OUR BOARD MEMBERS
MARY JOHNSON-BUTTERWORTH, PRESIDENT
After intensive leadership training 20 years ago, Mary committed to diversity initiatives in various roles, including at United Way, Birmingham Pledge Study Circles, NCCJ programs, and schools. A staff member at Anytown Alabama for over 20 years, she co-facilitated Heritage Panel workshops for 18 years. In 2007, Mary joined the Leadership Birmingham class and assumed leadership roles in various organizations such as the Spirit of the Living God Ministries, Operation New Birmingham, and the Nineteenth Century Club. She contributed as a board member or advisor to numerous entities, including the NCCJ, Oasis Counseling Center, Junior League of Birmingham, Shades Valley YMCA, and more. In 2001, she represented the Birmingham Pledge Foundation at the UN Conference on Racism in Durban, South Africa.
KENTON KENNEDY, VICE PRESIDENT
Kenton Kennedy, LEED Green Associate, a Birmingham native, serves as a Building Inspector in Irondale. With a background in Construction Management and Architectural/Civil Design, he's active in community service, including roles as Co-Director of Anytown Alabama and volunteer work with PEACE Birmingham, Heritage Panel, Make a Change, HICA, Habitat for Humanity, and the Social Y. Kenton contributed to Mayor Williams Bell and REV Birmingham's Civil Rights District Vision Task Force. Certified in basic life support, he's trained in various areas like Safety Awareness, Diversity Training, and Suicide Prevention. In his spare time, Kenton enjoys travel, hiking, music, and quality time with his toddler. His dedication to ACE reflects a commitment to nurturing social and emotional skills in his sons and ensuring all Alabama children access social and emotional learning.
EMILY MCCLENDON, SECRETARY
After earning her undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her law degree from Birmingham School of Law, in March 2022 Emily received a Certificate in Financial Accounting from Harvard Business School Online. A lifelong Birmingham resident, she is involved in both the state and local bar associations, as well as various organizations throughout her community. Emily is also an Anytown "Anybuddy"!
|
ESTHER JONES, TREASURER
Esther Jones was introduced to ACE through her close relationships with the organization's founders, and she has faithfully served as treasurer for the ACE BOD since the organization's inception.
|
NIGEL BROWN
Nigel Brown, an Alabama resident since August 2015 and a Wisconsin native, brings leadership and change expertise to healthcare and manufacturing. With family ties in Birmingham and Bessemer, Nigel holds a Masters in Business Management and recently graduated from UAB's Masters in Healthcare Quality and Safety program. As a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Blackbelt, he's passionate about inspiring people and improving processes. Nigel serves on advisory boards, including UAB's School of Health Professions, and coaches graduate students at UAB. A leadership instructor in South Africa, he aligns his philanthropic work with ACE's mission. In his free time, Nigel enjoys learning, exercising, traveling, and meeting new people.