HEM May-June 2026

HUNTSVILLE EVENT MAGAZINE

CONTINUING IN ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP

Dr. Limbaugh is a member and has served in leadership roles in the ALAO, SAO and AAO.

Dr. Limbaugh enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children.

FAMILY AT HEART BOARD CERTIFIED COMMUNITY DRIVEN Commitment to the highest standards of clinical excellence in orthodontics.

Dr. Limbaugh is proud to give back by supporting local organizations.

Dental Professionals on Whitesburg believes that providing you with the best dental care and orthodontics means staying up to date on the latest technology and being passionate about our patients and their oral hygiene. This is why we provide you with expert and affordable personalized care, to ensure that you are always receiving the best care there is to offer.

WHEN YOU’RE smiling THE WHOLE WORLD smiles WITH YOU

A Letter from the Publisher

As I write this, we’re still about 60 days away from summer, yet it already feels like the middle of August. The recent temperatures have me wondering what’s in store for us in the months ahead. That said, we’ve had some beautiful days along the way and I’ll admit, I’ve missed a few opportunities to fire up the grill and enjoy them. Like many of you, I get caught up in the pace of life and forget to slow down and take it all in. It’s something I’m working on.

In this issue, we are proud to highlight 22 accomplished Women in Business. These professionals represent a wide range of industries, from automotive and banking to higher education, real estate, and hospitality. Each of them is making a meaningful impact, not only within their field, but throughout our community. Beyond their professional success, many are deeply involved in nonprofit work, generously giving their time and resources to causes that strengthen and shape the place we all call home.

We hope you enjoy seeing both familiar and new faces throughout this issue. As always, we encourage you to support the businesses featured in these pages and be sure to let them know you saw them in EVENT Magazine.

Todd Stephenson President/Publisher

President/Publisher | Todd Stephenson

Editor | Lori Boatfield

Writers | Katie Holt

Jennifer Linton

Noah Logan

Jennifer Moore

Heather Price

Graphic Design/Website | Tina Simon

Graphic Design/Creative Director | Patty Satterly

Additional Graphic Design | Anna Michelle Hanks

Amy Pearson

Lead Photographer | Steve Babin

Photographers | Stephanie E. Jennings

Dennis Keim

Jessie Lewis

Rich Ortiz

Jeff White

Director of Sales | Carolyn Stephenson

Distribution | Glenda Mace

HUNTSVILLE EVENT Magazine is published

by EVENT Magazine, LLC, P.O. Box 14219, Huntsville, AL 35815. For advertising information please call 256.533.8078 or email advertise@eventhuntsville.com.

For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please visit our website at www.eventhuntsville.com.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

HUNTSVILLE EVENT Magazine is published bi-monthly by EVENT Magazine, LLC. although the magazine is distributed free throughout the area in Athens, Decatur, Fayetteville, Guntersville, Huntsville, Madison and Owens Cross Roads, paid subscriptions are available for $50.00 annually. For new subscriptions or changes of address, call 256.533.8078 or email subscriptions@eventhuntsville.com.

All contents ©2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents without the prior written permission of the publisher is prohibited. HUNTSVILLE EVENT Magazine is a registered trademark of EVENT Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. Unsolicited photographs or articles are submitted at the risk of the photographer or author. EVENT Magazine, LLC assumes no liability for the return of any unsolicited materials and may use them at its discretion.

Greetings, Dear Readers! I don’t know about you, but I could not be happier that what seemed like the dreariest winter in history is over! I’ll take the pollen because it brings the beautiful blooms and the promise of summer!

In this issue, we are thrilled to feature Women in Business. Within these pages, you’ll find the stories of 22 remarkable women who are not only leading the charge in their respective fields but are making significant contributions to our community. Their achievements and dedication offer inspiration, illustrating the power of leadership, innovation, and service.

We’ve been busier than bees in this high pollen season, photographing the people working to make our area a better place to live. From White Linen & Wine, honoring cancer survivors to Huntsville Museum of Art’s Gala Events; the Mad Scientist Bash supporting STEM-based education; to Raise the Roof, Habitat for Humanity’s major fundraiser, we’ve been honored to attend each one.

While you peruse these pages for photos of your friends and neighbors, don’t forget to take note of our partners who make this publication possible. Our advertising partners allow us to highlight the people and organizations doing so much good. Show your appreciation by shopping with them! And while you’re there, don’t forget to tell them you saw them right here in Huntsville EVENT.

Here’s to you Huntsville!

Lori Boatfield Editor

16th Annual White Linen & Wine

White Linen & Wine is an annual gala celebrating cancer survivors in the community. This year’s celebration, on February 21 at the Jackson Center, honored Kelli Bergman, Kevin Hitt, and Bart Smith. The evening included a cocktail hour, a seated dinner, silent and live auctions, and more. All proceeds raised from the event go directly back to patient assistance programs for cancer patients served by Russel Hill Cancer Foundation. n

Photos by Steve Babin

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The Dog Ball

The 36th Annual Dog Ball was presented on February 7 at VBC. Proceeds benefit the Greater Huntsville Humane Society. Special guests included Colonel Ken Cook and his service dog Sadie, along with 10 working dogs, plus the winner of the Dog Ball Art Contest, 4th grader Brielle Hillstrom. Grand Champion Sponsors were Dr. Michael Yates and Tito’s Vodka. “This year, The Dog Ball, along with over 800 guests and 100 volunteers, provided an opportunity for animal lovers to celebrate the unadulterated joy and unconditional love that dogs bring to our lives, as well as fundraise on behalf of animals in need,” said Tracy Barrett, Dog Ball Executive Committee. n

HMA Gala Luncheon

The Huntsville Museum of Art and its Gala Committee hosted the 35th Annual Gala to support the museum’s programming for the upcoming exhibition year. The first of the three events, the Gala Luncheon, took place on February 24. Catered by Purveyor, the event featured guest speaker Lydia Fenet, the world’s leading charity auctioneer, followed by a book signing. The Gala Committee has lent well over $4 million in support of the Museum throughout its 35-year history. n

Breaking Ceilings. Building Community.

Kelli Powers Chairman of the Board

Huntsville Museum of Art’s Gala Benefactor Dinner

The 35th Annual Gala’s Benefactor Black Tie Dinner and Live Auction on February 26 offered guests the chance to bid on art, trips and parties. The event featured dinner by Chef James Boyce. Party Chairs were Anna Ford and Frances McCarty. Art Chairs were Melissa Giminez, Laurie Howell and Laura Leigh McManus. Sponsors included Loewen Windows and Doors, Twickenham Advisors, Damson Automotive, Bentley Automotive, Century Automotive, FirstBank, and InTown Partners Real Estate Group. n

Gala Cocktail Party & Silent Auction

The 35th Annual Gala concluded on February 28 with the Cocktail Party and Silent Auction, held within the museum’s galleries. The event provided an intimate setting for guests to meet the featured artist and enjoy a delectable menu curated by Chef Narvell. At the heart of the Gala events is the month-long Gala Art Exhibition, which highlighted the work of Catie Radney, a Southern-born, internationally collected artist known for her raw, layered compositions across painting, drawing, and mixed media. n

Mad Scientist Bash

On January 31, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Education Foundation Ambassadors proudly presented the 8th annual Mad Scientist Bash, where geek is chic. The evening  included live music, themed cuisine, and laboratory-inspired libations. “At this year’s Bash, cybersecurity took center stage for the annual Science Moment, proving that even in a swirl of glowing beakers, strobing ice cubes, and high-energy fun, the smartest minds still lock things down,” said Foundation Board Member Kathi Tew.

Proceeds benefit STEM-based programs at USSRC, including supporting Title 1 school field trips. Sponsors included Geeks and Nerds, Amentum, Window World, and All Points Logistics. n

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Best of Huntsville Awards Celebration

Huntsville Business Journal and Huntsville EVENT Magazine staff gathered to honor the winners of the publications’ annual Best of Huntsville awards at Stovehouse Event Center on February 17. With more than 120,000 votes received, the online contest allows readers to nominate and vote for their choice for the best of the best in local businesses. Editors Sarah Zupko and Lori Boatfield joined emcee WHNT’s Ben Smith to present the awards. n

Women in Business

Written by Jennifer Linton

by Jana Miller

From the overlook at Burritt on the Mountain, Huntsville has always felt a little bit magical. I remember standing there as a kid, mesmerized by the view – equal parts trees, rooftops, and possibility – imagining what the future might hold. Recently, I found myself back at the beautifully reimagined view, looking out over a city that has grown in ways younger me could never have fully understood. The skyline has shifted. The energy has multiplied. And yes, the rocket still stands tall in the distance, a reminder that big ideas live here. But what struck me most this time wasn’t just the progress – it was the people behind it. The women behind it.

In Huntsville, women in business aren’t waiting for a seat at the table; we’re building longer tables, pulling up more chairs, and probably organizing the seating chart while we’re at it. This is a community where collaboration beats competition, where introductions are made generously, and where “How can I help?” is more common than “What’s in it for me?”

That mindset doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built – and rebuilt –by women who choose to show up for one another; who mentor, advocate, invest, and open doors; who understand that lifting one woman lifts many.

I see this every day in my nonprofit work at the WEDC Foundation (WEDCF) and witness as our scholars recognize it, too. One WEDC Foundation scholar put it, “It is so beneficial to be surrounded by positive women who are rooting for me with no negative intentions.” It’s a simple statement, but it speaks volumes. It’s also exactly why, at the WEDCF, we celebrate Women Honoring Women (now in its 25th year!) because this community is full of women who lead this way and should be recognized for it. This kind of environment changes how women lead, how they grow, and how they bring others along with them. It’s how a community moves from competition to true collaboration, and how more seats at the table become a given, not a goal.

The women featured in these pages are doing just that. They are leading, creating, and paving the way for what’s next – not alone, but together.

And if you haven’t seen the view lately, consider this your sign. Head up to (woman-led) Burritt one Wednesday evening for Cocktails at The View, take it all in, and remember: the future of this city isn’t just bright – it’s brilliantly, unapologetically collaborative.

JEL MOJANA

Founder/Owner

Mojana Soaps

Jel Mojana is a Registered Nurse, Medical Scientist, and founder of Mojana Soaps, a luxury handmade skincare and gift brand based in Huntsville, Ala. Jel blends science and artistry to create clean, effective products for sensitive skin and elevated gifting. What began as a small idea during the pandemic has grown into a thriving storefront and national presence. She is passionate about building community, inspiring creativity, and proving that even the smallest beginnings can become something extraordinary.

Read Jel’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

DONNA BURNS

Luxury Real Estate Specialist Remax Today

Donna Burns is a luxury real estate specialist, buying and selling real estate for over 20 years and setting records for the highest sales prices in multiple areas. She began her career on the Gulf Coast, selling multi-million-dollar homes. In addition to Alabama, Donna also holds a Florida real estate license, working with Remax Today in Huntsville and with Sotheby’s International Realty in Florida. She resides in Huntsville with her husband Alan and supermodel dog, Diesel.

Read Donna’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

CATHERINE WEHLBURG, PH.D.

President Athens State University

Catherine Wehlburg, Ph.D., currently serves as President at Athens State University. Dr. Wehlburg has published many articles, books, and chapters and has always had a focus on educating the whole student as the essential role in higher education. Her most recent book is “Academic Master Planning: Guiding Strategic Innovation for Academic Leadership.”  She is the Editor-in-Chief for New Directions for Teaching and Learning and serves on several different editorial boards for higher education journals.

Read Dr. Wehlburg’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

Now through August 23, 2026

Imagine walking into a room of shadows where the walls, ceiling, and floor suddenly come alive, wrapping around you as if you too are part of the architecture through the light cast by a single glowing sculpture. This is the unforgettable experience of A Beautiful Despair, an exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist Anila Quayyum Agha. Agha’s signature works – large, delicately carved metal cubes illuminated from within – scatter intricate patterns across every surface, turning the act of standing in a gallery into a contemplative journey.

HAYLEY DEGRAAFF, MD

Medical Director/Owner

Advanced Life Clinic

Dr. Hayley DeGraaff graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine in 1994 and has devoted her career to patient-centered care and aesthetic medicine and wellness. She has served as Medical Director of Advanced Life Clinic for 22 years. Recognized as a Top 500 Injector with Allergan, she is a master injector specializing in facial fillers and neurotoxins. Known for precision, compassion, and results, she blends medical expertise with artistry to enhance confidence and deliver results.

Read Dr. DeGraaff’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

PAULA MAHALIK

REALTOR®

KW Huntsville

Keller Williams Realty

Paula Mahalik is a top-performing REALTOR® serving the Huntsville and Madison County area, known for her concierge-style approach. Her sharp eye and expert staging consistently position homes to command top-dollar offers. Combining the insight of navigating the relocation process herself with nearly two decades of local knowledge and experience, she guides clients with both empathy and expertise, whether they are moving across the country or across town. From entry-level to highend, every property she represents is prepared, marketed, and cared for with uncompromising attention.

Read Paula’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

BROOKE BRUNSVOLD

Real Estate Broker-Owner

Ally & Co Realty

Brooke is a North Alabama native with more than twenty-five years of real estate experience and a deep understanding of the local market. As a broker-owner, she combines seasoned industry knowledge with a personal commitment to helping buyers and sellers confidently achieve their real estate goals. Known for her approachable style, professionalism, integrity, and giving spirit, Brooke has built a reputation as one of the most trusted real estate professionals in her area.

Read Brooke’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

ALKA BHARGAV

Founder Aum Foundation

Alka Bhargav is a social entrepreneur, servant leader, and a lifelong advocate of women’s empowerment. She holds a BS in Biology and Chemistry, an MBA, and an MA in Communication Drawing from her immigrant journey and personal experiences, she advances economic independence and opportunity for women and youth. As founder of the Aum Foundation, she champions education, mentorship, and community impact, inspiring collective action and creating pathways for underserved communities to thrive.

Read Alka’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

DR. PATRICIA SIMS

President

Drake State Community and Technical College

Dr. Patricia Sims is the president of Drake State Community and Technical College. She leads the college with a spirit of excellence and a commitment to student success. Her prior experience as an educator, administrator, advocate, and community leader has prepared her well for this position. She is committed to the role Alabama’s community colleges play in preparing individuals for successful futures. Her work as president is personally aligned with expanding this mission in Huntsville.

Read Dr. Sims’ full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

BRITTNEY SHONK

Brittney Shonk is Senior Vice President of Private Banking at Merit Bank, where she leads the Private Banking Department, delivering personalized financial solutions to high-net-worth clients. She oversees deposit and lending strategies while supporting the bank’s brand and community presence. Passionate about service, Brittney serves in leadership roles with several Huntsville nonprofit boards. She has received multiple honors, including Top 40 Under 40, Rising Star of Banking, and recognition in Business Alabama’s Faces of Finance.

Read Brittney’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

ANGELA PANZICA

Hospitality Entrepreneur

Founder/Owner

Stella’s Elixir Lounge and The Blind Tiger

Angela Panzica is a hospitality entrepreneur based in Huntsville, Ala., and a transplant from Sarasota, Fla, where she was shaped by its dynamic hospitality scene. With a background in marketing, branding, and design, she opened Stella’s Elixir Lounge in December 2020 and The Blind Tiger luxury event space in 2023. She specializes in creating elevated, immersive experiences that blend exceptional atmosphere and service, helping shape Huntsville’s evolving nightlife and community culture.

Read Angela’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

DR. SONYA WINTZELL

Dental Professional/Founder/Owner

Dental Professionals on Whitesburg

Dr. Sonya Wintzell is a dedicated dental professional, business owner, and leader committed to elevating patient care and empowering her team. With a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Judson College and a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she has built her career on both clinical excellence and compassionate service. Whether mentoring her team or serving her patients, Dr. Wintzell leads with her heart, proving that successful businesses are built not just on skill but on trusting relationships.

Read Dr. Wintzell’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

GINGER HARPER

Senior Vice President, Huntsville Advisory Board Chair

First Horizon Bank

Ginger Harper serves as Senior Vice President and Private Banking Group Manager for First Horizon Bank and as Chair of the Huntsville Advisory Board. Bringing more than 25 years of experience, she is responsible for  lending, investment strategies, trust, and financial planning for the Huntsville market. A graduate of Athens State University with a B.S. in Business Management, she also supports strategic planning, business development, and meaningful community involvement.

Read Ginger’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

HEATHER JONES

Team Leader/REALTOR®

Keller Williams Huntsville

Heather Jones is a Huntsville, Alabama–based REALTOR® and Team Leader at Keller Williams Huntsville, where she leads, mentors, and develops agents to grow thriving businesses. Recognized as a Top 100 Team Leader within Keller Williams’ global leadership community, she combines over 15 years of experience in construction, architectural design, and real estate with a passion for people. Having called the Rocket City home for over 25 years, Heather is committed to building businesses, empowering others, and strengthening the community she serves.

Read Heather’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

KRISTI HALEY

Co-Owner/Marketing Director

Haley’s

Furnishings

As a graduate of Auburn University in PR/Marketing, with a long career rooted in both marketing and interior design, Kristi Haley brings creativity and heart to everything she does. After moving back to Huntsville in 2009, Kristi reunited with and married her high school sweetheart, Chris in 2010. Shortly after, she joined the family business as Marketing Director. In 2025, Chris retired from Haley’s Flooring, and they launched Haley’s Furnishings Co. along with her stepdaughter, Abby. Together, they have five children and four granddaughters she adores.

Read Kristi’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

TRACY JONES

CEO

Century Automotive Group

Tracy Jones is CEO of Century Automotive Group, representing luxury brands BMW, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover.  Century is a multigeneration family-owned organization serving the Huntsville Community for 57 years. As a proven leader with a CPA background, she has grown her family business through discipline, innovation, and a people-first culture. The Company’s mission statement, “We Care,” extends to all facets of Tracy’s life.  Her passion for family is matched by her commitment to supporting local organizations that uplift and strengthen the community around her.

Read Tracy’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

AMANDA WEAVER

Senior Vice President, Private Banking Leader Bank Independent

Amanda Weaver brings over 25 years of banking experience to the HuntsvilleMadison County communities, including an expansive role in the private banking sector at Bank Independent. Being mom to Ian 18, Aidan 14, and Ellisyn 7, will always be her greatest accomplishment. Named to Who’s Who in America for Professional Women 2025, Weaver is passionate about giving back. She serves as Vice President on the board of trustees for the International Women’s Forum Alabama and as an advisor for Huntsville Botanical Garden Board, HudsonAlpha and Wellstone.

Read Amanda’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

PAMELA JACKSON BASS

Founder/CEO

Virtuous Realty Global

Pamela Jackson Bass is the founder and CEO of Virtuous Realty Global, a multi-state real estate firm built on faith, leadership, and generational wealth. Over the past seven years, she has grown the company from a vision into a thriving brokerage serving clients, investors, and communities across the Southeast. A respected industry leader and mentor, Pamela is passionate about empowering others to build a legacy through real estate, leadership, and purposeful entrepreneurship.

Read Pamela’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

Step Into Summer Feeling Like You

DR. LINDSAY LIMBAUGH

Owner/Orthodontist

Limbaugh Orthodontics

Dr. Lindsay Limbaugh is a boardcertified orthodontist, business owner, and passionate community supporter dedicated to creating confident smiles and meaningful connections. As the leader of Limbaugh Orthodontics, she combines clinical excellence with a warm, patient-centered approach. Beyond the office, she is deeply committed to supporting local schools, families, and organizations throughout the community, while spending time and making memories with her husband, Matt, and her two sons, Brady and Grayson.

Read Dr. Limbaugh’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

LAUREL BAILEY

Chief Operating Officer Industrial Properties of the South

Laurel Bailey is a graduate of Birmingham Southern College with a BS in Business Administration, and of UAB Business School with her Master’s in Business Administration. After three years in public accounting in Birmingham, she returned to Huntsville to work for Industrial Properties of the South. She volunteers on the Symphony Board, WEDC Committee, Momentum Leaders Board, and is very active in the commercial real estate community. She has two children and is married to John. Laurel is currently the COO of IPS.

Read Laurel’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

PATTI YANCEY

CEO/Founder

Liberty Learning Foundation, Inc.

CFO/Co-Owner

Stovehouse Properties, LLC

From driving a bread truck to shaping Alabama’s future, Patti Yancey lives with purpose and passion. As Founder/ CEO of Liberty Learning Foundation, she empowers students with civic character; as CFO/Co-owner of Stovehouse, she, alongside her husband Danny, breathes life into Martin Stove Factory, making it a Huntsville icon. A lifelong entrepreneur, Patti blends fiscal expertise with a deep heart for community. For her, success is measured by “the legacies we build and the lives we inspire.”

Read Patti’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

VERONICA A. CRAM

Founder/Chief Consultant

InSight Strategic Solutions

Veronica A. Cram is the founder and Chief Consultant of InSight Strategic Solutions, a Huntsville-based financial consulting firm that helps business owners understand their numbers and build profitable, sustainable companies. With more than 20 years of experience across multiple industries, she serves as a trusted advisor to growing organizations nationwide. Veronica is an active community leader, serving on the boards of WEDC, New Hope Children’s Clinic, and Energy Alabama.

Read Veronica’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

ANGEL STINSON

Market Executive and Senior Vice President

FirstBank

Angel Stinson serves as Market Executive and Senior Vice President at FirstBank. Over the past 20+ years, she has been passionate about recruiting and mentoring young bankers, as well as actively serving the Huntsville community. Stinson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and management from Birmingham-Southern College. She currently serves on the boards of Leadership Greater Huntsville, Habitat for Humanity, the Huntsville Museum of Art’s Skating in the Park, and the Aum Foundation Advisory Committee.

Read Angel’s full story at eventhuntsville.com or use the QR code below.

The Stovehouse Event Center, situated within the weathered brick of the historic 1929 Martin Stove Factory on Governors Drive, is the foundation of versatility in Huntsville's event scene. Its intentional layout and 1920s industrial aesthetic, featuring riveted steel and polished concrete, create a rare "plug-and-play" environment with sharp logistics and an industrial-modern edge.

The grand venue, The Royal, rede nes galas with nearly 10,000 square feet, accommodating 600-plus guests. The Belle o ers a contrasting rhythm, featuring a 30-foot permanent bar and roll-up doors for seamless indoor-outdoor ow, often cited as the premier spot for cocktail receptions and mixers.

“Stovehouse is the definitive escape from the classic banquet halls we’ve all grown accustomed to.

The on-site Experience Managers further change the game by effortlessly managing complex logistics between the historic factory and a modern event.”

As a sophisticated blank canvas, the Event Center honors Huntsville’s manufacturing roots, providing a world-class stage for its future and forging the city’s most signi cant moments.

Planner’s Field Guide

The Royal: Industrial Grandeur (9,600 sq. ft.) featuring historic riveted trusswork. This expansive hall is designed for large-scale weddings, conferences, trade shows, and corporate events. Includes private VIP suites and a fenced patio.

The Belle: Concert-Ready Elegance (4,000 sq. ft.) featuring indoor-outdoor flow with a 30-foot bar and 4,000 sq. ft. private patio.

The Canteen: A small, tech-ready space ideal for social hours, parties, or corporate workshops, just steps from the vibrant Food Garden.

The Shed: A covered, industrial open-air space featuring the iconic Martin Stove mural wall, perfect for reunions and after-hours gatherings.

The Alley Suite: A casual boardroom environment for corporate strategy sessions and intimate meetings.

Pro-Amenities: 1,900 sq. ft. commercial catering kitchen, dedicated beverage programs, and concert-ready lighting/sound.

Randolph School Opens Leo Center

Randolph School celebrated the ribboncutting of the Leo Center for Excellence on March 1, marking the culmination of years of vision and planning. Guests gathered on the Garth Road campus to tour the new facility, enjoy refreshments, and participate in familyfriendly activities. This milestone reflects the strength and generosity of the Randolph community, whose continued support made the project possible and will help shape the school’s future. n

Huntsville Happenings

Written by Jennifer Moore, Pres./CEO

Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Summer in the Rocket City is filled with events and activities that celebrate the longer, warmer days that we enjoy during the season. It’s the perfect time to invite friends and family to visit, as Huntsville is packed with can’t-miss opportunities to make some lasting memories. Start planning now and get ready for some out-of-this-world experiences.

Visit our website www.huntsville.org. or use the QR code below for updates on additional events—and don’t forget to use our Passport Coupons to help stretch your budget while enjoying summer in the Rocket City.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Debutante Presentation

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter hosted its 67th Debutante Presentation and Ball on February 13 at the VBC’s South Hall, with 51 young ladies presented. The evening included live music, a cotillion and scholarship presentations. This year’s event was led by Cynthia Coleman and Tonya Briggins. Chapter president is Tonya S. Wood. With a commitment to excellence, the chapter strives to create memorable experiences that resonate with the community. n

Wafflepalooza

The 18th annual Wafflepalooza was on January 17 at the home of Chris Russell and Sharon Doviet. The event drew more than 325 people from all parts of the community, and was complete with Belgian waffles, custom-order omelets, bacon, sausage, mimosas and Bloody Marys.   Chef Ralph Douglas entertained as always, preparing six omelets at a time with flips in the pans. The kitchen was busy with students manning seven waffle makers running continuously. n

Story Financial Partners Huntsville Grand Opening

Story Financial Partners celebrated the opening of its Huntsville office with clients, team and community on February 26. The bank has been open for 25 years, but the Huntsville office is its first location in Alabama.

Chris Allen, a third-generation Huntsville resident, will lead the Bank’s overall general banking efforts in the Huntsville market. “Huntsville is a dynamic, innovative community,” said Allen. “I’m thrilled to help Story Financial Partners become a deeply entrenched banking partner in the Huntsville community by offering personalized solutions and local decision-making.” n

HMCHA’s 29th Annual Pineapple Awards

The Huntsville Madison County Hospitality Association held its Pineapple Dinner & Awards Ceremony on January 29 at Burritt on the Mountain to honor members for outstanding achievement and professionalism in the local hospitality industry. The HMCHA also provides annual educational and professional development scholarships during the event. The event was presented by Sysco. Scholarship sponsor was Redstone Federal Credit Union.

The hospitality industry includes diverse market segments of hotels, restaurants, tourism, travel, attractions, allied services and is one of the state’s largest employment providers. n

Photos by Stephanie E. Jennings

Rocket Chef Showdown

Rocket Chef, Huntsville’s premier culinary showdown fired up its 10th annual event on February 9 at Mars Music Hall. The event showcases local chefs from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, captivating audiences with its unique blend of thrilling competition and exceptional cuisine. This year’s audience numbered more than 600. But before the main event ignited, guests indulged in a delectable tasting reception featuring signature dishes from each chef’s restaurant. Proceeds benefit Merrimack Performing Arts Center. n

Consistency

You Can Count On.

At ServisFirst Bank, we provide steady, thoughful guidance and personalized financial solutions carefully designed to keep you moving forward with clarity, confidence, and success. ServisFirst Bank is pleased to announce the construction of its new Huntsville headquarters, further solidifying the Bank’s growing presence in one of Alabama’s most dynamic markets. Construction is currently underway and is expected to be completed in 2027. Please