Change has been a key word throughout South Huntsville. Changes to Memorial Parkway, to various key developments in the area, and to dining and retail options have brought a certain revitalization to the area.

Alongside these new developments, the South Huntsville Main Business Association recently welcomed Madison Roberts as their new Executive Director with the goal of taking part in the major changes happening in South Huntsville. With her diverse background and passion for community development, Roberts looks to bring fresh ideas and a unique perspective to her position.

In an interview with HBJ, her first since accepting her new position, Roberts shared her vision for South Huntsville, her commitment to its success, and how she ended up becoming the SBA’s newest director.

One thing that sticks out about Roberts is her enthusiasm for working in a member-based environment. The Arkansas native moved to Huntsville with her husband in 2018 and initially worked with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center before moving into a position with the Madison County Builders Association as their relations manager.

Madison Roberts, the new Executive Director of the South Huntsville Main Business Association

She explained how the feeling of camaraderie amongst members in an organization made it a satisfying position.

“Once you are in that room, there is still very much a camaraderie when you’re a part of an association because that association is going to support, promote and advocate for you,” Roberts mentioned.

This specific experience and enthusiasm should prove useful as the SHMBA was conceived in 2015, amidst the three year overpass construction project, with the goal of providing the area’s business owners a single, unifying voice to communicate with city leaders and officials. After the initial effort succeeded and allowed the local businesses to survive and thrive the massive change, the SHMBA shifted its focus to determine other long term goals for the collection of business owners.

In the spring of 2018 as the construction was nearing completion, SHMBA applied to be a Main Street Designated City with Main Street Alabama and received the South Huntsville Urban Main Designation. Now with Roberts at the helm, the Main Street Program and SHMBA will be focusing on revitalizing the South Parkway district and creating a thriving and vibrant economic climate for businesses in South Huntsville.

Appointing Roberts as the newest Executive Director solidifies the fact that the SHMBA is starting a new chapter in the coalition’s history and she seems to embrace this when talking about her vision. The first era was centered on the more concrete and short term goals of surviving the construction of the overpass and earning the Main Street accreditation.

Roberts talked about this and how she is eager to establish the long term goals for the SHMBA and its members.

“After the two big hurdles of getting off the ground and getting this accreditation, what’s next? I’m interested in finding out what that is and that is going to come from talking with our members, talking with the community and with the board to forge that vision together for the foreseeable future. While no specifics have been identified for this future quite yet, there are a few details that she knows will be included.

“We want to create a community where people feel a sense of pride in both our past and our future.”

Roberts understands the importance of preserving South Huntsville’s rich legacy while also embracing the necessary changes for growth and development. She believes in finding a harmonious balance between modern developments and historical preservation to attract residents and visitors alike.

Another key to success, according to Roberts, is establishing a community that attracts the entrepreneurs of tomorrow and their families.

“We want to create a community that young professionals and families are excited to call home,” she elaborated.

She highlighted the area’s excellent schools, proximity to urban amenities, and natural landscapes as strong selling points.

Roberts also recognized the importance of setting realistic goals and maintaining a practical approach. She emphasized the need to align expectations with available resources and community capabilities. By doing so, South Huntsville can create a strategic roadmap that adapts to the evolving needs of the community and ensure that the new era of the SHMBA will continue to be successful and beneficial for its members.

For more information, please visit southhuntsvillemain.org.