BY Jeff Helms, Chairman, Alabama PALS
As we prepare to welcome the New Year, Alabama PALS is ushering in a new era of stewardship under the leadership of Executive Director Jamie Mitchell. With a decade of experience as Clean Campus Coordinator, Jamie brings a passion for education to her new role as well as a deep appreciation for the volunteers who make our organization great. With the support of retired Executive Director and mentor Spencer Ryan, Jamie is positioning Alabama PALS for even greater impact in the future. We recently relocated the Alabama PALS office to a more energy-efficient space off Vaughn Road in east Montgomery. Jamie also is leading efforts to modernize accounting functions and develop more detailed budgets for PALS’ programs.
Joining Jamie’s vision to strengthen Alabama PALS are Adopt-A-Mile Coordinator Christy Waddell and Clean Campus Coordinator Shay Grant. Christy’s attention to detail has improved audits, recordkeeping, and sign distribution for adopted miles. She has recently identified signs in need of replacement and is working with ALDOT to ensure these markers are a worthy representation of our volunteers’ work. Christy also has streamlined the shipping of signs. Meanwhile, Shay brings decades of classroom experience and a love for teaching to the Clean Campus program. She has already visited about 15 schools this fall, with more on the calendar for 2025.
The Board of Directors is excited about this trio’s vision for the future of Alabama PALS. As we work to equip the staff for success, we also are taking steps to strengthen the organization’s governance and continuity. In 2024, we updated the Alabama PALS bylaws to reflect programmatic and technology changes and to ensure our practices align with the PALS’ mission.
We also voted to add two longtime partners to the Board. In 2025, we are excited to welcome Andy Britton of Coca-Cola UNITED and Sharon Tinsley of the Alabama Broadcasters Association. Andy has been a vital link in expanding Alabama PALS’ recycling efforts and engaging the Alabama Community College System with the Clean Campus program. Meanwhile, Sharon has led the production and broadcast of the Alabama PALS public service announcement for more years than I can remember. We appreciate their ongoing contributions to the organization and willingness to serve in leadership roles. As you can see, great things are on the horizon for Alabama PALS. With your help, we can make 2025 our best year yet!