Chris Allen: Story Financial Partners, Huntsville Market President | Senior Managing Director

Chris Allen began his banking career after earning a B.S. in Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisitions, and Contract Management from Athens State University. After two years in retail banking, he transitioned to commercial banking in 2015 and has spent 11 years developing and managing a large commercial client portfolio. He joined Story Financial Partners in 2025, leading the […]

Antoinette Hawthorne: Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce, Chief Administrative Officer

Antoinette Hawthorne is an entrepreneur, strategist, and advocate for economic empowerment across Alabama. As Chief Administrative Officer of the Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce and Regional Manager for the Huntsville Metro Black Chamber of Commerce, she coordinates programs leading statewide initiatives supporting hundreds of small businesses, equipping entrepreneurs with resources for innovation, digital readiness, […]

Leslie Watts: Merit Bank, Vice President Private Banking Relationship Manager

Leslie Watts is a seasoned banking professional with two decades of experience in the banking industry. Currently, she serves as a Private Banking Relationship Manager at Merit Bank where she leverages her expertise to build strong client relationships and provide tailored financial solutions. Leslie is committed to serving her community. She actively serves as a […]

Fathia Hardy: Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, Learning and Development Specialist

Fathia Hardy, PMP, is a workforce development professional with over a decade of experience in leadership training, instructional design, program development, and project management. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP)®, she serves as a Specialist, Instructional Designer with Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM), where she designs and delivers training that strengthens leadership capability, communication, and organizational […]

Jillian Miles Massey: Horizon Point Consulting, Talent Development Consultant

Jillian Miles Massey, a Talent Development Consultant at Horizon Point Consulting, works across higher education, industry, and nonprofit leadership. She previously served on the faculty at Auburn University and now teaches as an Adjunct Instructor at Athens State University. With expertise in management, human resources, entrepreneurship, and organizational development, she partners with organizations to strengthen […]

Lynsey Staggs: Flowspace Yoga, Owner and Yoga Instructor

Lynsey Staggs is a 29 year old serial entrepreneur. After growing a retail and record store for eight years, she now focuses her time on real estate and growing her new venture – a yoga business. For Lynsey, community is everything. Fostering a connection to people through wellness is an important part of who she […]

Michael Clark: The Dance Factor – Owner, Director, Instructor

Michael Clark is the Owner, Director, and Instructor at The Dance Factor in Huntsville, AL. Certified through Dance Educators of America, he began training at age five and has competed, choreographed, and taught regionally. After earning a marketing degree from the University of Alabama, Michael combined his passion for dance with community service, founding Kathy’s […]

Genevieve Miller: Huntsville Hair Company, Co-owner and Lead Stylist

Genevieve Miller, who has over 13 years of experience in the beauty industry, is the owner and lead stylist of Huntsville Hair Company. Known for her leadership and vision, she has built a salon rooted in professionalism, high standards, and growth. Genevieve is passionate about mentoring stylists, creating sustainable careers, and delivering exceptional client experiences. […]

Whitney Swinney: Inventory Acquisition Market Lead, GFiber

Whitney Swinney is a homegrown leader with 15 years of experience shaping the Southeast’s telecommunications landscape. As the Inventory Acquisition Market Lead for GFiber, she spearheads network expansion and complex negotiations for multi-family and mixed-use developments across the Huntsville and Nashville metros. A former UAH softball player, Whitney’s deep community roots are reflected in her […]

Morgan McBride: Field Office Operations Coordinator, Georgia Tech Research Institute

Morgan McBride serves as the GTRI Huntsville Research Center Facility Manager and GTRI Field Office Operations Coordinator, where she is known for optimizing operations and strengthening communication. A dedicated leader, she is the President-elect of IFMA Huntsville (2026-2027) and an active member of the Junior League. Morgan was also honored with selection for the prestigious […]