John Allen, Chairman

CEO, Huntsville Committee of 100

John Allen leads the Huntsville Committee of 100, a business leadership organization driving civic and economic progress in Huntsville/Madison County in North Alabama. Founded in 1995, the Committee now includes 360 influential CEOs, including 60 emerging leaders, unified around three core pillars: long term economic growth, public education excellence, and collaborative, effective local government.

A Huntsville native and Auburn University graduate in mechanical engineering, John launched his career at bp Chemicals and later earned his Professional Engineering license. His career spans diverse industries—ranging from aerospace, petrochemical, and food production—offering him a rare cross-sector perspective on the regional economy. For 25 years, John served as President of Southern Construction & Design (SCD), a residential building firm recognized twice as the Huntsville Chamber Small Business of the Year and a recipient of the Better Business Bureau’s Marketplace Ethics Award.

John’s leadership is shaped by decades of community engagement, public policy insight, perseverance, and entrepreneurial grit. He is a graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville and Leadership Alabama, and brings a strategic, future-focused lens to long-term community visioning.

A committed adventurer, John is an avid CrossFit athlete and outdoor explorer. Since 2020, he has twice mountaineered on Mt. Rainier, completed the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal, paddled the 31-mile Chattajack kayak race three times, and rock climbed on the Grand Teton. He and his wife, Tami Culver Allen, share a love of travel—especially to Italy—and a deep appreciation for meaningful experiences and intentional living.

Liberty Learning Foundation is leading the charge to inspire the next great generation of citizens. The programs delivered to students teach the character traits of leadership, benefits of working with your fellow man for the common good, and the love for this great country. The future of our country takes super citizens and daily heroes that make a difference in their communities, cities, and states. The passion you see in the eyes of these students to be those super citizens and heroes brings great hope to our future!”

Reeivice Girtman,Vice Chairman

Director of CTE and Secondary Curriculum, Russell County Schools

Reeivice Girtman’s career impact reflects a sustained and far-reaching commitment to advancing education and opportunity across all of Alabama. From his early days as a classroom teacher and coach, to his leadership as a principal, nonprofit executive, district director, and superintendent, he has consistently driven meaningful growth in student achievement, organizational capacity, and community engagement.

Girtman’s work has led to monumental academic gains in multiple school systems including Phenix City Schools and Ozark City Schools, where he helped lead them to their highest state report card scores in history. As Executive Vice President with the Liberty Learning Foundation, he helped to expand access to character and civic education for tens of thousands of students. While in Ozark City Schools, he has advanced career technical education opportunities for middle and high school students, and revamped many of the district’s facilities to among the finest in the state of Alabama.

Beyond district leadership, Girtman’s influence extends even further through his contributions to statewide literacy reform as a member of the Alabama Literary Task Force in 2019. By helping to select key resources, assessments, and critical literacy standards targeted towards improving literacy, this sweeping legislation has led to a resurgence of extraordinary reading recovery in Alabama and across the southeast. Most recently, Girtman was tapped by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey in 2025 to serve on the Board of Directors for the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences. This one-of-a-kind school will be the first trade school in the nation with a specific emphasis on workforce development in the field of science and medicine. These opportunities help create jobs while also making Alabama a safer and healthier place for us to live.

Beyond the classroom, Girtman’s influence extends deep into the community. He is perhaps best known for helping others. He donates his time to church and community. As an active Rotarian and Kiwanis Club member Girtman is constantly giving back his time to better his community through service. Girtman was recently celebrated as a living Legend by The Tri-State Expo of Dothan, which recognizes outstanding achievements of minorities in the Wiregrass area. He was also recognized this year for Excellence in the Community at the Wiregrass Black History Gala.

Rooted in service, collaboration, and a belief in the potential of every learner, his leadership has not only transformed schools but has helped position Alabama for a stronger, more prepared future.

Girtman was born and raised in Dothan. He graduated from Northview High School where he received a football scholarship to attend Troy State University. Upon graduating from college with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree, he married his now wife of twenty-eight years, Ann Girtman. The couple share three adult children and two beautiful granddaughters. Girtman is a man of faith and actively teaches and preaches at his local congregation.

Girtman’s personal mantra is, “If I can see, then I can be it!” Personal experiences he had as a youth have fueled him to provide similar opportunities for children of today. He understands that God has blessed him with ability and responsibility. Therefore, he strives to multiply his talents, Matthew 25:29.

I’m so excited to be officially back with my LLF family! LLF is my home away from home. The lessons we teach and instill in our students about freedom, character, financial literacy, and service have never been more important than they are today. I’m honored to serve on this board and committed to ensuring we provide opportunities for all students to become the Next Great Americans!

Russ Williams,Chair Social Sciences Division & History Instructor

History Instructor, Gadsden State Community College

I am the Chair of the Social Sciences Division and History Instructor at Gadsden State Community College. I have been there for ten years. I’m also a licensed attorney and member of the Alabama State Bar Association. Before teaching college, I was a high school teacher, football and baseball coach, and technology coach at Arab High School for twelve years. I taught AP United States History, AP World History, Dual Enrollment Western Civilization 101/102, 11th Grade US History, 10th Grade US History, and 9th Grade World History. I was a National Board Certified Teacher, the 2010 District Secondary Teacher of the Year, and served as the AEA President for the Arab district. I was awarded the Adolph Crew Teaching Award from the University of Alabama in 2016. I contract for A+ College Ready as an education consultant, Social Studies trainer, curriculum designer, and AP Study Session presenter. In addition, I have contracted periodically with Liberty Learning as an education consultant and content creator. I created the American Characters Comic Book for Middle School and the curriculum that corresponds with the learning resource. I have also created the high school Founding Documents lessons (“Gettysburg Address” and “Bill of Rights”) and other installments for 9th Grade World History classrooms.

I live in Arab, AL. My wife Susanna and I have been married for 19 years. She is a Library and Media Specialist for Arab High School. We are also blessed to have a 14 year old daughter by the name of Mary Michael.

As a career Social Studies teacher and collegiate History instructor, the content’s purpose can only generate an applicable “buy-in” when students understand the “why” behind their studies. This elusive “buy-in” is necessary for educating the next generation of responsible, motivated, and empathetic citizens. Liberty Learning teaches the “why” and instills purpose through active participation in civic education.

As a career Social Studies teacher and collegiate History instructor, the content’s purpose can only generate an applicable “buy-in” when students understand the “why” behind their studies. This elusive “buy-in” is necessary for educating the next generation of responsible, motivated, and empathetic citizens. Liberty Learning teaches the “why” and instills purpose through active participation in civic education.

Brad Garland, Treasurer

Honeycomb CPAs & Advisors

Brad Garland, CPA attended Auburn University where he graduated in Accounting, with a Minor in Spanish and an Equivalency of a Minor in Geology; as well as a Master of Accountancy. After working in public accounting in Atlanta and obtaining his Georgia CPA license, Brad moved back to the Tennessee Valley to crunch numbers in the ever-growing Rocket City.

Brad is a board member of the Huntsville/Madison County Public Library; is Treasurer for the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville; and serves on the Auburn University School of Accountancy Advisory Council. He also supports community organization in the Big Cove area of Huntsville. Brad resides in Big Cove with his wife and two children.

“The importance of community, especially for a growing area like Huntsville, means that its citizens must love and understand civic duty. That relationship starts with establishing a foundation via education for our future – our students in school. As a parent myself, I look forward to continuing LLF’s mission to foster an environment for learning and foment interest in participation among the newest generation.”

Lisa Williams, Assistant Treasurer

CEO, Soldier 1 Corporation

Lisa Williams was born in Saigon, Viet Nam on the 4th of July. She’s always said she was

destined to be an American. At the age of three, she contracted polio, a crippling and potentially deadly disease while living in Viet Nam. She came to the United States at the age of six through the bravery of an American soldier, George Duncan. Lisa’s passion has always been for the American soldier and the United States. Lisa is on the speaking circuit and speaks on a regular basis on what it means to be an American and living the American Dream. Her career has spanned from being a missile test engineer to a successful entrepreneur.

Lisa was the founder and CEO of 3D Research Corporation. 3D Research was ranked in the Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing companies in America. Her company was acquired by the Schafer Corporation in 2005. After the sale of 3D Research Corporation, she took over as president of Systems Dynamic International in February of 2011 after their president had died unexpectedly. She was able to put the company back on track for success and left SDI in March 2012. Lisa is currently CEO of Soldier 1 Corporation.

Lisa earned her BS degree in Chemical Engineering and an Honorary PhD from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She received the UAH Business Fellow Award and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the university. She has been awarded the Small Business Person of the Year for the State of Alabama by the Small Business Administration and was also named the Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs of America. Lisa was awarded the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce’s Executive of the Year. She is also recognized as one of the Women Who Shape the State by the State of Alabama Business Council. And she was just recently awarded the Alabama Women of Impact Award.

Lisa is active on many boards and councils; She is on the boards of the Tennessee Valley Corridor representing the 5th Congressional District, the Liberty Learning Foundation and the Huntsville Police Citizens Foundation. Lisa was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission. She is very active in mentoring and counsels many small businesses in the state of Alabama. She currently resides in Huntsville, Alabama with her husband, Phil Williams and son, Tyler.

Dennis Madsen, Governance Chairman & Secretary

Manager of Urban & Long Range Planning, City of Huntsville

Dennis Madsen, AICP, received his Masters in Architecture from Georgia Tech and subsequently spent two decades working for private-sector architecture, urban design and community planning firms in Atlanta. In 2013, he joined the City of Huntsville as the Manager of Urban and Long Range Planning, and he has since then been leading the comprehensive planning effort known as “The BIG Picture”. Dennis lives on Monte Sano with his wife Laura Lester (Huntsville High, class of ’86) and son Adlai.

“My profession has taken me to cities across the US, and I have been able to see first hand what sets successful communities apart: it’s the people. The shared commitment to bettering one’s community is vital; it feeds all other aspects of success, from economic development and education to public safety and philanthropy. It is incredibly important that that commitment be nurtured in our schools. All children should have the opportunity to understand what it means to be a good citizen, and to have the tools to become one. Great students become great citizens; great citizens build great communities.”

Dr. Tony Bonds

Principal, Huntsville Junior High

Dr. Tony Bonds is a dedicated educational leader and principal with more than 16 years of experience in education. He is committed to creating schools where students and educators feel valued, supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Dr. Bonds earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi, where he played football for the Ole Miss Rebels. His experience as a collegiate student-athlete shaped his understanding of discipline, teamwork, accountability, perseverance, and strong relationships—principles that continue to guide his leadership. He also studied Criminal Justice, which contributes to his ability to understand people, recognize patterns, and respond thoughtfully to individual and community needs.

He earned his doctorate from Liberty University and, in 2026, completed the Superintendents Academy through the University of Alabama and the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), expanding his expertise in educational leadership, governance, and school finance.

As principal of Huntsville Junior High School, Dr. Bonds leads with a simple commitment: “teach and love every student.” He believes effective leadership extends beyond academics and accountability to include building relationships, developing people, creating opportunities, and helping students recognize their potential. His vision is to impart hope, inspire dreams, and remind students and educators that they can do hard things.

Dr. Bonds leads with purpose, humility, faith, and compassion, striving to develop future leaders and leave every school and person better than he found them. Outside of education, he is a proud father to Elijah, 15, and Annalesa, 13. His faith and family remain central to his life and continue to shape his commitment to serving young people and their communities.

Dr. Lane Busby McLelland

Retired Educator

Now retired, Dr. Lane Busby McLelland served as the executive director of the Crossroads Civic Engagement Center at The University of Alabama (UA) from 2013-2026. She has worked for over 30 years, both inside and outside of higher education, to foster and develop individual and community capacity for working across social, religious, and political differences. While at Crossroads, she directed initiatives on campus and in the broader community to advance skills for civic dialogue and to enhance voter education and participation. Her classes and research focused on moral development and issues of free speech in higher education, as well as the design and implementation of campus and community models for more effective civic learning and democratic engagement.

Before joining Crossroads in 2013, McLelland served as the assistant director in UA’s New College, where she taught courses in ethics and principles of deliberative democracy. While there, she also coordinated New College’s Civic Engagement and Leadership Minor and designed its community-based research internship program in rural Walker County, Alabama.

McLelland holds a PhD in Social and Cultural Studies from the University of Alabama. Additionally, she received an MA in Ethics and a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, and a BA in International Studies and Conflict Management from The University of Alabama.

“A thriving democratic society depends on the ability of its citizens to uphold its principles and foster its on-going power to guarantee the dignity and freedom of all people. Civic capacity must, therefore, be intentionally developed. The Liberty Learning Foundation’s commitment to prepare engaged, knowledgeable, and inspired citizens is vital to the future of our democracy, and I am honored to share in its mission.”

Dr. LaTonya Barnes Sibley

NBCT, National Educational Consultant & Alabama Educator

Dr. Sibley is an independent national educational consultant, focusing on influencing positive educational change and improving student achievement. She currently serves as a Professor of Education at the Alabama State University and supports members of the Alabama Education Association. She has served as an early childhood, elementary, and middle school teacher, curriculum coach, testing and assessment coordinator, and state director.

Dr. Sibley earned her B.A. in Communications, M.A. in Education, and Ph.D. in Education degrees from UAB. Her studies focused on early childhood, teacher leadership, character development, and civic education programs. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), holding an Early Childhood Generalist certificate.

Dr. Sibley serves as the 2021-2023 National President of Black Women Education Leaders, Inc. She is also a founding member of the Alabama Alliance of Black School Educators (AL-ABSE) and the National Board Network of Accomplished Minoritized Educators (NB-NAME). She is proud to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

The future of America is dependent upon today’s young people and the ideals we instill in them to appreciate what is great about our nation, as we work to form an even more perfect union. Liberty Learning Foundation, and its commitment to American ideals and constitutional values, helps develop the core principles of civic duty and strong, positive character traits for young people. America is at its best when we present ourselves as one nation, with a shared vision for the future; one that is indivisible… with liberty and justice for all. – Dr. LaTonya Barnes Sibley, NBCT

Dr. Billy Counts II

Manager, Alabama Children’s Policy Council

Billy is an Alabama native and entered the United States Army in 1990 as a Military Police Officer, retiring in 2020 after a 30-year career. During his military career he served in a multitude of positions, culminating as the Redstone Arsenal Garrison Command Sergeant Major. He served in numerous US locations, as well as non-combat tours in Germany and Korea, and combat tours in Somalia, the Balkans, and Afghanistan.

After retirement, Billy joined the Huntsville Rehabilitation Foundation d/b/a Phoenix, serving in a variety of positions culminating as the Chief Operating Officer. Upon leaving Phoenix, he then became the Director of Operations Support for the Chenega Corporation Security Strategic Business unit. He is currently the Co-chair for the HSV/MC Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, member of the Huntsville Rotary Club serving on the Rotary Foundation Board, and lifetime member of the Redstone Arsenal Sergeants Major Association. He holds a BA and MA in History, a DBA with a focus on Organizational Leadership and Development, and numerous other professional qualifications and certifications.

Billy has been married for 32 years and has one child and four grandchildren, all residing in North Alabama.

Maria Johnson

Retired Educator | Literacy Advocate | Instructional Leader

Maria Johnson is a retired educator with 30 years of experience in public education, having served in roles ranging from classroom teacher to central office administrator — including special education teacher, Title I reading teacher, building-level Instructional Specialist, school administrator, and district-level Director of Curriculum, before retiring as Assistant Superintendent for the Division of Instructional Services.

Though retired, Mrs. Johnson remains active in the education community. She serves on the board of the Liberty Learning Foundation and on the Alabama Committee on Grade-Level Reading, and is a 2025–2026 Fellow with New Schools for Alabama.

She holds a B.S. in Special Education and M.S. in Reading from Troy University, and an Ed.S. in Administration with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction from the University of West Florida.

“The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of the government in the next.”
–Abraham Lincoln

Zachary B. Roberson

Attorney, Bishop Brooks

Zach Roberson is a partner attorney at Bishop Brooks, LLC in Huntsville, Alabama, where his legal practice centers on education law. A native of North Alabama, Zach works extensively with school boards and educational leaders across the state, advising on compliance with federal and state requirements, special education issues, student matters, and board governance.

Zach earned his Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from the University of North Alabama and his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Mississippi School of Law, where he served on the Mississippi Law Journal and was national runner-up in a moot court competition. Deeply committed to educational advocacy, he has served on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Council of School Board Attorneys for the last three years and is a graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville’s Connect Class (C-25). Through his work, Zach is dedicated to strengthening public education and supporting programs that empower Alabama’s students.

Dr. Latonya Barnes Sibley, NBCT

Education Consultant | Author | Professor | Character Education Advocate

Dr. LaTonya Barnes Sibley believes every child deserves an exceptional educator. For more than 17 years, she has dedicated her career to advancing excellence in early childhood education by equipping educators, developing leaders, and creating learning environments where every child is known, valued, and inspired to thrive.

As an Education Consultant, Adjunct Professor of Early Childhood Education, and District-Wide Early Learning Specialist, Dr. Sibley supports educators at every stage of their careers, from preparing future teachers to coaching educators and school leaders. Through keynote presentations, professional learning, leadership institutes, and conference sessions, she has partnered with universities, nonprofit organizations, school districts, and state agencies nationwide. She is passionate about developing accomplished educators, strengthening school communities, cultivating character, engaging families, and promoting educator well-being.

Dr. Sibley earned her Ph.D. in Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where her doctoral studies focused on early childhood education, teacher leadership, character development, and civic education. She is a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), a distinction earned by approximately 4% of teachers nationwide. She is also the co-author of The New Teacher’s Guide to Overcoming Common Challenges and THRIVE: Reviving the Heart of Education. As an author and keynote speaker, she equips educators to lead with purpose, cultivate character, and build thriving learning communities.

Her commitment to advancing the profession extends beyond the classroom through service on national, state, and nonprofit boards, including the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (Co-Chair, Certification Council, 2025-current), Black Women Education Leaders (National President, 2020–2023), and Liberty Learning Foundation (Secretary, 2021–2024), where she supports initiatives that strengthen character education, civic engagement, and partnerships among schools, families, businesses, and communities.

Known for blending practical strategies with warmth, encouragement, and a love for people, Dr. Sibley is committed to ensuring every person leaves feeling equipped, encouraged, and inspired to make a difference. She believes every child deserves an exceptional educator, and every educator deserves the support, encouragement, and opportunity to become one.

“The future of America is dependent upon today’s young people and the ideals we instill in them to appreciate what is great about our nation as we work to form an even more perfect union. Liberty Learning Foundation’s commitment to American ideals and constitutional values helps develop the core principles of civic duty and strong, positive character in young people. America is at its best when we present ourselves as one nation, with a shared vision for the future, one that is indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Dexter Strong

Vice President of Communications, Apollo Messaging and Media

Dexter is a strategic communications executive with more than a decade of experience leading high-impact messaging, media relations, and public affairs across government, political, and public-facing sectors. He has advised elected and appointed leaders, directed statewide political communications campaigns, and managed executive communications and press operations at the highest levels.

He specializes in navigating complex, enterprise-level communications—especially during periods of organizational change, public scrutiny, or major technology rollouts. His work consistently focuses on translating big ideas into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences and drive engagement.

Whether supporting leadership visibility, managing crisis communications, or building integrated campaigns, Dexter brings a steady hand, a strategic lens, and a deep commitment to connecting people, policy, and purpose.

Adam Thomas

Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Wiregrass Wealth Management

Adam Thomas is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Wiregrass Wealth Management, a Raymond James-affiliated firm he established in 2009. Under his leadership, the firm earned the 2024 Alabama Small Business of the Year Gold Award in the 1–10 employees category — a reflection of the culture of excellence he and his partners have built over the past 15 years.

A lifelong resident of Rehobeth, Alabama, Adam has deep roots in the Wiregrass community and a long record of civic engagement. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Southeast Health Foundation and has supported organizations including the Child Advocacy Center, the Dothan Civic Center, the Dothan Opera House, and the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, where he previously served as a board member.

Adam is also an active community developer, currently leading the Rehobeth Town Center project — a 20-acre mixed-use development designed to bring a revitalized downtown experience to Rehobeth with a focus on local character and community gathering space. Alongside his development work, Adam co-owns Wiregrass Events, which produces the annual Songwriter Showcase and other community events in the Dothan area, with all proceeds donated to charity — twice benefiting Liberty Learning.

Outside of his professional and civic work, Adam is an avid upland bird hunter, and he and his wife, Christena, spend much of the fall in Montana, where they enjoy the state’s open country and hunting season each year. Together, they remain proud, active members of the Rehobeth community they call home.