Zach Thomas – The Alabama Business Hall of Fame

Seven Additions to the Alabama Business Hall of Fame for 2024

November 20th, 2024

Above: The Alabama Business Hall of Fame Class of 2024. From left to right: Raymond J. Harbert, Dr. Marnix E. Heersink, Thomas H. Lowder, Nick Saban, Thomas A. Harris, Rob Burton, and Claude B. Nielsen.

CONTACT: Zach Thomas, Director of Marketing and Communications, rzthomas@ua.edu.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama Business Hall of Fame inducted seven new members for 2024 in a black-tie ceremony on Thursday, November 14 at Haven in downtown Birmingham, attended by about 500 individuals, including business, community, and higher-ed leaders, and former inductees.

The inductees included:

Rob Burton

Rob Burton is the CEO of Hoar Holdings. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in building science, Burton held positions of increasing responsibility until he was named president in 1996 and CEO in 2001. Additionally, in 1997, Burton established a top-25 ranked national program management company, HPM, that offers design and construction expertise to institutions and companies around the country.

Raymond J. Harbert

Raymond J. Harbert is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Harbert Management Corporation, one of the largest alternative asset investment management firms in the Southeast. In 1993, Harbert launched Harbert Management Corporation, the first multi-alternative asset investment management firm in Alabama. Today, HMC manages over $8 billion of assets under management. He graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management.

Thomas A. Harris

Dr. Marnix E. Heersink

Thomas H. Lowder

Thomas H. Lowder is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Colonial Properties Trust, a multifamily-focused real estate investment trust with commercial assets in the Sunbelt region of the United States. After 20 years as a public company, Colonial Properties underwent mergers to become one of the largest and most successful apartment real estate investment trusts on the NYSE, with a market capitalization of over $16 billion. Lowder graduated with honors from Auburn University with a bachelor of science degree.

Claude B. Nielsen

Nick L. Saban

Nick L. Saban is a sportscaster, sports analyst, entrepreneur, and retired college and professional football coach. After playing defensive back at Kent State University, he graduated in 1973 with a bachelor’s in business, then in 1975, from the same university, with a master’s in sports administration. His career led him to head coach of college and professional football teams, winning seven national championships during his tenure. He is most recognized for leading the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2007 to 2024. He now works as an analyst for ESPN and is also co-owner of Dream Motor Corp., which operates automotive dealerships.

Candice Todd, vice chair of the Alabama Business Hall of Fame Board, welcomed attendees to the event and provided the invocation. Dr. Kay M. Palan, dean of the Culverhouse College of Business, introduced each inductee to the stage after the playing of videos highlighting the various inductees’ careers and contributions to the community.

2024 Alabama Business Hall of Fame Corporate Tables

Alabama Power
Anderson & Anderson LLC
Anderson Growth Partners
Auburn Athletics/Tigers Unlimited Foundation
Auburn University
Auburn University Harbert College of Business
B.A.S.S. LLC
Birmingham Business Alliance
Books-A-Million
Brasfield & Gorrie
Ronald G. Bruno
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola UNITED
Dentons Sirote PC
Drummond Company, Inc.
Ernst & Young LLP
Fairway Investments, LLC
Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc.
Harbert Management Corporation
Hoar Construction
John D. Johns
Kowaliga Capital, Inc.
Ligon Industries
Lockton Companies
McWane Inc.
PNC Bank
Regions Bank
Scout Energy Partners
Synovus Bank
TNT Fireworks
The University of Alabama Athletics
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Business
The University of Alabama System
Vulcan Materials
Wynn’s Grain and Spice

About the Alabama Business Hall of Fame

Founded in 1973, the Alabama Business Hall of Fame honors, preserves and perpetuates the names and outstanding accomplishments of business personalities who have brought lasting fame to the State of Alabama, whether it occurred in Alabama or not.

The Alabama Business Hall of Fame is located in Hewson Hall on The University of Alabama campus.

The Hall of Fame is governed by a 26-member Board of Directors. This body established the criteria for selecting inductees, determines the eligibility and election process for how these candidates shall be elected to the Hall of Fame. All candidates must have been deceased or in retirement at least three years, except for those who are 65 years of age and older, and still active in business. To be eligible for selection, an individual must have made a significant impact on the development of their community and state by promoting the free enterprise system and entrepreneurship.

Nominations for induction into the Hall of Fame are submitted to the 26-member Board of Directors.

This board of directors is composed of Alabama Business Hall of Fame members, business leaders who are alumni and/or affiliates of a diverse representation of the state’s higher education institutions, and each congressional district in the state of Alabama.

Announcing the Alabama Business Hall of Fame Class of 2024

July 18th, 2024

TUSCALOOSA, Al — The Alabama Business Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1973 to honor those individuals who have brought lasting fame to the state of Alabama through their business contributions, is proud to announce the names of the seven business leaders that compose the Class of 2024.

The inductees are Mr. Rob Burton of Birmingham, AL; Mr. Raymond J. Harbert of Birmingham, AL; Mr. Thomas A. Harris of Hope Hull, AL; Dr. Marnix E. Heersink of Dothan, AL; Mr. Thomas H. Lowder of Birmingham, AL; Mr. Claude B. Nielsen of Birmingham, AL; and Mr. Nick L. Saban of Tuscaloosa, AL.

The induction ceremony will take place at Haven in Birmingham on Thursday, November 14.

The Alabama Business Hall of Fame Inductees for 2024

Rob Burton

Rob Burton is CEO of Hoar Holdings. He started working at Hoar Construction for his father (then president Bob Burton) to learn the family business at the age of 13. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in building science, Burton again entered the company and held positions of increasing responsibility until he was named president in 1996 and CEO in 2001. Under Burton’s leadership, Hoar Construction diversified, opening offices in several states and tackling larger and more complex projects—including ones in healthcare, entertainment, higher education, government, and more—while doubling the company’s revenue in the first ten years of his leadership. Additionally, in 1997 Burton established a now top-25 ranked national program management company, HPM, that offers design and construction expertise to institutions and companies around the country. In 2021, the company launched RPI Rentals, a construction equipment rental, materials, and supplies company with offices in Alabama and Texas. Hoar Construction, HPM, and RPI Rentals have all been repeatedly certified as a Great Place to Work.

A passionate supporter of Birmingham and the greater community, Burton has served on boards of various organizations, including The Birmingham Business Alliance, the Birmingham Zoo, Lakeshore Foundation, Protective Life, and American Contractors Insurance Group, among others. He is currently chairman of the board at The Hope Institute, which helps schools cultivate the character of students. Burton founded Hoar Community Foundation in 2004, a fund that has donated millions to charities that further the firm’s core values in areas where employees live and work.

Burton and his wife, Nancy, live in Birmingham, Alabama and have four children and nine grandchildren.

Raymond J. Harbert

Raymond J. Harbert is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Harbert Management Corporation, one of the largest alternative asset investment management firms in the Southeast. Harbert’s lifelong entrepreneurial pursuits began early in life at age 15 when he founded Penbryn Hill Catering, which he ran throughout his high school years.

After graduating from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management, Harbert went to work for Harbert International, Inc., the construction subsidiary of Harbert Corporation, and the company his father, John Harbert, had founded and built over a span of four decades. In 1990, at the age of 31, Harbert was promoted to president and CEO of Harbert Corporation, which was a multi-billion-dollar diversified conglomerate. In 1993, Harbert launched Harbert Management Corporation, the first multi alternative asset investment management firm in Alabama. Today, HMC manages ten different investment strategies from eight U.S. and four European offices with over $8 billion of assets under management.

Harbert serves on the boards and executive committees of the Robert Meyer Foundation, Children’s of Alabama, Birmingham Business Alliance and is chairman of the Newcomen Society of Alabama. He is also a Trustee Emeritus of Auburn University, where the College of Business is named for him. He previously served on the board of the Alabama Trust Fund and is a past member of Leadership Alabama. In 2006, Harbert was awarded the regional Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Financial Services, and he was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor in 2015.

Raymond and Kathryn Harbert are active philanthropists, having made significant gifts both in time and capital to numerous organizations including Auburn University, Red Mountain Theatre, Children’s of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and United Way of Central Alabama, where they were awarded the United Way Tocqueville Society Award in 2018. They have three children and nine grandchildren and live in Birmingham, Alabama.

Thomas A. Harris

Thomas A. Harris is an investment banker and entrepreneur who has founded several successful ventures. After graduating from Auburn University in 1971 with a business degree, Harris worked for First Alabama Bankshares as head of national accounts and business development. In 1987, he was a founder and president of Merchant Capital, a leading investment banking firm based in Montgomery, with offices throughout the Southeast. Merchant Capital was acquired by Stifel Nicolaus Financial Corp. in 2014. Harris served as senior managing director at Stifel Nicolaus until 2022. In 2021, he founded Birmingham Recovery Center and Longleaf Wellness and Recovery Centers, which provides treatment for substance use and mental health disorders with four facilities across Alabama. In 2023 he partnered in launching YHN Media Group, LLC, which owns several Alabama-based media outlets.

An avid conservationist, Harris founded and serves as president of Alabama Black Belt Adventures, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities in the Alabama Black Belt region. He was recently named to the national board of directors for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever and in 2019, was named Alabama Wildlife Governor’s Conservationist of the year. Harris serves on numerous boards, including the Alabama Wildlife Federation and Junior Achievement of Alabama.

Harris and his wife, Cindy, reside in Lowndes County, Alabama and have four children and seven grandchildren.

Dr. Marnix E. Heersink

Marnix E. Heersink is an ophthalmologist and co-founder of Eye Center South. Born in the Netherlands, Heersink earned his bachelor’s and medical degrees at the University of Western Ontario in Canada. Following a surgical internship in Montreal, and an ophthalmology residency and an anterior segment surgery fellowship, both in Philadelphia, he and his wife, Mary, moved to Dothan, Alabama, where he helped found Eye Center South in 1978. He has helped lead several research studies with the Trinity Research Group in Dothan since 2016, and is a fellow and member of several professional organizations including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, International College of Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. Heersink is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and the American Board of Eye Surgery.

Committed philanthropists, the Heersinks have funded numerous scholarships and fellowships at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Troy Business School. They also established the Wiregrass Pathway to Optometry scholarship. Heersink founded the Eye Education Foundation, an educational nonprofit for eye care professionals. Recently, the family made transformative gifts to two universities: The University of Alabama at Birmingham, (which named its medical school the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine) and McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Heersink has lectured internationally, and has served or serves on numerous nonprofit boards. He holds an honorary doctorate from McMaster University.

Heersink and Mary live in Dothan, Alabama and have six children and 11 grandchildren.

Thomas H. Lowder

Thomas H. Lowder is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Colonial Properties Trust, a New York Stock Exchange-listed, multifamily-focused real estate investment trust, with commercial assets in the Sunbelt region of the United States. After graduating with honors from Auburn University with a bachelor of science degree, Lowder assumed the leadership role at the family business, Colonial Properties Trust, in 1976. Lowder took the business public in 1993. With Lowder as CEO, the company grew from $475 million in total market capitalization to $5.3 billion before he retired from active management in 2006. Lowder returned three years later as CEO, in December 2008, to lead the company after the financial recession and Wall Street crisis. After 20 years as a public company, Colonial Properties merged with Mid-America Apartment Communities in 2013 and later Post Properties, Inc to create one of the largest and most successful apartment real estate investment trusts on the NYSE with a market capitalization over $16 billion. Lowder continues to serve on the board of Mid-America Apartment Communities.

Active in his community and beyond, Lowder serves or has served as a member or chair of several boards, including Children’s Hospital of Alabama, the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, the American Red Cross, and United Way of Central Alabama, among others. Lowder and his wife, Susan, who he married in 2012, are active in philanthropic efforts to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, ALS, and other neurological diseases, which took the lives of each of their former spouses.

Lowder has three daughters and Susan has three sons. They reside in Birmingham, Alabama.

Claude B. Nielsen

Claude B. Nielsen is the retired CEO and chairman of the board of Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business from Sewanee: The University of the South and an MBA from the University of Virginia, Nielsen joined Coca-Cola in 1979. He held a variety of operational and managerial positions in the company until he was named CEO in 1991 and later chairman of the board of directors in 2003. Under Nielsen’s leadership, United more than tripled the size and scope of the company in terms of revenues, geography, number of employees, and facilities. Birmingham-based Coca-Cola United is among the largest bottlers and distributors of Coke products in the U.S. With over $4 billion in annual revenues, it is also one of the largest privately held companies in Alabama. Nielsen retired as CEO in 2016 and as chairman in 2023.

Nielsen has served as a board member and chairman of the American Beverage Association, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, and The Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association. He has devoted time and energy to supporting causes like the United Way of Central Alabama, the Birmingham Airport Authority Board, and the American Cancer Society. He has also served on the Executive Committee of the Birmingham Business Alliance. Nielsen was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor in 2016 and into the Birmingham Business Hall of Fame in 2022. In addition, he and his wife, Kate, were recognized by the Greater Alabama Council of the Boy Scouts of America in 2017 with the “Heart of an Eagle” award for their community service, and they were named Outstanding Civic Leaders by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2021.

The Nielsens have three children and nine grandchildren and reside in Birmingham, Alabama.

Nick L. Saban

Nick L. Saban is a sportscaster, sports analyst, entrepreneur, and retired college and professional football coach, best known for his coaching of the Crimson Tide football team at The University of Alabama from 2007-2023. After playing defensive back at Kent State University, he graduated in 1973 with a bachelor’s in business, then in 1975, from the same university, with a master’s in sports administration. Saban’s coaching career began in graduate school as a graduate assistant to coach Don James. He went on to work as assistant coach to several college football programs from the late 1970s to mid-1980s, before starting his career as head coach at the University of Toledo in 1990. After one season with Toledo, Saban left to join the Cleveland Browns as defensive coordinator under Bill Belichick. He stayed until 1995, when he became head coach of Michigan State University, then LSU in 2000, and then the Miami Dolphins in 2005. Saban took on the head coach position at The University of Alabama in 2007, where he led the team to six championship titles, and steered the Crimson Tide into ranking #1 in the AP Top 25, at some point in the season, from 2008 until 2023 — the longest in college football history.

Saban now works as an analyst for the nationally-televised ESPN College GameDay. He is also co-owner of Dream Motor Corp., which operates automotive dealerships.

Along with his wife, Terry, Saban co-founded Nick’s Kids, a charitable organization that has donated more than $14 million to support children, teacher, and student causes throughout the state of Alabama and beyond.

Saban and Terry have two children and two grandchildren and live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

More Info

Learn more about the Alabama Business Hall of Fame induction ceremony at albusinesshof.com.

Contact Zach Thomas, the Alabama Business Hall of Fame Director of Marketing and Communications, at rzthomas@ua.edu.

Media may download headshots of the 2024 ABHOF inductees here: https://alabama.box.com/v/2024-albusinesshof

2023 Brings Six New Additions to the Alabama Business Hall of Fame

November 13th, 2023

CONTACT: Zach Thomas, Director of Marketing and Communications, rzthomas@ua.edu.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama Business Hall of Fame inducted six new members for 2023 in a black-tie ceremony on November 9 at Haven in downtown Birmingham, attended by about 450 individuals.

The inductees for 2023 included:

Herman E. Bulls

Herman E. Bulls is Vice Chairman, Americas, as well as international director and the founder of Jones Lang LaSalle’s (JLL) highly acclaimed Public Institutions practice, which he started to serve governmental and higher education clients. In addition to his current work at JLL, Bulls is the founder, president, and CEO of Bulls Advisory Group, a real estate advisory and management consulting firm. Born in Florence, Ala., he served in the United States Army after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point with an engineering degree and completing the Army’s Airborne and Ranger courses.

Thomas “Tom” Hough

Thomas “Tom” Hough spent most of his career working for Ernst & Young in positions of escalating responsibility. By his retirement in 2014, he was leading EY’s Americas Assurance Practice, serving on the Firm’s Executive Board and a member of the Global Assurance Executive Committee. He graduated from The University of Alabama with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting.

Phillip McWane

Phillip McWane is chairman of McWane, Inc., the Birmingham, Alabama-based manufacturer of ductile iron products such as pipes, hydrants, and other critical goods used in construction and water infrastructure. Under McWane’s leadership, the company, a cornerstone of the Alabama business community, became a market leader. He graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial management.

James W. Rane

James W. “Jimmy” Rane is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc., a company he founded in Abbeville, Alabama, in 1970 and which has since grown to become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of pressure-treated lumber. He graduated high school from Marion Military Institute. He earned his bachelor’s in business administration from Auburn University, as well as a J.D. from the Samford University Cumberland School of Law.

Frank Stitt III

Frank Stitt III is the owner and executive chef of Highlands Bar and Grill, Bottega Restaurant, Bottega Café, and Chez Fonfon in Birmingham, Alabama. Stitt’s culinary journey began to take shape when he moved to San Francisco, and he honed his kitchen skills at various Bay Area restaurants before returning to his home state of Alabama to launch Highlands in 1982. He attended Tufts University and the University of California, Berkeley.

Michael D. Thompson

Michael D. Thompson is chairman of the board of Thompson Tractor Co., a dealer of heavy earthmoving machinery and engines through the South, and president and CEO of Fairway Investments. Fairway manages millions of square feet of retail, office, multi-family, hospitality, and industrial property across the country. He earned a bachelor’s degree in general business from The University of Alabama.

Read longer inductee bios here.

Watch videos about each individual inductee here.

See and download photos of the induction ceremony here.

Mike Ross, chairman of the Hall of Fame Board, welcomed attendees to the event and provided the invocation. Dr. Kay M. Palan, dean of the Culverhouse College of Business, introduced each inductee to the stage after the playing of videos highlighting the individual inductees’ careers and community contributions.

Some of the distinguished guests in attendance included area higher-ed leadership, including Dr. Stuart Bell, President of The University of Alabama, Beck Taylor, President of Samford University, and Dr. Ray Watts, President of The University of Alabama at Birmingham, as well as University of Alabama System Chancellor Finis St. John IV. Furthermore, Congressman Robert Aderholt and former Senator Richard Shelby attended the ceremony.

Several former inductees from over the years also attended the event.

About the Alabama Business Hall of Fame

The Alabama Business Hall of Fame is located in Hewson Hall on The University of Alabama campus.

We are extremely proud of this group of distinguished Alabama business personalities to be inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame. Individually and collectively, these individuals have greatly influenced the economic, political, and cultural aspects of life in the State of Alabama and the United States.

Seven Added to Alabama Business Hall of Fame for 2021

October 18th, 2021

“Growing up as a child in Mobile in the Civil Rights Movement, being here and receiving this award just means a lot to me.” –– Dr. Lonnie Johnson, innovator, inventor, and Alabama Business Hall of Fame inductee for 2021, speaking at the podium.

Alabama Business Hall of Fame welcomes seven new inductees for 2021, joining ranks of 235 innovators, leaders, and humanitarians.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama Business Hall of Fame inducted seven new members for 2021 in a black-tie ceremony October 7 at Haven in downtown Birmingham. The event, originally scheduled for 2020, was delayed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Alabama Business Hall of Fame recognizes those who have brought fame and honor to the state of Alabama through not only their achievements as business leaders and entrepreneurs, but their ardent commitment to civic leadership, philanthropy, and humanitarianism.

All inductees are heavily committed to their communities, serving in leadership roles on boards, donating their time and resources to causes, and inspiring future generations of business leaders.

Now in its 47^th year, the Alabama Business Hall of Fame is in Hewson Hall on The University of Alabama campus.

Members of UA’s Culverhouse College of Business staff and a board representing the Culverhouse Board of Visitors, former inductees, other Alabama institutions of higher education, and Alabama businesses, coordinate the Hall of Fame selection process and planning of the induction ceremony.

The Alabama Business Hall of Fame inductees from left to right: Bob Baron, Dr. Marcus Bendickson, Jay Grinney, Dr. Lonnie Johnson, Joe Ritch, and Stan Starnes. Cecil Batchelor passed away earlier this year.

The 2021 inductees included the following people, all of whom have deep connections to the state of Alabama:

Robert O. “Bob” Baron: Bob Baron is the CEO and Founder of Baron Weather, an industry leader in weather forecasting and warning systems. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and was named Entrepreneur of the Year by UT’s Haslam Business School in 2011.

Cecil Batchelor: Cecil Batchelor was the Chairman of CBS Banc-Corp and Chairman Emeritus of CB&S Bank, based in Russellville, Alabama. He was deeply committed to the community of Russellville and was twice-honored as that city’s Citizen of the Year and was a 72-year member of the local club of Civitan International.

Dr. Marcus Bendickson: Dr. Marcus Bendickson is the retired CEO and former Chairman of the Board of Dynetics, Inc., a leading provider of high-technology, mission-critical services and solutions to government and commercial customers. Throughout his career, he has advocated for the benefits of employee stock ownership plans or ESOPs.

Jay Grinney: Jay Grinney is the former President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of HealthSouth Corporation, now known as Encompass Health. He led the company through a highly successful turnaround effort that increased shareholder confidence and led to a period of unmatched growth.

Dr. Lonnie Johnson: Dr. Lonnie Johnson is a lifelong serial entrepreneur and innovator. Growing up in Mobile, his innate scientific curiosity led him down a path that would include inventing advanced defense and aerospace technologies as well as the Super Soaker water gun. He is an ardent supporter of youth STEM programs.

Joe Ritch: Joe Ritch is an entrepreneur and attorney in the firm of Dentons Sirote and a civic leader who has done much to elevate the Huntsville area. Among many prominent roles, he has chaired the board of the Tennessee Valley Authority, or TVA, the first Alabamian in the organization’s history to do so.

Stancil “Stan” Starnes: Stan Starnes is the executive chairman of ProAssurance Corporation, and was its CEO from 2007 to 2019, and president pro tempore of The University of Alabama System Board, representing the Sixth Congressional District. He is also an extraordinarily accomplished lawyer, named among the country’s best for over 20 years.

The award of inductee Mr. Cecil Batchelor, who passed away on August 17 of this year, was accepted on his behalf by his children Rebecca Reeves and Greg Batchelor, who said of his father’s induction to the Alabama Business Hall of Fame, “He was so proud to be associated with such a prestigious group of people.”

Read longer bios about all the inductees here.

Phil Smith, the Chairman of the Hall of Fame Board welcomed attendees to the event and Dr. Kay M. Palan, dean of the Culverhouse College of Business, introduced each inductee to the stage.

Some of the distinguished guests in attendance included Tommy Battle, mayor of Huntsville, Dr. Stuart Bell, President of The University of Alabama, Dr. Darren Dawson, President of The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Dr. Annette Ranft, dean of the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business at Auburn University, and Dr. Ray Watts, President of The University of Alabama at Birmingham.

A number of former inductees and University of Alabama System Board of Trustees attended as well.

Nominate an Inductee

To nominate someone to the Alabama Business Hall of Fame, contact Courtney Miller at cmiller@culverhouse.ua.edu. The criteria are:

A candidate must have by his or her business accomplishments, whether they occurred in Alabama or not, brought fame and honor to the state of Alabama.
He/She should have made a significant impact on the development of their community and state by promoting the free enterprise system and entrepreneurship; by demonstrating civic leadership, philanthropy and humanitarianism toward fellow citizens.
All candidates must have been in retirement at least three (3) years, except those who are 65 years of age and older prior to the date of induction and who are still active in their careers

Seven Named to Alabama Business Hall of Fame for 2021

July 22nd, 2020

ABHOF class of 2020

Established in 1973 to honor those individuals that have brought lasting fame to the state of Alabama through their business contributions, the Alabama Business Hall of Fame is proud to announce the names of the seven individuals that compose the Class of 2021.

The inductees are: Mr. Robert Baron of Huntsville; Mr. Cecil Batchelor of Russellville; Dr. Marcus Bendickson of Huntsville; Mr. Jay Grinney of Birmingham; Dr. Lonnie Johnson of Atlanta, GA; Mr. Joe Ritch of Huntsville; and Mr. Stan Starnes of Birmingham.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and in the interest of the health and safety of our inductees and their guests, the induction ceremony will be rescheduled to October 7, 2021 at Haven in Birmingham. Contact events@culverhouse.ua.edu for more info about purchasing a seat or table.

The Culverhouse College of Business at The University of Alabama is home to the Alabama Business Hall of Fame, which is located in the College’s Bidgood Hall. The College also organizes the annual induction ceremony.

More about the Alabama Business Hall of Fame and ticket and table sponsorship information at culverhouse.ua.edu/abhof.

Inductee Profiles

Robert O. “Bob” Baron

Robert O. “Bob” Baron is the CEO and Founder of Baron Services, which is an industry leader in weather forecasting and warning systems. The Huntsville-based company features a portfolio that includes weather radar, storm tracking software, and climatological data analysis tools. The U.S. National Weather Service recently tasked Baron Services with the job of upgrading the nation’s radar network with the company’s products.

Baron founded the company with expertise and relationships earned over a 22-year career in broadcast meteorology. It was the award of a NASA technology transfer grant to access weather data that led to the development of a real-time severe weather warning system that is used by pilots, first responders, and emergency management officials.

For his contributions to ensure public safety through free weather warning apps and other services, he has been commended by the Alabama House of Representatives. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce and the Huntsville Better Business Bureau. He has also supported a number of community organizations that benefit the region such as Big Oak Ranch, the Boys and Girls Club of North Alabama, Manna House, and Homes for our Troops.

He earned his undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Tennessee; UT’s Haslam Business School named him Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011.

Cecil Batchelor

Cecil Batchelor is the Chairman of CBS Banc-Corp and Chairman Emeritus of CB&S Bank, based in Russellville, Alabama. His 56-year banking career is one defined by success in establishing and leading banks throughout the state. After becoming involved with Russellville’s Citizens Bank, now CB&S Bank, he founded First Federal Savings & Loans in Haleyville. Over time First Federal Savings & Loan merged with First Federal of Alabama in Jasper, now known as Pinnacle Bank.

During his tenure as chairman, CB&S Bank grew from having $5 million in assets to more than $2 billion in assets. The bank also grew from one office in Russellville to an impressive 56 branches in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

A veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Navy, Batchelor is committed to the community of Russellville and has been twice-honored as that city’s Citizen of the Year and is a 72-year member of the local club of Civitan International. He has also led a number of community-oriented initiatives, throughout the state of Alabama, including successful efforts to raise funds for hospitals and health-related causes.

He attended Florence State Teachers College, now known as the University of North Alabama.

Dr. Marcus Bendickson

Dr. Marcus Bendickson is the retired CEO and former Chairman of the Board of Dynetics, Inc., a leading provider of high-technology, mission-critical services and solutions to government and commercial customers. Now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leidos, Dynetics has over 2,500 employees throughout the United States providing responsive, cost-effective engineering, scientific, IT solutions to the national security, cybersecurity, space, and critical infrastructure sectors.

Dr. Bendickson became CEO of Dynetics in 1989 when he and his business partner, Tom Baumbach, orchestrated a buyout of its stock from its founders. Under Dr. Bendickson’s leadership, Dynetics steadily grew to the second-largest employee-owned company in the state of Alabama, generating sales of approximately $275 million at the time of his retirement in July 2015. Dr. Bendickson remained as chairman of the Dynetics Board of Directors, leading the company through a period of unprecedented growth. Thanks in large part to Dr. Bendickson’s vision and leadership, the Dynetics portfolio has grown to encompass highly specialized technical services and a range of software and hardware products, including components, subsystems, and complex end-to-end systems. In January 2020, Dynetics was purchased by Leidos for $1.65B, ushering in a new era of opportunity for the company.

He is involved in a number of organizations that serve the business interests of the Huntsville area, including serving on the Boards of Directors of the BB&T Greater Huntsville Advisory Board, the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce, and the HudsonAlpha Foundation. He also serves as Vice-Chair of the UAH Foundation Board of Trustees.

Dr. Bendickson earned his doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Alabama at Huntsville, his M.S. in electrical engineering from Columbia University, and his bachelor’s from Iowa State University.

Jay Grinney

Jay Grinney is the former President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of HealthSouth Corporation, now known as Encompass Health. The company, based in Birmingham, employs approximately 44,000 dedicated employees and offers post-acute healthcare services through its national network of rehabilitation hospitals, home health agencies, and hospice agencies.

Grinney has a long track record as a leader in executive roles. Before joining Encompass Health, he was president of the eastern group at Hospital Corporation of America and senior vice president at The Methodist Hospital System in Houston. He is currently serving as a senior advisor to KKR’s private equity healthcare practice.

He has been involved with many community organizations, having served on the boards of directors of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, and the United Way of Central Alabama.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College, Grinney earned both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Washington University in St. Louis.

Dr. Lonnie Johnson

Dr. Lonnie Johnson is a lifelong serial entrepreneur and innovator. Growing up in Mobile, his innate scientific curiosity led him down a path that would include inventing advanced defense and aerospace technologies as well as a beloved summertime toy.

Dr. Johnson’s career started at the United States Air Force and NASA where from 1979 to 1991 he worked on the Galileo mission to Jupiter, weapons projects, and the stealth bomber program.

It was, however, a passion project made at home that he is perhaps best known for. While experimenting with a heat pump and high-pressure nozzle, he realized that he had the makings of a water gun. Over the years, he refined the design, and in 1989, Larami Corporation licensed what is known as the Super Soaker.

Currently, Dr. Johnson is involved in developing new battery and fuel cell technologies.

He is a committed supporter of a number of community-oriented causes such as the Boys and Girls Club and serves as chairman of the Georgia Alliance for Children. Recently, he donated $3.5 million to construct a STEM building at Williamson High School in the Maysville neighborhood of Mobile, his alma mater.

He earned his B.S. in mechanical engineering and an M.S. in nuclear engineering from Tuskegee University and has been awarded an honorary Ph.D. from that institution.

Joe Ritch

Joe Ritch is an attorney in the firm of Sirote & Permutt, P.C. and civic leader who has done much to elevate the Huntsville area with his involvement in a number of organizations. As Chairman of the Tennessee Valley BRAC Committee, he coalesced a group of 13 communities in north Alabama and south-central Tennessee to promote and advocate for Redstone Arsenal at a time when the facility was under strategic review by the United States Army.

As a result of the Committee’s work, thousands of military and government contractor jobs were brought to Redstone Arsenal, which proved to be an economic boon for Huntsville. Furthermore, he helped usher in a $175 million state-funded investment in K-12 facilities to make the area an attractive place for relocation by reason by the BRACs.

Ritch was also the first Chairman of the Board of Directors from Alabama of the Tennessee Valley Authority and also chairman of its nuclear oversight committee. He has served on the board of directors of multiple defense and technology companies including CAS, Inc. and Axometrics. He has also led the acquisition and sale of several defense contractors.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, his Juris Doctorate from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, and master of laws in taxation from New York University’s School of Law.

Stan Starnes

Stan Starnes is Executive Chairman of ProAssurance Corporation, one of the top casualty insurance carriers in the country. During his time as CEO, from 2007 until 2019, ProAssurance transformed itself from a physician-centric, regionally-oriented insurance company to one that took a healthcare-centric approach on a national level. And as a result, the company returned over $2.1 billion to shareholders while growing their equity by 37 percent.

Starnes’ background is in law. In 1975, he and his father established the law firm now known as Starnes Davis Florie, specializing in courtroom advocacy for a wide variety of clients in civil litigation, especially physicians and others in healthcare. He is the youngest lawyer in Alabama ever elected to the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers. For his work and his well-deserved reputation, he was named to the “Best Lawyers in America” for over 20 consecutive years.

He is a member of the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama System, a member of the UAB Health System Board, and a member of the Board of the Crimson Tide Foundation. He was elected to membership in the Alabama Academy of Honor in 2018. He is also a member of the Salvation Army Birmingham Command Advisory Board and serves as Chairman of Ascension Board of Directors.

He graduated from The University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in business. In 1972 he graduated summa cum laude and first in his class from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.

More Info

Learn more about the Alabama Business Hall of Fame and purchase tickets to the upcoming induction ceremony at culverhouse.ua.edu/abhof.

Contact Zach Thomas, the Alabama Business Hall of Fame Director of Marketing and Communications, at zthomas@culverhouse.ua.edu or 205-348-8318.

Media can download headshots of the 2020 ABHOF Inductees here: https://alabama.box.com/v/abhof2020press

Alabama Business Hall of Fame Welcomes Six for 2019

November 20th, 2019

2019 Alabama Business Hall of Fame Inductees

All 2019 ABHOF inductees from left to right: Sue Whitehead, daughter of Lonnie S. McMillian, Charles A. Collat, Sr., Gary P. Fayard, Marillyn A. Hewson, Joe W. Forehand, Jr., and Michael Reilly.

Annual celebration of business leaders and humanitarians that have brought lasting fame to the State of Alabama welcomes new cohort to join list 229 members strong.

“The only reason I’m up here tonight is because of all those people here who have supported me.” – Gary P. Fayard, former CFO of The Coca-Cola Co., who was inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame for 2019.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In a festive, black-tie celebration Thursday, November 7, 2019, the Alabama Business Hall of Fame inducted six new members, all of them joining a list now 229 members strong. Over 450 people attended the induction ceremony at Haven in downtown Birmingham.

*Alabama Business Hall of Fame guests gathered at Haven in downtown Birmingham.*

Now in its 45^th year, the Alabama Business Hall of Fame is located on The University of Alabama campus in the Culverhouse College of Business’s Bidgood Hall. Members of the Culverhouse staff and a board representing the Culverhouse Board of Visitors, former inductees, other Alabama institutions of higher education, and Alabama businesses, coordinate the Hall of Fame selection process and planning of the induction ceremony.

All inductees are heavily committed to their communities, serving in leadership roles on boards, donating their time and resources to causes, and inspiring future generations of business leaders.

The 2019 inductees included the following people, all of whom have deep connections to the state of Alabama:

Charles A. Collat Sr., chairman emeritus of Mayer, one of the largest electrical product distributors in the country. He is also a committed supporter of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and its business school, now named the Collat School of Business.
Gary P. Fayard, as former chief financial officer and executive vice president of The Coca-Cola Co., he helped the company double its revenues to $47 billion. The $12 billion acquisition of the company’s North American bottling and distribution operations is noted among his greatest accomplishments.
Joe W. Forehand Jr., former chairman and chief executive officer of Accenture. While CEO, the firm’s revenue grew from $9.6 billion to $13.7 billion. He is a dedicated alum of Auburn University, where he was co-chair of its recent $1.2 billion capital campaign.
Marillyn A. Hewson, current chairman, president and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corp. In 2019, TIME magazine identified Hewson as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World.” She and husband James recently made a substantial gift to The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business to help construct a new building named Hewson Hall.
Lonnie S. McMillian, a visionary serial entrepreneur who led the development of innovative companies aligned with telecommunications and biotech. In 2005, he co-founded the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. He passed away in 2018.
Michael Reilly, chairman emeritus of Randall-Reilly, a strategic data, media and marketing services company that services a wide number of industries. He is an ardent supporter of organizations that serve the Tuscaloosa, Alabama community, especially those that benefit youth.

Read in-depth bios of each inductee here.

Tim Kelly, the Chair of the Hall of Fame committee welcomed attendees to the event and Dr. Kay M. Palan, Dean of the Culverhouse College of Business, introduced each inductee to the stage.

*Marillyn A. Hewson, inductee and current chairman, president and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corp.*

In her speech upon being inducted, Marillyn A. Hewson said:

“The Business Hall of Fame shows that Alabama’s people, companies, and education institutions are having a positive and lasting impact on our country and on our world. And, that’s not a surprise to those of us who call Alabama ‘home.’ We know that the people, ideals, and universities here provide building blocks for success.”

“That’s why, throughout my career, I have always been proud to represent this wonderful state.”

The award of inductee Mr. Lonnie McMillian, who passed away in 2018, was accepted on his behalf by his daughter Sue Whitehead, who shared anecdotes about her father and his legacy.

Nominate an Inductee

To nominate someone to the Alabama Business Hall of Fame, contact Courtney Miller at cmiller@culverhouse.ua.edu. The criteria are:

A candidate must have by his or her business accomplishments, whether they occurred in Alabama or not, brought fame and honor to the state of Alabama.
He/She should have made a significant impact on the development of their community and state by promoting the free enterprise system and entrepreneurship; by demonstrating civic leadership, philanthropy and humanitarianism toward fellow citizens.
All candidates must have been in retirement at least three (3) years, except those who are 65 years of age and older prior to the date of induction and who are still active in their careers

Six Selected for Alabama Business Hall of Fame

July 23rd, 2019

ABHOF 2019 INDUCTEES

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Business announced six business professionals for induction into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.

The 2019 inductees will be honored in an evening celebration Thursday, Nov. 7, at Haven in downtown Birmingham.

The inductees include: Charles A. Collat Sr., of Birmingham; Gary P. Fayard, of Atlanta, Georgia; Joe W. Forehand, of Dallas, Texas; Marillyn A. Hewson, of Bethesda, Maryland; Lonnie S. McMillian, of Madison (awarded posthumously); and F. Michael Reilly, of Tuscaloosa.

Charles A. Collat Sr.

Charles A. Collat Sr. is the retired president and CEO of Mayer Electric Supply and serves as chairman emeritus. As a result of Collat’s leadership and work ethic, Mayer has become one of the largest electrical distributors in the nation with more than 1,500 associates in 80-plus locations with annual sales exceeding $1 billion.

Collat is a committed supporter of The University of Alabama at Birmingham and is on UAB’s Leadership Cabinet and President’s Council. UAB’s business school was recently named the Collat School of Business thanks to a major gift from the Collat family. Furthermore, he has been recognized by UAB for his service to the institution with its President’s Award and was the recipient of an honorary doctorate of humanities.

He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and earned an accounting degree from the University of Georgia.

Gary P. Fayard

As chief financial officer and executive vice president of The Coca-Cola Co., Gary Fayard helped the company double its revenues to more than $47 billion. Retiring in 2014 after 20 years of service, with 15 years in the CFO role, one of Fayard’s greatest accomplishments was leading the acquisition of Coca-Cola’s North American bottling and distribution business in 2010 for $12 billion. Upon retirement, he established Stonewall Ridge Farm, a registered black Angus seedstock operation in Tennessee.

He serves on the board of directors of Genuine Parts Co. and Monster Energy Corp. He is the past president of the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America and served on the board of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Through Fayard’s involvement with The Coca-Cola Foundation, UA was the first public institution to receive Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarships. He is a member of The University of Alabama President’s Cabinet and is on the board of visitors for UA’s Culverhouse College of Business.

Fayard attended The University of Alabama where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Joe W. Forehand Jr.

Joe W. Forehand Jr. is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Accenture, retiring in 2006 after a tenure highlighted by significant growth and strategic changes for the consulting firm. In 2000, he finalized Accenture’s split from Andersen Worldwide and successfully led its international rebranding campaign. The next year he led Accenture through its initial public offering. While Forehand served as CEO, the firm’s revenue grew from $9.6 billion to $13.7 billion, and it added nearly 40,000 employees to its workforce. After retiring, Forehand served as a senior advisor on technology buyouts with global private equity firm Kohlberg, Kravis and Roberts, also known as KKR.

Forehand is devoted to Auburn University, his alma mater. He served on the Auburn University Foundation’s board of directors and investment committee and was co-chair of its recent $1.2 billion capital campaign.

He earned his undergraduate degree in industrial engineering from Auburn University and a graduate degree in industrial administration from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University.

Marillyn A. Hewson

Marillyn A. Hewson is chairman, president and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corp. Hewson joined Lockheed Martin more than 35 years ago as an industrial engineer. During her career, she has held several increasingly responsible executive and operational leadership positions. In 2019, TIME magazine identified Hewson as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World.” She was named the “2018 CEO of the Year” by Chief Executive magazine.

She serves on the board of directors of Johnson & Johnson, the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, the board of governors of the USO, and the board of directors of Catalyst. She is a member of The University of Alabama’s President’s Cabinet and the board of visitors of the Culverhouse College of Business.

Hewson earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and her Master of Arts degree in economics from The University of Alabama.

Lonnie S. McMillian

Lonnie S. McMillian was a visionary serial entrepreneur who led the development of innovative companies aligned with telecommunications and biotech. His interest in tech was sparked while studying radar technology as a member of the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After completing his service and graduating from college, he embarked on a wide-ranging career that included co-founding a computer manufacturer, Systems Engineering Labs, and joining SCI in Huntsville as chief engineer.

In 1985, he co-founded ADTRAN, a telecommunications firm, which remains as one of Huntsville’s largest non-public employers. A retirement in 2001 was shortlived: in 2005, he co-founded the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, a non-profit institute, to bring together experts in genetics, education and entrepreneurship to accelerate innovation in the field.

McMillian graduated from Georgia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He graduated from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Science in business before serving his country in the Marine Corps. He passed away Dec. 30, 2018.

Michael Reilly

Michael Reilly retired from Randall-Reilly, formerly Randall Publishing Co., in 2015 after 40 years with the company. Under his leadership, the company transitioned from a 40-employee magazine publisher to a strategic data, media and marketing services company, employing more than 600 associates at its offices in Tuscaloosa and elsewhere across the country. He joined the company while a student at The University of Alabama and spent the bulk of his career there. He was named president and CEO in 2002. He is chairman emeritus of the company.

Reilly is heavily dedicated to the community. He has served on the boards of the Boy Scouts Executive Board of West Alabama, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club of West Alabama, and the United Way of West Alabama, and he has made significant contributions of his talents, time and resources to many other area organizations. He is a member of The University of Alabama President’s Cabinet and an active member of St. Francis Catholic Church.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Alabama.

About the Alabama Business Hall of Fame

The Alabama Business Hall of Fame was founded in 1973 by the Culverhouse College of Business Board of Visitors to honor individuals in business who have brought lasting fame to the state of Alabama. A 14-member board of directors establishes the criteria for nominations and governs the Hall of Fame. All candidates must meet the qualifications of being retired for a minimum of three years or be 65 or older, prior to induction, if still active in their careers.

Author: Zach Thomas

Author: Zach Thomas

The Alabama Business Hall of Fame Inductees for 2024

Rob Burton

Raymond J. Harbert

Thomas A. Harris

Dr. Marnix E. Heersink

Thomas H. Lowder

Claude B. Nielsen

Nick L. Saban

More Info

Alabama Business Hall of Fame welcomes seven new inductees for 2021, joining ranks of 235 innovators, leaders, and humanitarians.