Susan N. Story

• December 5th, 2025

Susan N. Story’s career is one defined by visionary leadership, civic responsibility, and a commitment to the state of Alabama. From her beginnings as a nuclear power plant engineer in Dothan to becoming one of only 23 women to lead an S&P 500 company, Story has consistently built connections between business and community and Alabama and the world.

As President and CEO of American Water Works, Inc. from 2014 to 2020, Story led the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility in the United States through a period of growth. Under her leadership, the company more than tripled its stock price and market capitalization, served over 14 million people across 40 states, and became the only U.S. water utility listed on the S&P 500, Dow Jones Utility Average, Philadelphia Utilities Index, and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. “Her forward-thinking approach and leadership positioned American Water as an industry leader,” wrote Dr. Mario Richard Eden, Dean of Engineering at Auburn University.

Story’s tenure at American Water was marked not only by the company’s overall success but also by a profound commitment to employee safety, reducing serious injuries by 83%. American Water earned accolades for its corporate governance. She was awarded the Muriel F. Siebert Award by the New York International Women’s Forum for advancing equal opportunity in corporate leadership.

Before joining American Water, Story spent 31 years at Southern Company, serving as President and CEO of Southern Company Services in both Birmingham and Atlanta, and President and CEO of Gulf Power Company. Her leadership in Alabama’s energy sector helped shape the state’s infrastructure and economic development.

A first-generation college graduate, Story earned her industrial engineering degree from Auburn University and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She also completed executive education programs at Oxford, Cambridge, Duke, and Harvard. Her academic achievements laid the foundation for a career that would bring national recognition to Alabama. “Her life and career have been marked by exceptional leadership, bold innovation, and ongoing contributions to the state of Alabama,” Dean Eden noted.

Story’s civic and philanthropic impact is equally remarkable. She and her husband, Joe, established the Story Family Charitable Fund, which endows scholarships at Snead State Community College and Auburn University for economically disadvantaged and first-generation students. They also provided a foundational gift to grow the Auburn University Veteran’s Resources Center. They co-founded the “Winning for Life” program with Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee to support children in underserved urban communities across the U.S. Locally, they created the Gulf Breeze First Responders Emergency Assistance Fund and contributed to the Transforming Baptist campaign for a new hospital.

Her board service spans major corporations and nonprofit organizations, including Dominion Energy, Newmont Corporation, Carrier Global, Raymond James Financial, and American Water. She has also served on the national Bipartisan Policy Center, co-chairing a national infrastructure modernization report, and is a founding member of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Board Advisory Council, connecting candidates to corporate boards.

Story’s community involvement includes leadership roles with the United Way, Girl Scouts of America, YWCA, American Heart Association, Moffitt Cancer Research Center, Brookwood Medical Center, Auburn 100+ Women Strong, and various university advisory councils. Her dedication to education and has earned her numerous honors, including induction into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame, Auburn University’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and recognition as UAB’s Alumna of the Year.

“Susan Story has invested in the state of Alabama through her career achievements and philanthropy for more than 40 years,” Eden wrote. “Her outstanding accomplishments and exemplary character make her an ideal candidate for the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.”

Susan and Joe Story reside in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Tim M. Parker Jr.

• December 5th, 2025

Tim M. Parker Jr. has long stood as a pillar of leadership and service in West Alabama, shaping the region through his business activities, civic engagement, and dedication to community development. As Chairman of Parker Towing Company, a Tuscaloosa-based commodities transportation firm, Parker has overseen the growth of one of the Southeast’s most vital logistics enterprises, transporting bulk goods from Florida to Texas and supporting industries across the region.

A graduate of The University of Alabama in 1966, where he earned a degree in business administration and played on the basketball team, Parker later completed the Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School. His early career included service as an officer in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, and five years with Lykes Brothers Steamship Company before returning to lead the family business.

Parker’s influence extends far beyond the boardroom. His civic contributions have left an indelible mark on Tuscaloosa and the broader West Alabama region. “Upon reflection, I cannot recall a time when Tim Parker Jr. was not significantly involved as one of our community’s most engaged civic leaders,” wrote Jim Harrison of HFS Holdings in his nomination letter. “Whether it was as Chairman of the Industrial Development Authority, United Way of West Alabama, the DCH Foundation or any number of community service organizations and causes, Tim seemed to always be there providing leadership, support and counsel.”

Parker’s public service includes three terms in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1990 to 2002, where he represented his district with “thoughtful dignity,” as Elizabeth Winter, a senior vice president at Regions Bank noted. His leadership extended to the Alabama State Port Authority, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Council, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Inland Waterways Users Board. He also served on the advisory board of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc., and held roles in the Alabama Chapter of the American Society of Transportation and Logistics and the West Alabama Traffic and Transportation Club.

His civic vision is perhaps most visible in the transformation of Tuscaloosa’s public spaces. Parker played a key role in the development of the River District Park—now named Parker-Haun Park—a vibrant community hub along the Black Warrior River. “The completion of the River District Park […] stands as a testament to his vision for enhancing public spaces and promoting community engagement,” wrote Jimmy Warren, associate vice president for alumni affairs at The University of Alabama.

Parker’s philanthropic spirit is equally profound. He and his wife, Cathy, were honored as the United Way of West Alabama’s Family of the Year in 2014, a recognition of their enduring commitment to charitable causes. Their support for The University of Alabama’s Adapted Athletics program led to the creation of the Parker-Haun Tennis Facility, a state-of-the-art venue dedicated to student-athletes with disabilities. “This pioneering initiative in collegiate athletics serves as a testament to Tim’s philanthropic legacy,” Warren added.

The impact of Parker Towing and its chairman is woven into the fabric of Tuscaloosa. “If you travel to Tuscaloosa, you will see the mark of Parker Towing and Mr. Parker everywhere you look,” Winter wrote. “From Children’s Hands-On Museum, to Mason’s Place All-Inclusive Playground, to the River Walk Park… the proof is everywhere to see.”

Parker’s accolades reflect his broad influence: Civitan Citizen of the Year (1980), Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year, University of Alabama Distinguished Alumnus Award (2016), and induction into the Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame.

Tim and Cathy Parker reside in Tuscaloosa and have one son, a daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren.

Fournier J. “Boots” Gale III

• December 5th, 2025

Fournier J. “Boots” Gale, III has devoted his distinguished career to shaping the legal profession, advising businesses, and serving the people of Alabama. Throughout more than four decades of practice, Gale has held leadership positions in both private practice and corporate law, building a reputation as a trusted counselor, a thoughtful strategist, and a committed civic leader. His career reflects an unwavering dedication to excellence in law as well as to strengthening the institutions that support the state’s economy and communities.

Gale is of Counsel at Maynard Nexsen PC, one of Alabama’s most prominent and respected law firms. He was instrumental in founding Maynard Cooper & Gale, now Maynard Nexsen, and for many years served as managing shareholder and chairman. In that role, he guided the firm through a period of rapid growth, setting high standards for client service and professional integrity.

Later, he made a significant impact as general counsel, senior executive vice president, and corporate secretary at Regions Financial Corporation from 2011 to 2020. There, Gale’s steady leadership helped one of the Southeast’s largest banks navigate the challenges of the post-recession economy, new regulatory environments, and ongoing shifts in the financial industry.

His guidance not only ensured compliance and sound governance but also fostered a culture of accountability and innovation. In addition to his work with Regions, Gale has long contributed his expertise to the wider business community as a board member of the Business Council of Alabama, helping to align the interests of business leaders with the state’s economic development.

Gale earned a debate scholarship to The University of Alabama, where he became a four-time national champion debater. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science in 1966, then graduated first in his class from The University of Alabama School of Law. While in law school, he was also editor in chief of the Alabama Law Review.

After law school, Gale began his legal career at the Birmingham firm Cabaniss & Johnston, where he advanced to partner by 1975. In 1984, he co-founded Maynard Cooper & Gale. Under his leadership as managing partner and chairman of the executive committee, the firm grew steadily, expanding into one of Alabama’s largest firms.

In 2011, Gale transitioned from private practice to corporate leadership, accepting the role of senior executive vice president and general counsel of Regions Financial Corporation. For the next decade, he guided the bank through a period of remarkable change in both the economic and political landscape. Following his retirement from the general counsel role, he returned to Maynard Nexsen in 2021 as of Counsel, where he lends his more than 45 years of experience to the firm’s litigation and corporate practices.

Gale has invested deeply in service to his alma mater and to the broader legal community. He is a former president of The University of Alabama Law School Foundation and currently serves as treasurer for the Law School Board of Governors. He served as president of both the Alabama State Bar and the Birmingham Bar Association, chaired the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, and served on the Judicial Inquiry Commission. In 2013, he was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor, one of the state’s most prestigious distinctions.

Gale holds a fellow status with the American Bar Foundation and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. His continuing involvement with The University of Alabama, including membership in the President’s Cabinet, reflects his devotion to his alma mater.

A joint letter in support of Gale’s induction to the Alabama Business Hall of Fame said, “In every sphere of influence, Boots Gale has provided wise counsel and guidance to improve the condition of his State, his community, his university, and the businesses he has advised.”

Gale and his wife, Louise, live in Birmingham. They have two children and four grandchildren.

William J. Stevens

• December 5th, 2025

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.

Benny M. LaRussa Jr.

• December 5th, 2025

Benny LaRussa Jr.’s entrepreneurial instincts were shaped early in life by his family’s legacy. His grandfather, Joe Bruno, founded Bruno’s grocery store and Big B Drugs, building each into two of the South’s most recognized supermarket and drugstore chains. His father, Benny LaRussa Sr., carried on that tradition of growth by purchasing Jack’s Family Restaurants initially as a franchisee and eventually acquiring the balance of the company owned stores. Over a 30-year period Jack’s family restaurants grew from 13 stores to nearly 150 units. Growing up in this environment gave LaRussa a first-hand view of the hard work, vision, and courage required to run and expand successful businesses.

LaRussa Jr. is the founder and CEO of Sterling Capital Management, a multi-asset holding company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Under his leadership, Sterling Capital has built a diverse portfolio of businesses that reflect both his strategic vision and his commitment to strengthening communities.

Today, the firm owns and operates three primary platform companies: Fenwick Food Group, which invests in and operates consumer-packaged goods businesses such as Wickles Pickles and Moore’s Marinade and Wing Sauces; American Pipe and Supply, a regional wholesale distributor of pipe, valves, and fittings; and StoneRiver Company, which specializes in the acquisition, development, and management of multi-family residential properties. Through these ventures, LaRussa has helped create companies that not only generate jobs but also provide long-term value to the regional economy.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Auburn University before pursuing a master’s degree in public and private management from Birmingham-Southern College.

LaRussa began his career in banking at the First National Bank of Birmingham, now Regions Bank. In 1985 he was a founding member of First Commercial Bank, where he spent six years gaining valuable experience in financial services and client management. This period provided him with the skills and industry insight that would prove essential when, in 1991, he co-founded Canterbury Trust Company, Inc., a privately owned state-chartered trust company. Canterbury Trust quickly established a reputation for quality and reliability with over $1 billion in assets before eventually being sold to Synovus Financial Corporation.

At Sterling Capital, LaRussa provides strategic leadership, cultivates staff development, and draws on more than 35 years of operations and investment acumen in real estate and operating companies. The success of StoneRiver, American Pipe & Supply, and Fenwick Food Group are a direct reflection of his ability to combine sound investment practice, strategic execution, and operational excellence with a long-term, community-minded approach.

LaRussa has devoted much of his time and energy to civic and philanthropic service. He currently serves on the board of directors for Security Engineers Inc., Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation, Ascension Healthcare, and the Joseph S. Bruno Charitable Foundation. He has also supported organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center, Children’s Hospital of Alabama, and The Bell Center. His commitment to community is reflected in the countless number of nonprofit boards he has served.

LaRussa has served on boards for St. Vincent’s Health System, Bruno’s, Inc., Jack’s Family Restaurants, Synovus Bank of Birmingham, and Auburn University Foundation where he chaired the board from 2019 to 2020 and also served on the Auburn University Real Estate Foundation. His long record of service to Auburn includes many years on the Dean’s Advisory Committee for the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business. In 2022, the Alabama Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals honored him as a VIP (Volunteer in Philanthropy) for his support of UAB’s Comprehensive Diabetes Center.

He and his wife, Lynn, live in Birmingham. They have two daughters and four grandchildren.

Terry C. Anderson

• December 5th, 2025

The Anderson name is associated with leadership, service, and vision. That legacy continues with Terry C. Anderson, chairman and CEO of American Promotional Events, Inc. American Promotional Events, Inc., better known as TNT Fireworks, was founded by his grandfather Clyde W. Anderson in 1920. TNT Fireworks has grown under three generations of family leadership into the largest distributor of consumer fireworks worldwide.

Today, TNT Fireworks is a global powerhouse, importing and distributing products throughout the United States, Asia, and Puerto Rico. Its products can be found in 49 states, reaching customers through more than 40,000 big-box retailers, grocery chains, wholesale clubs, and discount stores, as well as through over 5,000 seasonal stands and tents often operated by nonprofit and community organizations.

Terry is the third generation of the Anderson family to lead TNT Fireworks. Following family tradition, Terry joined the business to continue its legacy of responsible consumer fireworks sales and community partnerships. That legacy extends far beyond fireworks. “Terry has continued to strengthen the family legacy of philanthropy, community service, and civic leadership,” said University of North Alabama President Kenneth Kitts. “The University of North Alabama is proud to call Terry Anderson our friend.”

As CEO, Anderson has been at the forefront of expanding both the reach and the reputation of TNT Fireworks. Working closely with state leaders, he helped pave the way for the legal sale of consumer fireworks in 49 states. He also spearheaded the company’s groundbreaking partnerships with national retailers including Walmart, Target, Costco, Kroger, Publix, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and dozens more. These efforts solidified TNT’s presence across the country, making it the go-to brand for safe, high-quality fireworks.

Along the way, Anderson led major acquisitions including Pyrodyne America, Freedom Fireworks, Atlas Enterprises, and Red Devil Fireworks, which strengthened the company’s presence in the West and Northwest. By 2002, these acquisitions were unified under the TNT Fireworks brand, creating a single, trusted name for families celebrating holidays and special occasions nationwide.

Beyond TNT Fireworks, Anderson plays an influential role in several family-owned enterprises and ventures. He serves as chairman of Anco Far East Importers Ltd. in Hong Kong, which provides sourcing and supply chain solutions to businesses around the globe. He is also a director for Anderson Media Corporation, Books-A-Million, Inc., Whataburger NWAL Franchise, Anderson Growth Partners, B.A.S.S. LLC, and Renew Wellness Brands, LLC. Anderson’s impact goes beyond TNT. He was instrumental in the growth of Books-A-Million, which he helped transform from a regional bookstore into one of the nation’s largest booksellers. Similarly, his contributions to Anderson Merchandisers and Anderson Media Corporation have strengthened relationships with major retailers and expanded employment opportunities. Collectively, the Anderson family businesses employ more than 10,000 people nationwide, creating an enduring impact on both Alabama’s economy and the broader U.S. marketplace.

Philanthropy and community service remain cornerstones of Anderson’s leadership philosophy. He has given his time and expertise to numerous nonprofit organizations, serving on boards for The Salvation Army of the Shoals, Riverhill School Foundation, The Alabama Business Hall of Fame, The Alabama Kidney Foundation, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, United Way of the Shoals, Healing Place of the Shoals, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the National Brain Tumor Society. Through this work, Anderson has extended his influence far beyond the boardroom, touching countless lives in his home community and beyond.

Anderson is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, having earned his Bachelor of Science in business administration. He was also a member of the Tennessee football team. He and his wife, Susan, live in Florence Alabama, and have three children, two daughters-in-law, three grandchildren, and a fourth grandchild expected in January.