William “Bill” J. Stevens has spent his life building not only one of North America’s leading industrial distribution companies but also a legacy of civic leadership and philanthropic impact that has shaped Alabama’s business and community landscape.
As the retired CEO and Chairman of Motion Industries, based in Birmingham, Stevens led the company through a period of extraordinary growth. Under his leadership, Motion Industries’ sales surged from $1.85 billion in 1997 to $4.8 billion in 2014, expanding its footprint to 49 states, Mexico, and Canada. His tenure included 38 strategic acquisitions, positioning the company as a powerhouse in industrial distribution. “Motion Industries is a star in Alabama, thanks in large part to Mr. Stevens’ leadership,” wrote Dr. Betsy Holloway of Samford University.
Stevens began his career in human resources at Motion Industries and rose through the ranks to become executive vice president, president and COO, and eventually CEO and chairman. His contributions earned him the Genuine Parts Company Manager of the Year award twice, in 1997 and 2006, and the Bearing Specialists Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
A native of Alexander City, Alabama, Stevens graduated from Samford University in 1970 with a degree in business administration and a basketball scholarship. His connection to Samford has remained strong for over five decades. He has served nearly 30 years on the university’s Board of Trustees, including two terms as chair, and is now a lifetime member—an honor bestowed upon very few in Samford’s 182-year history. “Simply put, Samford is what it is today in large part due to Bill’s leadership,” said Samford President Dr. Beck Taylor.
Stevens’ influence extends far beyond the corporate world. He has been a driving force in Alabama’s civic and philanthropic sectors, serving on boards for the Salvation Army, Children’s Harbor, Junior Achievement of Alabama, the Greater Alabama Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and HoneyWord Ministries. His leadership and generosity earned him and his wife, Kimeran, recognition from the Birmingham chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals for their philanthropic contributions.
His commitment to health and wellness initiatives is equally notable. As Chairman of the Board for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama from 2015 to 2022, Stevens helped guide the organization through transformative industry changes, including healthcare reform and the COVID-19 pandemic. “Bill’s exceptional business expertise helped our company move forward and strategically expand into new markets and business partnerships,” wrote Tim Vines, President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Stevens also served on the boards of The Caring Foundation and The Alabama Child Caring Foundation, which provide healthcare and support for children in low-income families.
Stevens’ leadership style is marked by humility, compassion, and a deep sense of service. “Bill is an inspirational and compassionate leader with a servant’s heart and a genuine commitment to helping others,” Vines added. His civic engagement reflects a belief that business success must be paired with community stewardship—a philosophy that has made him a respected figure across Alabama.
In addition to his corporate and civic roles, Stevens serves on the board of directors for Russell Lands, contributing to the development and preservation of Alabama’s natural and recreational resources.
“Bill Stevens represents the best of Alabama business success stories,” Dr. Taylor concluded. “His vision for success included our state’s ecosystem of educational and non-profit organizations. He is a worthy candidate for this honor.”
Stevens lives in Vestavia Hills with his wife, Kimeran, whom he met at Samford. They are the proud parents of two sons and grandparents to three grandchildren.
