Sarah Sharman, PhD – HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology – Research Communication Manager

Dr. Sarah Sharman, PhD, was recently promoted to HudsonAlpha’s Research Communications Manager after starting as a Science Writer. She is co-host of the Institute’s “Tiny Expeditions” podcast and author of our “Everyday DNA blog.” She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from Birmingham Southern College in 2012. She then went on to […]

Ryan Blaylock – Warren Averett – Tax Manager

Ryan Blaylock is a Tax Manager at Warren Averett, where he specializes in tax planning for corporations, individuals, and partnerships, bringing over 13 years of experience to his role. He received his Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration in 2008 from the University of Alabama. For five years, he served as treasurer of […]

Michelle Epling – Madison Chamber of Commerce – President

Michelle Epling is the current President and CEO of the City of Madison Chamber of Commerce. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from Auburn University. Michelle is deeply active in her North Alabama community and volunteers at a variety of organizations. She is a part of the Women’s Economic Development […]

Hospital and healthcare expansion major focus at inaugural Heartbeat of Healthcare summit

On May 15, the Madison Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural Heartbeat of Healthcare event. The event featured a panel of government officials and healthcare experts. Mary Lynne Wright, the president of Madison Hospital, talked about the hospital’s tremendous growth. When the hospital opened on February 28, 2012, Wright projected it would take five to […]

Madison Mayor Finley welcomes substance recovery expansion with Longleaf ribbon cutting

Longleaf Recovery, a substance use recovery center, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on the morning of May 14. The new facility, which is located near Toyota Field, will provide outpatient treatment for up to 60 clients at a time.  Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Longleaf Chief Executive Officer Colin Harris, and Longleaf Chief Operations […]

Remembering Huntsville technology business leader Stephen “Steve” Foster Thornton

Stephen “Steve” Foster Thornton, passed away on May 5, 2024, at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and leadership. Best known for leading Cybex Corporation for more than 20 years as President and CEO, Thornton’s early career as an electrical engineer saw him make contributions during the Vietnam War and to […]

Olivia Christian – The Orion Amphitheater – Marketing Director

With 10+ years experience in the entertainment industry, Olivia oversees marketing and PR strategy at tvg Hospitality for The Orion Amphitheater, which has been recognized with nominations and awards from Billboard, IEBA, Pollstar, and AAF North Alabama. She splits time between her residence in Nashville and hometown of Huntsville, AL. She received her Bachelor of […]

Mica Gurley-Rice – SAIC – Project Manager

Mica Rice  is a project manager with SAIC serving the Aviation & Missile Center on Redstone Arsenal. Mica is a Huntsville native, graduate of Lee High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2012. Currently, Mica is working on a Masters in Public Administration from […]

Laken Laird – LSINC Corporation – Vice President of Business Affairs

Laken is currently Vice President of Business Affairs at LSINC, where she has worked for nearly a decade. During her time at the company, Laken has helped facilitate LSINC’s expansion locally and globally, with Huntsville-made equipment from LSINC now residing with customers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Poland, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates […]

Kobi Bell – F45 Training – Owner

Kobi is a local entrepreneur and the small business owner of F45 Training. She is a graduate of the University of South Alabama, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Marketing in 2017. Prior to turning 28, Kobi won two Shark Tank style pitch competitions, became a franchisee, and successfully owned and operated said […]