry that is constantly evolving. In just the last five years, costs, competition, and consumer habits have shifted significantly. Hospitality demands creativity and resilience every single day. There is no autopilot.

My greatest success has been proving there is room in Huntsville for something elevated and experience driven. I am proud that Stella’s and The Blind Tiger have become destinations, not just venues. They are places where people celebrate, network, fall in love, make memories, and feel part of something larger. It has become a brand people genuinely connect with. On a more personal level, it is especially rewarding to create jobs and provide opportunities for people to grow. Seeing our team take pride in what we have built together has been one of the most meaningful successes of all.

Do you have any advice for women or girls in a business career search?

Don’t wait until you feel ready. You are allowed to apply for the job, pitch the idea, and step into the room even while you are still learning. Confidence is often built after you start, not before. Build your network early, and do not be afraid to ask questions. The right people will not be threatened by your ambition. They will respect it. Get comfortable being underestimated and use it as a strategic advantage. Take up space, especially in industries where women are not always represented. w

Huntsville Housing Growth Continues; Madison County Home Sales on the Rise

Huntsville’s rapid growth continued throughout 2025, according to the latest Huntsville Development Review.

Last year’s record home sales in Huntsville built upon 2024 momentum and kept the Rocket City at the top of the list of Alabama’s fastest growing cities. The review reported nearly 5,000 new housing units on the market throughout 2025.

Single-family home construction is on the rise again after apartment builds led 2024. Last year, the Huntsville Planning Commission approved the highest number of single-family lots since 2007: 1,892. The review predicts an increase in construction of single-family homes as a result, which could span the next two to three years.

Madison County real estate by the numbers

Madison County kicked off 2026 with fewer new single family home listings on the market and an increase in pending sales. The Jan. 24 weekly report from the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors (HAAR) notes that new listings in Madison County decreased by 12%. Pending sales increased by 23.9%.

In Dec. 2025, median sales prices in Madison County decreased by 1.0% to $324,950, well below the National Association of Realtors (NAR) nationwide median. The number of days listings spent on the market decreased by 3.3%.

Homes spent an average of 58 days on the market. The threemonth average for new listings from Nov. 1, 2025 to Jan. 24, 2026 showed a 2.8% increase year over year.

National real estate market experiences slower growth

Overall, 2025 was a slower year for real estate nationwide. Homeowners remained reluctant to sell in 2025 amid economic uncertainty, though sales picked up in Dec.

NAR reports that sales of existing single-family homes rose by

5.1% month over month in Dec. 2025. This amounted to a 1.4% increase in existing home sales year over year since Dec. 2024.

Pending home sales across the U.S. dropped by 9.3% across all four regions, according to NAR. As of last Dec., median home prices across the U.S. increased by 0.2%, coming in at $409,500.

NAR’s report says sales increased across all four national regions month over month. In the South, year over year sales rose. At the same time, sales dropped in the Northeast and remained stagnant in the West and Midwest.

A drop in 30-year fixed mortgage rates

HAAR’s report notes that, as of Jan. 15, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 6.06%. According to Freddie Mac, this is the lowest rate since Sept. 2022.

With interest rates dropping, borrowers are responding. NAR predicts a 14% increase in existing single-family home sales for 2026.

The Mortgage Bankers Association also reported that lower mortgage rates coincided with an increase in purchase and refinance applications in Jan.

New construction more affordable than existing home sales

With the cost of new construction currently more affordable than

existing home sales, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) forecasts a 1% increase in new builds this year.

According to NAHB’s chief economist Robert Dietz, lower costs

By: Haley Walden

and better builder incentives will pave the way for more home buyers to act. He says approximately 40% of builders lowered their prices in Dec. 2025 by an average of 5%.

Outside of price reductions, roughly two-thirds of home builders are offering alternative incentives, including help with closing costs, feature upgrades, and mortgage rate buydowns. That means major cost savings and lower monthly payments for buyers’ first few years in their new home.

Dietz says the ongoing housing deficit is a major factor driving existing home prices. As long as housing inventory remains low, new builds could continue to be more affordable than existing homes.

The only solution to the deficit, Dietz says, is to “build our way out” of it. w

Huntsville’s Housing Wake-Up Call: Institutional Investors Are Buying Too Many Homes

Huntsville’s growth story has been one of innovation, job creation, and opportunity. But a troubling trend threatens to undermine the very foundation of that success: homeownership.

According to a recent Realtor. com analysis, Huntsville ranks #2 in the nation among metros where institutional investors are purchasing the largest share of homes. That should be a wake-up call for every civic leader, builder, and real estate professional in our community. This didn’t happen overnight—and it didn’t happen by accident.

President Trump’s recent call to ban large institutional investors from buying single-family homes is not radical policy; it’s a corrective one. The goal is simple: restore ac-

cess to homeownership for families who want to live, work, and build long-term wealth in the communities they serve.

When Wall Street firms and large investment groups compete directly with local buyers—often with cash, waived contingencies, and long-term rental strategies—the result is predictable: fewer homes available for owner-occupants and higher prices for everyone else. In a fast-growing market like Huntsville, that pressure is amplified.

At the same time, Huntsville and many Sun Belt markets are now facing significant apartment oversupply. Years of aggressive multifamily construction—combined with institutional ownership of single-family homes—have pushed

many households into renting by default. The result is a rental market increasingly disconnected from long-term household stability and neighborhood investment.

This is dangerous for consumers and for the local economy. Homeownership has historically been the primary path to wealth creation in the United States. On average, homeowners have roughly 40 times the net worth of renters over time.

In an era defined by high government debt, persistent inflation, and rising living costs, ownership is not just aspirational—it is protective.

Huntsville’s success depends on attracting and retaining families, not just capital. If we allow singlefamily housing to become primarily a financial instrument rather than a

By: Matt Curtis

pathway to ownership, we risk hollowing out the middle class that fuels sustainable growth.

Drawing boundaries around institutional home buying is not anti-business. It is pro-community, pro-family, and pro-Huntsville’s long-term future. w

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UAH Students Advance to National Finals in NHTSA Vehicle Safety Competition

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) has been selected as a finalist in the 2026 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV) Student Competition. The regional North American finals take place this month, with the winners advancing to the international finals on May 12-15, 2026, at the 28th ESV Conference in Toronto, Canada, to present against eight other teams from across the globe.

Each student team submits a project that outlines a proposed safety technology design solution to address a global vehicle safety research priority. Entries are judged within three geographic regions: North America, Asia-Pacific and Europe. In the North American finals, UAH is facing off against leading institutions in vehicle safety research, including the University of California, Merced; Oregon State University; The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

The squads develop models or mockups of their new safety systems, and regional judges evaluate the submitted abstracts, with the top nine teams selected to present at ESV in Toronto. Each abstract submitted will feature how adoption of such a device or system could reduce the number of crashes, mitigate injuries and/or prevent fatalities if deployed in vehicles and integrated into real-world operation.

An international panel of vehicle safety experts will then select one first-place team and one runnerup, both of which will receive an award and international recognition for their achievements. The NHTSA is a part of the U.S. Department

of Transportation.

The UAH team is advised by Dr. Henrick Haule, assistant professor of transportation engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE). Team members include Alexander MacGregor, a CEE undergraduate, as well as Lorain Salufu, Sidnie Ross and Maria Lubida, all CEE graduate students. In addition, Salufu was recently selected to participate in the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) International Pitch Competition, while MacGregor gained hands-on experience through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (RCEU) program working with the Alabama Department of Transportation’s North Region Traffic Management Center.

"Our students are at the forefront of the rapid technological shifts within the transportation sector,” Haule says. “Their participation in such competitions highlights the growing role of UAH in transportation research and underscores our students’ involvement in solving existing and future challenges in the transportation system. The competition also offers students a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders and their peers to enhance traffic safety and mobility, which is a critical part of their preparation for becoming engineers."

Haule also heads the UAH Traffic Lab, which is rapidly expanding its research footprint in transportation systems, safety and intelligent mobility. The UAH Traffic Lab supports student-led research in areas including traffic incident management, traffic safety, travel demand modeling, public transit and intelligent transportation systems. Four students are actively engaged in funded research projects, working with state and national partners to address complex transportation challenges.

Recent and ongoing funded projects in the lab include research on enhancing Traffic Incident Management with Large Language Models and Real-Time MultiSource Data (June 2025 – July

2026, $10,000); Alabama Department of Transportation modeling support for metropolitan planning organizations within the state (Oct. 2024 – Sept. 2025, $50,000) and Alabama Transportation Institute support to evaluate the impact of a business access and transit (BAT) lanes bus rapid transit on corridor traffic operations (Jan. 2025 – Jan. 2026, $100,000). w

Crane Watch:

Arena Construction at Ice Sports Center

Cranes are towering over the 78,675 square-foot addition to the Huntsville Ice Sports Center. The arena on the east side of the facility includes a competition sheet of ice and nearly 1,400 seats.

On the west side, ground has broken for a 38,846 square-foot curling facility with five lanes and seating for nearly 200 people, creating the South’s premier curling destination.

“The expansion will not only help us meet our ice needs 350 days a year, but it will also increase our economic impact with the additional events the new arena and curling surfaces will allow,” said ISC Executive Director Dita Dotson-Bowser. “Our mission is to serve all ice sports with excellence, and this expansion helps us achieve that.”

When complete, the Ice Sports Center will be more than than 200,000 square feet. Construction is headed up by ARCO/Murray and is expected to be completed late this year or early next year. w

Huntsville International Airport Sets Passenger Traffic Record in 2025

Huntsville International Airport (HSV) reported a record level of passenger traffic in 2025, with 1,722,898 travelers passing through the airport. The total represents a 5.3% increase compared to the previous year. Airport officials attributed the growth to continued demand for air service in the Tennessee Valley and broader regional growth.

“This historic milestone is a clear signal that our North Alabama community is growing and that travelers value the air service they can find at Huntsville International Airport,” said Joey Ceci, Board Chair of the Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority. “By continuing strategic investment in infrastructure to modernize our Airport and improve the passenger experience, we ensure that Huntsville International Airport remains a powerful economic engine and a critical asset attracting business, talent and opportunity to our region."

Last year continued a threeyear pattern of steady growth that outpaced all previous years. The Airport counted 1,473,629 travelers in 2023, and in 2024, HSV saw 1,635,589 passengers.

The record-setting year was driven by expanded capacity and strong performance from the airport’s airline partners: Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. The three legacy airlines and two ultra-low-cost carriers together offer nonstop flights to 19 destinations and provide travelers with more flight options at a variety of price points and more connectivity than ever before.

Airport leadership credited collaboration with airline partners, infrastructure investments, and the

region’s economic momentum for the strong results.

“This accomplishment reflects years of laying the groundwork for success through deliberate planning and partnership,” said Butch Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of Huntsville International Airport.

“Our airline partners have stepped up this year adding five new nonstop destinations, increasing frequency to Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Orlando and Tampa, and flying larger planes with greater seating capacity to meet demand."

Airport officials expect passenger demand to remain strong as the region’s population and economy continue to expand.

"With more than $121 million in planned infrastructure upgrades including a new parking deck expansion, new restaurants in our terminal, and the beginning of an extensive concourse renovation, we are preparing for the future," Roberts said. "Already in 2026, we are looking forward to launching new air service on Allegiant to Gulf Shores, Orlando/Sanford and St. Pete, and we will continue to pursue our airline partners to encourage them to bring even more air service to our community.” w

Bailor Group Announces Sonia Robinson as President

Bailor Group has announced the appointment of Sonia Robinson, APR, as President, a strategic expansion of the firm’s leadership structure designed to support scalable delivery and long-term institutional growth.

Founded by growth strategist Sonya Bailor, Bailor Group has spent the past five years consulting with small to mid-market companies and their leadership teams to successfully navigate the complexities of scale and transition. As demand for the firm’s small business coaching

has grown, the organization has prioritized strengthening its operating infrastructure to deliver consistently at scale, without sacrificing quality, outcomes, or mission alignment.

“I am excited to announce the addition of Sonia Robinson as President of BAILOR GROUP,” said Bailor. “This is more than a leadership announcement; this is a structural shift in how we grow. Robinson brings a track record of building teams and systems that work in scaling companies. That’s exactly the kind of leadership we want stewarding our brand, our clients, and more importantly, our growth leading into 2026.”

As President, Robinson will oversee program delivery, coach development, and operational performance, ensuring the firm’s work scales through structure and repeatable systems. Her leadership will support the firm’s 2026 expansion through scalable delivery models that extend Bailor Group’s proven consulting frameworks to a broader range of businesses, including

small business leaders.

"I’m proud to be a part of Bailor Group, and our mandate is clear: protect quality, protect outcomes, and help small business leaders scale. Bailor Group already has a proven methodology and a strong reputation for scaling mid-market and small businesses,” said Robinson. “My focus as president is to translate Sonya Bailor’s vision into systems and structures that allow us to take our impact to a national scale, so our clients see measurable results in their leadership, their culture, and their bottom line.”

Robinson brings extensive leadership and public relations expertise, with a track record of helping organizations translate vision into execution, strengthen organizational systems, and scale sustainably. Her appointment deepens the organization’s commitment to building growth models that scale through structure and to delivering measurable impact for the businesses and leaders it serves.

“Year five is where most companies stall, close, or scale up. Appointing

Sonia Robinson as President is how we are choosing at Bailor Group to scale up. We’re building a company that can scale nationally while staying relentlessly grounded to the impact we deliver to the clients and leaders that we serve,” said Bailor. w

Starfish Holdings Founder Bill Roark Receives Business Alabama

Lifetime Achievement Award

Starfish Holdings, the parent company of Torch Technologies, Freedom Real Estate & Capital, LLC, and SIMVANA, has announced that Founder Bill Roark has been named a recipient of the Business Alabama Lifetime Achievement Award. The Life-

time Achievement Awards honor the state’s most impactful business leaders and were presented as part of the Business Alabama Awards during a luncheon. The 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Roark, Raymond J. Harbert, Dr. Marnix E. Heersink, and E. Grace Pilot.

“I am honored to be included among the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients,” said Starfish Holdings Founder and CEO Bill Roark. “This recognition is deeply meaningful to me. From the start, my vision was to build employee-owned companies where people truly share in the success they help create. That shared ownership fosters pride, accountability, and commitment, and it has been the foundation of everything we’ve accomplished. Our employees are the reason we’ve been able to build strong, enduring relationships with our customers and achieve lasting success.”

Roark is the founder and executive chairman of the board of Starfish Holdings, the parent company of Torch Technologies Inc. (Torch), one of the nation’s top defense contractors; Freedom Real Estate & Capital LLC, a commercial real-estate brokerage, development, construction, consulting and property management company; and SIMVANA, a company specializing in virtual reality training for medical applications. Roark also serves as CEO of Freedom Real Estate & Capital.

While serving as CEO of Torch, Roark guided the company to national recognition as one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies in America and 15 consecutive selections on the Inc. 5000 list, which recognizes the Fastest Growing Private Companies. Additionally, Torch was recognized as the No. 1 Fastest Growing Privately Held Defense Contractor in the Southeast Region. In May 2024, Roark released the best-selling “Built With Purpose,” chronicling the first 10 years of Torch Technologies’ history. The book focuses on Torch’s formation and transition to a 100% employee-owned company.

Roark’s philanthropic efforts include the American Heart Association Heart Walk, the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run, and the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, among others. Roark has received numerous honors and awards for his philanthropic efforts, most recently being inducted into the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership Hall of Fame. Additionally, his wife, Brenda, and daughters, Amy and Kaitlynn, were named Philanthropists of the Year by the North Alabama Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. w

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Bridge

Street Town Centre Awards 2025 TangerKids

Grants to Local Schools

As part of its ongoing dedication to education and community impact, Bridge Street Town Centre, A Tanger Property, recently announced and awarded its 2025 TangerKids Grants, an annual program that benefits schools in the Huntsville area. Local winners included: Morris Elementary School for its special education program; Mountain Gap School for its Bear Care Closet; Columbia High School for its Eagles Essentials Closet of Care, which provides essentials to students in need; and Madison Elementary School for its kindergarten reading program.

Through its TangerKids 2025 Grants program, Tanger is donating more than $200,000 to fund 176 grants on behalf of 37 Tanger shopping centers. These funds will be used to support schools and educational programs in local communities across the U.S. and Canada.

“Bridge Street Town Centre remains committed to helping students succeed across our community,” said Marcie Glover, Marketing Director at Bridge Street.

“By listening closely to local schools and educators, we’re able to support projects that respond to real, on-the-ground needs. TangerKids Grants help create inclusive, engaging learning environments and give students the resources they need to thrive – both in the classroom and beyond.”

Throughout the program’s history spanning nearly 30 years, Tanger has contributed more than $3.9 million to school-focused initiatives in the communities it serves. The annual program is eligible for public and private schools from pre-K to grade 12. Applications were open from Aug. 11 – Oct. 18, 2025, and

grant recipients were chosen from numerous applicants within the Huntsville area. w

Huntsville Projects Pace Limestone County Economic Development

With more than a half-dozen projects bringing some $6.1 billion in capital investment, Huntsville helped boost Limestone County to a historic economic development year.

Eli Lilly and Company's unprecedented $6 billion advanced manufacturing facility in Huntsville and Limestone County headlined the county's achievements as the largest initial investment in Alabama history. The synthetic medicine active pharmaceutical ingredient facility will create 450 high-skilled jobs for engineers, scientists, lab technicians, and other specialized personnel.

"Limestone County's performance in 2025 demonstrates that our community has arrived as a major player in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and bioscience industries," said Limestone County Economic Development Association President and CEO Bethany Shockney.

According to the Alabama Department of Commerce’s “2025 New & Expanding Industry Announcements” report, Limestone County reported 16 new and expanding industry projects representing approximately $6.6 billion in capital investment and 858 new jobs.

Of those projects, seven were in Huntsville, spearheaded by the Eli Lilly project - the largest private commercial development in state history.

The advanced facility will be constructed on a 260-acre site at the northeast corner of I-565 and Greenbrier Parkway in HuntsvilleLimestone County. Lilly’s campus will focus on domestic production of small molecule synthetic and peptide medicines, including oral GLP-1 products.

“Eli Lilly’s decision to invest $6 billion in a next-generation pharmaceutical manufacturing facility here

in Huntsville is a tremendous vote of confidence in our people and our future,” said Mayor Tommy Battle at last month’s announcement. “Huntsville has long been a place where innovation thrives and hard, ‘impossible’ things get done.

“We’re proud to welcome Lilly to our community and excited to help shape the next era of breakthrough medicine.”

The company’s plans signify a growing, diverse industrial base for Limestone County, which is the cotton-producing county in Alabama.

Shockney said the LCEDA continues to work alongside state and regional partners to attract high-quality projects that provide economic opportunity while strengthening Limestone County’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation.

"From Eli Lilly's transformational pharmaceutical investment to Cast Products' $74 million expansion, from Carpenter Technology's $354 million specialty metals project to innovative newcomers like Titomic USA's titanium additive manufacturing - we're seeing diverse, high-quality growth across our entire county,” Shockney said. “These investments represent more than numbers on a page; they represent exceptional career opportunities for our residents and validation of the strategic work our community has done to compete on the global stage while preserving the quality of life that makes Limestone County special."

New Industry Projects in Huntsville-Limestone County:

• Eli Lilly – $6 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Huntsville, 450 jobs

• Titomic USA Inc. – $30 million titanium additive coatings facility in Huntsville, 60 jobs

Expanding Industry Projects in Huntsville-Limestone County:

• GE Aerospace – $22 million carbon composites expansion in Huntsville, 84 jobs

• Northrop Grumman – $20 million missile defense and space technology expansion in Huntsville

• Daikyo Nishikawa USA Inc. –$18 million automotive parts

expansion in Huntsville, 53 jobs

• Madison Metal Processing – $1.6 million expansion in Huntsville serving automotive manufacturing, 2 jobs

• Toyota Tsusho – Solar power generation expansion in Huntsville w

Two Drake State Students Receive TMCF Workforce Development Scholarships

Two students from Drake State Community and Technical College have each been awarded $20,000 scholarships through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to support their academic and career goals.

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The recipients were selected to attend the TMCF Workforce Development Summit in Birmingham, Alabama. The summit brought together top-performing students from historically Black community colleges (HBCCs) across the nation and featured career development workshops, professional networking opportunities, and engagement with industry leaders.

The scholarships were awarded in two phases. Each student initially received $10,000 through the Cal and Annette Johnson Scholarship. An additional $10,000 was awarded after the students were selected to participate in the TMCF Workforce Development Summit in November.

Corgan Smith, a Computer Information Systems major, shared how the scholarship has impacted his educational journey:

“Receiving this scholarship has lifted a huge financial burden and has allowed me to focus on my education and career goals. Seeing speakers

at the conference and speaking with the people around me has really influenced and inspired me to not only push myself to further my career, but also to work on myself to be the best version of myself. This scholarship and the conference have also helped me network with people I never would have met and provided the opportunity for mentorship that I would not have had without this scholarship and conference.”

Australia “Tru” Campbell, a Salon and Spa Management–Barbering major, reflected on the personal impact of the award:

“Receiving the TMCF scholarship changed my outlook on life. It reminded me that my journey has purpose and lifted a major financial burden. More importantly, it strengthened my faith and confidence and allowed me to fully focus on school during a difficult time. I truly believe God made a way when the road felt heavy, and this blessing pushed me to keep going, work harder, and trust Him even more. In

everything you do, keep God first— don’t give up, trust the process.” w

Qualis Joins Two Other Firms to Form Defense Technology Company

Qualis, a modeling and simulation services provider, has joined forces with two other companies to form a larger entity focused on space and missile defense programs.

According to a news release, Qualis is joined by InTrack Radar Technologies and Tektonux in the new venture.

Tektonux of Madison incorporates artificial intelligence tools into

command-and-control systems. Colorado Springs-based InTrack Radar specializes in ground-based radar and electro-optical products.

The combined company employs approximately 400 people; financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The customer base includes the Army, Space Force, Air Force, Missile Defense Agency and NASA. It will have advanced laboratory facilities in Huntsville and an observatory in Colorado Springs to support mission development and innovation.

“This combination of capabilities represents a major advancement in our ability to support the warfighter across the sensor-to-shooter continuum,” said Qualis CEO Rod Duke. “By bringing together pioneering domain expertise, continuously–improved software and hardware, and mission-proven engineering, we are able to produce and pivot faster for our customers’ new missions.”

Qualis is backed by Bluestone Investment Partners, who first invested

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in Qualis in 2024 to aid its expansion in satellite communications and missile defense.

"New technologies do not work on real missions if users cannot make them work," said Tektonux co-founder and CEO Mike Hubler. “With this merger we can extend effective user experiences and help humans team with artificial intelligence across more platforms.

"Bluestone's commitment to investing in people and technology catalyzes our application of commercial gaming and automation to users managing complex space and defense missions." w

BAE Systems Awarded $137M Contract to Deliver Missile Warning Systems to Allies

BAE Systems has received $137 million in Foreign Military Sales contracts from the U.S. Army to deliver its AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System to allied nations, expanding the system’s role in protecting aircraft and aircrews from missile and other advanced threats.

The CMWS detects infrared and radio-frequency guided missiles, unguided munitions, and other threats, and automatically cues warnings and countermeasures in real time. The system is installed on more than 40 types of rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft worldwide. With the new contract, CMWS will protect the fleets of more than 20 nations.

“International customers con-

Stephanie Hoaglin Joins Accenture Federal Services to Lead Army Logistics Modernization Initiatives

Accenture Federal Services is pleased to welcome Stephanie Hoaglin to our team, where she will drive mission outcomes for the Army and Pentagon clients by leading complex logistics modernization and sustainment initiatives. With a career focused on transforming Army programs and logistics operations, Stephanie brings deep expertise in managing complex portfolios, optimizing sustainment activities, and integrating enterprise systems to advance modernization across the Army. Her background uniquely positions her to help federal clients accelerate the transformation of the Organic Industrial Base (OIB) and strengthen mission readiness.

Most recently, Stephanie served as Director of the Army’s OIB Modernization Task Force, where she ensured the Army OIB remained prepared to support continuous transformation and deliver the surge capacity required by the National Defense Strategy. She also developed and led execution of the AMC 15-Year Modernization Implementation Plan (MIP) which launched in FY24.

Stephanie coordinated closely with OSD, Army and the other services to streamline modernization initiatives across the DoW. Her accomplishments include authoring and securing legislative change proposals, aligning modernization efforts with Army transformation priorities, incorporating emerging technologies into installations, and engaging Congress and Professional Staff Members to ensure enterprise-wide alignment.

tinue to choose CMWS for its proven effectiveness and reliability in combat, where it has saved many lives,” said Jared Belinsky, director of Integrated Survivability Solutions at BAE Systems. “We are proud of this legacy and look forward to continuing to support U.S. coalition partners.”

BAE Systems has delivered more than 3,000 CMWS units worldwide. The company continues to deliver systems ahead of schedule, underscoring its commitment and ability to quickly provide mission-critical capabilities to warfighters.

The company’s missile warning systems – including its 2-Color Advanced Warning System in use by the U.S. Army – are core elements of the company’s Intrepid ShieldTM layered approach to platform survivability. The Intrepid Shield approach leverages the full electromagnetic spectrum to detect, exploit, and counter evolving threats.

CMWS is designed and manufactured at BAE Systems’ facilities in Huntsville, Alabama; Austin, Texas; and Nashua, New Hampshire.

Robert Kincade Joins Accenture Federal Services as Growth Strategy Managing Director

Robert Kincade joins Accenture Federal Services as Growth Strategy Managing Director for the Huntsville Department of War/Space market. A recognized leader in the North Alabama defense aerospace and technology community, Robert brings 40 years of high-tech R&D, manufacturing, production and strategic growth expertise to the role.

Kincade’s deep roots in Huntsville include previously serving as Executive Vice President, Chief Growth Officer for COLSA Corporation, and as a Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he led the U.S. Army Weapons Strategic Programs Office.

In his new role, Kincade will mobilize Accenture’s commercial experience serving the Fortune 500 and its global innovation engine to support the government’s national security and space priorities. He will advance efforts to fuse commercial space innovation and mission requirements with AI-powered capabilities, also ensuring the government has access to an expanded space ecosystem to deliver scalable, layered defense solutions.

Kincade holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics/Engineering Physics from Northeastern State University, a MBA degree in International Business from the University of Tennessee and a MSE degree in Systems Engineering from Southeastern Institute of Technology. He also holds a Graduate Diploma in Maintainability Engineering from the U.S. Army Materiel Command’s School of Engineering & Logistics.

BRIEFCASE

Torch Technologies, ORNL Formalize Partnership Through National Security MOU

Torch Technologies and the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for collaboration on research, analysis, and technology development related to national security and workforce development. Under the agreement, the organizations will explore joint efforts

that align ORNL’s scientific and research capabilities with Torch Technologies’ experience providing engineering and technical support to federal agencies. The collaboration is intended to address emerging national security challenges driven by rapid technological advances across advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and sensing technologies.

Through this MOU, the organizations will work together to better understand mission requirements, identify research and development opportunities, and determine appropriate paths forward for externally sponsored efforts.

“As national security challenges grow more complex and urgent, collaboration between national laboratories and industry partners is essential,” said Dr. Moe Khaleel, Associate Laboratory Director for National Security Sciences at ORNL. “This partnership enables us to translate the laboratory’s

Anne Osborne Advances to Vice President of Business Strategy at Bank Independent

Anne Osborne has been promoted to Vice President of Business Strategy at Bank Independent, building on the expanded responsibilities she assumed last year to strengthen the Bank’s strategic capabilities in an increasingly complex and regulated environment. She will continue reporting to Chief Financial Officer Adam Compton.

“Anne brings a thoughtful, disciplined approach to strategy and execution,” Compton said.

“As the fourth generation of her family involved at the Bank, she brings both a deep respect for our values and a vision for the future.”

Osborne has played a key role in translating strategy into action, supporting initiatives focused on future earnings, and collaborating across teams. Her strong regulatory background and broad understanding of banking operations have made her a trusted partner throughout the organization.

science and technology capabilities — particularly in advanced manufacturing, AI, and autonomy — into real-world solutions at the speed and scale required by the DoW’s acquisition priorities.”

“By combining Torch’s missiondriven engineering expertise with ORNL’s unparalleled scientific resources, we can accelerate innovation that directly supports the nation’s defense and security objectives,” said Brady Porter, Senior Vice President, Torch Technologies. “This partnership will enable us to strengthen mission outcomes while also investing in future technical talent.”

The collaboration is intended to emphasize speed, flexibility, and coordinated execution in support of defense mission requirements. w

Philip W. Bentley Jr. Honored with Distinguished Service Award; Plaza Renamed in His Honor

The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber hosted its 90th Annual Membership Meeting on Feb. 10 in the Von Braun Center Saturn Ballroom. During the event, in his last official act as Chair, 2025 Chamber Board Chair Jeff Samz presented the Distinguished Service Award to Philip W. Bentley, Jr. The Distinguished Service

Bank Independent Names Hallie Mauldin Vice President of Team Member Care

Hallie Mauldin, Culture & Engagement Officer, has been promoted to Vice President – Team Member Care at Bank Independent. In her new position, Mauldin will lead Internal Communications, Workplace Experience, Learning & Development, and Professional Development.

“As a fourth-generation leader, Hallie carries forward a longstanding commitment to our people and the culture that defines our organization,” said Penny Camp, Chief Administrative Officer. “Her dedication to serving our team members is evident in the way she supports their development and strengthens our culture for the future.”

Mauldin’s development path was established as part of a long-term succession plan and included extensive exposure to the Bank’s culture, departments, and leadership. Her passion for team members and deep understanding of the Bank’s mission make her a natural fit for this role.

Award is the highest honor the Chamber bestows to an individual in the Huntsville/Madison County community. Samz said he selected Bentley for this award due to his lifetime of volunteer service, especially in the field of healthcare. Bentley has served on the Health Care Authority Board of the City of Huntsville since 1999, including 17 years as Chairman. The Authority is an 11-member volunteer board responsible for governing Huntsville Hospital Health System.

“In every endeavor, both professional and volunteer, Phil is generous, caring, and a rock of integrity,” said Samz. “His service to the community at large and quietly to individuals in need confirms his character. His family knows it, the organizations that he has invested his life in know it, and now the greater community should know it.”

Samz, who is President and CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System, shared an additional surprise

with Bentley on stage. He revealed the Health Care Authority Board has decided to rename the Plaza Resource Center on Governors Drive as “Bentley Plaza” going forward.

Samz then officially handed the ceremonial gavel to Jami Peyton, who is the Chamber’s 2026 Board Chair. Peyton is founder & CEO of Canvas.

Steve Lerch was the keynote speaker for the luncheon. He is an award-winning international public speaker, consultant, and former Google executive. He shared a message about digital strategy, marketing, consumer behavior, and innovation. w

RECOGNITION

Jordon Tucker Promoted to Supervisor of Operations in Alabama at Tower Loan

Jordon Tucker has been promoted to Supervisor of Operations at Tower Loan, advancing into a regional leadership role overseeing operations across Alabama. In this position, Tucker will focus on developing branch managers, strengthening teams, and supporting continued growth and profitability throughout the region.

Tucker joined Tower Loan in July 2019 as a Manager Trainee in Meridian, Mississippi. Over the course of his six-year career with the company, he has held several leadership roles, including Co-Manager in Shreveport, Louisiana, and Branch Manager of Central, Louisiana, consistently demonstrating strong performance and a commitment to team development and operational success.

“I’m excited for this next step because of the challenge,” said Tucker. “I’ve always been someone who doesn’t give up. Even when the odds are against me, I believe I can do anything I put my mind to.”

Throughout his career at Tower Loan, Tucker has earned multiple internal recognitions and consistently achieved key performance goals. He is also a Tower University graduate, completing the program in May 2024.

RECOGNITION

Scott Crosby Named Business Manager for Turner Construction’s Huntsville Office

Turner Construction Company has promoted Scott Crosby to business manager for its Huntsville office. In this role, Crosby will lead business operations, long-term planning, and project execution while supporting client relationships and continued growth across North Alabama.

Crosby joined Turner in 2012 and has held progressively senior leadership roles supporting complex healthcare, federal, and institutional projects. Most recently, he served in a senior preconstruction leadership position, partnering closely with project teams and clients to guide planning, budgeting, and delivery strategies. His background includes both preconstruction and field operations, providing a comprehensive perspective on project success.

“Scott has earned the trust of our Huntsville team through steady leadership, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to collaboration,” said Paul Lawson, vice president and general manager for Turner. “He understands the Huntsville market and brings a thoughtful, team-first approach that will serve our clients and partners well as construction opportunities continue to expand in the region.”

Based in Huntsville, Crosby is a graduate of Auburn University. He previously worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and as an institutional owner’s representative. He holds multiple industry credentials, including LEED AP BD+C, DBIA Professional, and an ASHE Healthcare Construction Certificate.