Our Story

Monica Anderson Young and Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett, college sorority sisters, reunited through a shared passion to develop a literacy program for Alabama’s youngest citizens. The idea hatched when McRae Young, a new Mobile County Assistant District Attorney (and Monica’s daughter), noticed how children coming to court lacked materials to occupy themselves as electronic devices are not permitted in Alabama courtrooms. 

Years ago, McRae and Monica co-authored a children’s book review column together.  Drawing upon this background, Monica began developing an idea for an activity booklet and recruited Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett, an education professor at Troy University and former school principal. 

The two women created SHORT, a curious squirrel who wants to help children explore their surroundings, starting with the courtrooms of Alabama. Coincidentally, also in 2020,  Governor Kay Ivey signed the Alabama Literacy Act declaring all Alabama children will be reading on or above grade level by third grade. Bennett and Young hope SHORT will become a statewide initiative, funded through generous sponsorships, positively affecting each young citizen who meets SHORT.

Meet the Team

  • Mascot

    SHORT the Squirrel lives in a giant oak tree outside of the courthouse by the library. When he sees a young friend waiting, perhaps at the courthouse or the doctor’s office or the bank, SHORT pops on his magic cape, which he really loves to wear when reading. SHORT wants to join his young friends as they make their way exploring their community.

    SHORT loves to read. His favorite book is Squirrel's Family Tree by Beth Ferry. His favorite snack is acorn chips.

  • Founder

    Monica Anderson Young, Head of Organization Management and Culture for Allianz Technology of America, creates and delivers impactful programs encouraging people to find their most productive results through communication and creativity. She has worked globally with large multinational corporates as well as with small businesses with one purpose in mind – helping each organization and employee flourish.

    Named as a Georgetown University Top 30 Hoya while pursuing a master’s in Strategic Global Communication, Monica also holds a certificate in Organizational Behavior from Harvard University and is pursuing her doctorate in Global Leadership at Troy University, where her academic journey began. She received the key to Kernersville, North Carolina, the second person to receive this honor, for social good initiatives developed and implemented within the community. She and her oldest daughter wrote a syndicated children’s/ young adult book review column for many years with a regular appearance on a local news station.

    Monica is a co-founder of SHORT the Squirrel, which was named Alabama’s Literacy Mascot by Governor Kay Ivey. Growing the love of reading with SHORT may be Monica’s favorite project yet. She and her husband Chris returned home to Baldwin County and now live in Daphne. They have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and a grandson. Her favorite book typically is the one she is currently reading, but To Kill a Mockingbird will always hold her heart.

  • Founder

    After serving as a school administrator for 17 years, Dee completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership with an emphasis on virtual schools. She currently is working as a professor at Troy University in the area of Leadership and Administration and completing research related to leadership development as well as community engagement for literacy. Dee has co-authored a textbook related to strategic planning for school leaders and published several articles focusing on business management for schools. Dee has served on the AISA Athletic Committee, AISA Academic Council, and the State Hall of Fame Committee. While working in schools, she was responsible for technology, curriculum development, and enrichment electives such as drama, art appreciation, and teen skills. During her 25 years in the field of education, Dee has been employed as a school psychometrist and early childhood teacher.

    She is an active member of the Eufaula Heritage Association, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, and Troy University alumni club. Dee was selected as a Troy University Alumni of the Year in the Fall of 2022. She has served an advisor, leadership consultant, and alumnae chapter president for Alpha Gamma Delta social organization and was named the 2021 Alumni of the Year. Dee has been recognized by This is Alabama as one of 25 Women Who Shape the State. Dee and her husband Jason live in Eufaula and have two daughters, Bailey and Betsy. Dee’s favorite children’s book is Mr. Pine’s Purple House.

Advisory Board

  • Treasurer

  • Education Influencer

    Gerry Brooks is a principal at an elementary school in Lexington, Kentucky. His education experience includes six years in the classroom, two years as an intervention specialist, and 12 years as an administrator. He is a passionate public speaker whose focus is on encouraging and helping teachers improve their instructional abilities. He also has the desire to help administrators successfully lead their staff.

  • Community Advisor

    Jason C. Bryant is an Associate Clinical Professor of Educational Leadership in the College of Education at Auburn University and Director of the Truman Pierce Institute (TPI). Before his appointment at Auburn University, he served seventeen years in K-12 schools in Alabama as a science teacher, high school assistant principal, middle school principal, and high school principal working at Opelika High School, South Girard School (Phenix City), and Sylacauga High School.

    Before he was appointed as Director of the Truman Pierce Institute (TPI), Dr. Bryant served as the Program Coordinator for the

    Administration of Elementary and Secondary Education beginning in January 2016. During this time, he was able to provide various professional development workshops and support to schools across the state which he continues today in the Truman Pierce Institute. Dr. Bryant continues to teach in the Educational Leadership program where his teaching interests include principal leadership, planning for continuous improvement, and curriculum leadership.

  • Legal Liason

    David Van Buskirk holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Business Administration from Troy University. He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the Jones School of Law. David began his career focusing on Insurance Defense and Mortgage Banking matters. In 2005, David joined the Walt Disney Company’s Real Estate Division and assisted in the development of a credit underwriting program and negotiated contracts on behalf of the Disney Vacation Club. David returned to Troy University in 2015 as a lecturer to teach law-related courses. David has also taught in both Saigon and Hanoi, Vietnam, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

  • Organizational Advisor

    Wendy Austin Lett is a senior analyst in SSAB (Americas) Human Resources (HR) division. Throughout Wendy’s 30-year HR career, she has held various management positions pertaining to the Employee Life Cycle with Goodwill Industries and The SSI Group. Wendy is a ‘consummate professional, who delivers exceptional performance consistently’. Active in her community for many years, Wendy mentors youth in academics, is an active member of the Society of Human Resource Management, where she currently serves as Chapter President of Escambia (AL) SHRM, Advisory board member of Baldwin County SHRM, and a member of ALSHRM State Council.

    Wendy earned her MBA from Columbia University in Human Resource Management and has completed multiple other management and agile training from Faulkner University and Project Management Institute. In addition, she has received leadership awards and honors.

  • Art Advisor

    Edward is currently serving as Director of the Design Center at Troy University. He also serves as a professor at Troy with Graphic Design in the Art and Design department. He has lectured nationally and internationally on design, color, and technology. In 1999, Edward was awarded the Distinguished University Teaching Award from the New School University and awarded the Wallace D. Malone Jr. Distinguished Faculty Award from Troy University in 2005. His work addresses local and regional, politics, and economic development in the South.

  • DR. SHELIA NASH-STEVENSON MADE HISTORY IN 1994 when she became the first African American female in Alabama to earn a Ph.D. degree in physics. She was among the first African Americans to receive a Ph.D. in physics from Alabama A&M University and one of less than 20 African American females to hold a Ph.D. in physics in the entire United States at that time. Born and raised “in the country” of Lawrence County, Alabama, Dr. Nash-Stevenson lacked any science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) role models or mentors, but her love of math was one of the driving forces that led to her academic and professional success. She is a three-time Magna Cum Laude graduate of Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology and Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees in Physics.

    In addition to being a charter member of both the City of Madison Board of Education and the Madison Rotary Club, Dr. Nash-Stevenson is also a member of Leadership Alabama, Leadership Huntsville/Madison County Alumni Association, National Technical Association, Huntsville/Madison County Branch of NAACP, Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children Patient Family Advisory Council, International Women's Forum - Alabama, Alabama A&M University Youth Motivation Task Force Advisory Board, Alabama A&M University Alumni Association, Greater Huntsville Chapter (AL) The Links, Incorporated and Huntsville Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

    She was named to the Alabama A&M University Alumni Hall of Fame in 2021, selected as a 2022 This is Alabama Women Who Shape the State Honoree, and named to the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2022.

    Dr. Nash-Stevenson is employed with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and is an active member of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Huntsville, Alabama, where she served as a former trustee and serves as an usher and a greeter. She is married to Mr. Kirby Stevenson and is the proud mother of Kecenia and Keegan Stevenson. She resides in Madison, Alabama.

    Her favorite children's books are Goodnight Moon and Green Eggs and Ham.

Professional Liaisons

  • Illustrator

    Kristopher Ballard, better known by his internet alias “Sprite Star, " was an artist born in Mobile, AL that works within digital and traditional art. His skills include graphic design, pixel art, video editing, and video game design. Animation has always been an essential part of his artistic direction, even expanding from his life growing up. At W.P. Davidson High School in Mobile, AL, he picked up the skill of playing alto and tenor saxophone for the band. During then, he contributed to multiple years of perfect scores in marching band and even performing with the jazz band. Kristopher’s illustration work has been picked to be displayed in the Johnson Center at Troy University and has had the pleasure to work and design with several independent game development teams.

  • Education Consultant

    Terry Crawford lives in Union Springs, Alabama (Bullock County) where he currently teaches fourth-grade English Language Arts at Union Springs Elementary School. Terry has been teaching for six years, has his master's in education, and is pursuing a certificate in educational leadership. Terry has also worked as a court specialist in the Bullock County Circuit Clerk's Office. Author Wilbert Awdry wrote his favorite childhood series, Thomas and Friends.

  • Advising Attorney

    Jake Gipson handles matters involving patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights, and unfair competition. His practice includes assisting clients in obtaining, managing, protecting, and defending various intellectual property rights, with an emphasis on patent and trademark litigation. He represents clients in various federal and state courts across the country. As a registered patent attorney, Jake also routinely assists clients with procuring patent rights, as well as trademark rights. Jake has a degree in industrial and systems engineering and has worked as a website application and database developer, both of which help him understand his clients’ technologies and the importance of obtaining meaningful protection.

  • Operations Manager

    Julie Gunn is an alum of Brevard College (NC) and Florida State University with degrees in Music. Julie’s love of books might be apparent since she has been working in a library continuously since fourth grade. Before her 2020 move to Troy, AL, Julie was a volunteer with the Prattville YMCA and throughout the Autauga County School System; she also served on the City of Prattville’s Arts Council and was an active member of the Prattville Pops Community Band for over 15 years. She is currently a member of the Southeast Alabama Community Band in Troy, AL. Julie is married to Dr. Duane Gunn, and they have two children, Ginny and SaraBeth. Her favorite book is Anna Karenina, but her happy place is in the children’s section of any library.

  • Translator

    Estela Tirado is the CEO of Alabama Aprende y Emprende (Alabama Learns and Excels in Spanish). She also is a translator and community bridge builder for education and the Hispanic community in the Birmingham area. She is a California native but Mexican at heart and soul. Estela is the daughter of two immigrants from Mexico who arrived in the United States in the 1960s seeking the American Dream, and now she works to empower others so they can accomplish this dream as well. Estela holds a B.A. in International Relations from the Tec de Monterrey and a master’s degree in studies of Public Policy. Her professional experience involves being a Program Manager at the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama. She also worked for Trinity Church Wall Street, holding positions in their international grants program and global strategic department. She has experience working for the government; before returning to the United States after a 17-year stay in Mexico, she held the role of District Councilwoman of Elections in Jalisco, Mexico, for the National Institute of Elections, and she also was a Special Projects Coordinator at the Citizen Council for Public Security for the State of Jalisco. Estela is a world traveler cattle rancher who loves to cook and enjoys the cinema and quiet evenings at home. Estela believes that immigrants are not only an asset to the workforce but are an asset to our communities since they enrich our day-to-day lives with their cultures and Cosmo visions.

  • Special Projects

    Chelsie Russell is a recent Auburn University graduate with a major in Media Studies. She currently works as a full-time freelancer. She runs her own photography business, publishes for multiple companies, and is now the Communications Director for SHORT the Squirrel.

    Chelsie has always had a passion for creating! Whether she’s planning shoots or creating social media content for companies, she loves being able to bring new visions to life.

    Her favorite childhood book was anything Junie B. Jones!

  • Project Manager

    Savannah is currently an elementary and early childhood educator pursuing her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education. Savannah has over 10 years of experience in early childhood education as a classroom teacher, professional development instructor, Head Start Supervisor, and adjunct online instructor. She earned her Master of Early Childhood Education at the University of South Alabama. Savannah is married, has three children, and resides in Fairhope, Alabama. She loves to spend time traveling with her family, going to the beach, and trying new restaurants.

    As an educator, her favorite books to teach are the Eric Carle books. As a mom, Savannah’s favorite books to read to her children are Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle, and Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. As a child, some of Savannah’s favorite book series were A Series of Unfortunate Events and Junie B. Jones.

Student Interns

  • Supply Chain Intern - Troy University

    Zhane McKee is a Graphic Designer from Troy, AL. She finds the most success in projects that allow her creativity to shine and for her imagination to come to fruition, such as character design, mock-ups, and digital illustration. She also has skills in animation, 3D art and design, and traditional art. Zhane has won four ADDY Awards for her work, one of those works includes a book titled A Hard Pill to Swallow that received the Public Service Award in Montgomery, AL. After college, Zhane hopes to start working towards owning her own custom print business. She always looks for perfection in her art and pays attention to the details. She hopes to spread her imagination and love for art with everyone else!

  • Marketing Outreach & Legal Intern - University of South Alabama

    Anna Murph is a senior at The University of Alabama majoring in English and Political Science. She was recently inducted into the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society and Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society. She is a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Psi chapter at the University of Alabama and is involved in Beat Auburn Beat Hunger, the University of Alabama Dance Marathon, and the Panhellenic Recruitment Team. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, running, and spending time with her friends and family. Her favorite children’s book is The Napping House by Audrey Wood.

  • Social Media Intern - Troy University

    Elizabeth Ann is a senior at Troy University majoring in Communications with a minor in Social Sciences. She is a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Gamma Sigma Chapter at Troy and is a Campus Outreach student leader. In her free time, she enjoys giving back to her community, cooking outdoors, and being around her church family. Elizabeth Ann’s favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein because her grandmother would often read her this book as a child.

Performance Team

Our performance teams span the state of Alabama and are university and high school students with the occasional “professional” age friend of the SHORT program. These talented, enthusiastic performers are trained to ensure SHORT’s magic stays consistent and fun every time SHORT and his best friend Owl-Livia come to life. If you would like to meet SHORT and/or Owl-Livia or would like to join the performance team, which also includes SHORT and Owl-Livia’s handlers, reach out to contact@shortthesquirrel.

SHORT Alumni

  • Education Liason - Troy University

    Sarah Baker is a Troy University senior majoring in elementary education. She has served as a university orientation leader and president of her social organization. A Monroeville, Alabama native, Sarah Beth's father is a teacher and her mother is a children’s minister so she has enjoyed working with children for as long as she can remember. The favorite book she has read in college is Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio.

  • Pike County Intern - Troy University

    My name is Hillary Barron and I am a recent graduate from Troy University with a degree in History. My aim is to attend law school in the fall of 2021. I am excited to work with this literacy program to help Short the Squirrel have positive impacts on young citizens!

  • Social Media Intern - Spring Hill College

  • Project Manager Intern - Troy University

  • Project Manager - Troy University

    Sierra is a senior Communications Arts major with Public Relations and Leadership Development as her minors. She is currently studying at Troy University. She is from Trussville, Alabama, and is the youngest of four siblings. In the past, she has held positions within her social organization and has been a part of many honor societies during her time at Troy. After graduation, Sierra plans to work with a non-profit organization on their Public Relations team to help better serve the community where she is placed.

    Her favorite children’s book is Goodnight Moon.

  • Illustration - Troy University

    Using Monica and Dee's content guidance, Megan Colquitt brought SHORT the SQUIRREL to life as part of a Troy University Design Center project. Megan is a senior graphic design student at Troy University. She hopes to work in branding and illustration. Her side hobbies include surfing, cooking, and painting.

  • Education Liason - Troy University

  • Web Design - Troy University

    Zak is a senior computer science major at Troy University. After seeing Dee and Monica's passion for SHORT the Squirrel, he joined to help create the SHORT website.

    When he isn't in front of a computer, Zak enjoys woodworking and playing the guitar. His favorite book is The Gunslinger by Stephen King.

  • Child Life Student - Auburn University

  • Film Production - Pepperdine University

  • Social Media Intern

    Morgan Keel is a University of Alabama student with a major in Public Relations and a minor in Human Resource Management. She is involved on campus with the Million Dollar Band, WVUA23, and several other PR clubs and organizations. Her favorite children’s book is Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel. Morgan and her nana would read Bad Kitty every day after school and Morgan has loved the book ever since!

  • Web Design Intern - Troy University

  • Project Manager

    Marty is a retired educator with over twenty-five years in education as a teacher and administrator in elementary and middle school settings. She earned a BA in English Education from The University of Mobile, an MA in Gifted Education from the University of Alabama, and an Educational Leadership Certification from the University of South Alabama. Marty loves a good book, sunsets on Mobile Bay, the white beaches on the gulf coast, and traveling anywhere with her husband, Joe. Marty and Joe have two grown children, and the best yellow lab, Lily Jane.

    As an educator, her favorite book to teach was The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis. Her personal favorite book is Giddy Up, Eunice by Sophie Hudson, and her favorite kid’s book is Things That Are Most in the World by Judy Barrett. She is currently reading Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri.

  • Social Media Intern - Savannah State University

    Jordan Sampson is a native of Daphne, AL, and a graduate of Daphne High School. She is currently a freshman at Savannah State University majoring in International Business. Jordan loves serving her community and has served on the United Way of Baldwin County Youth Board, is a graduate of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Program, and served as her school's delegate for ALA Alabama Girls' State 2019. Jordan also volunteers yearly at the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Camp Shining Star for children. Jordan is a proud dog mom to two rescue dogs, Henry and Charlie.

  • Healthcare Outreach Liaison - University of Alabama

    Malik is from Frisco City, AL, and graduated from Monroe County High School. He plans on attending The University of Alabama in the fall to study Nursing. Malik gives back to his community in many ways including serving as a Monroe County Chamber of Commerce Youth Ambassador where he assists with business openings, weekly drive-in movie nights, promoting small businesses, and much more. He also participated in several student organizations and activities including serving as President of the National Honor Society and captain of the marching band. Malik’s favorite children’s book is If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff.

  • Legal Outreach Liason - University of South Alabama

    Timothy D. Lett Jr. is a current student at the University of Alabama, studying Political Science while minoring in Liberal Arts as a Blount Honors college scholar. Passionate about tackling humanitarian issues, Timothy is dedicating his education and life plan to a path of servant leadership. As for career aspirations, Timothy plans to eventually study the law in the hopes of seeking amends for those impacted by environmental injustices.

  • Supply Chain Intern - Troy University

    I am a senior global business major at Troy University. I have grown up in the beautiful sunshine state, of Florida, my entire life. I aspire to own my own business/businesses after graduating from college. My goal is to create my own hair care company and I am currently making the business plan now!

  • Outreach Coordinator - Troy University

  • Social Media & Legal Outreach Intern - University of Alabama

    Sophie Jernigan is a native of Daphne, AL, and a graduate of Daphne High School. She is currently a freshman at The University of Alabama majoring in Communicative Disorders. Sophie is currently involved on campus serving through Student Alumni Ambassadors, University Stewards, and Freshman Forum. She is a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Upsilon Chapter at the University of Alabama. She is also involved with the First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa. In her free time, she loves to watch the sunset, play tennis, dance, and hang out with her friends.

    Her favorite children’s book is Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. Her mom would read it to her every night!

  • Social Media Manager - Auburn University

    Rosemary recently graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She currently works full-time as a Workforce Development Coordinator at Airbus and part-time as the Social Media and Public Relations Coordinator for SHORT the Squirrel. She has always enjoyed working hard and being creative in everything she does. Her favorite book has always been The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Her favorite children’s book, when she was younger, was Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

  • Social Media Intern - University of Alabama

SHORT Board and Community Helper Alumni

  • Education Advisor

    Dr. Eric Kirkman’s educational experience spans over 21 years, serving as a choral and band director at the elementary, secondary, and college levels. Dr. Kirkman was named the 2012 State of Alabama Secondary “Teacher of the Year” for District 7. He was also named the University of North Alabama Alumni Educator of the Year for 2012. Dr. Kirkman is currently an assistant professor and the Director of The Kilby Laboratory School located at the University of North Alabama.

  • Operations Liasion - Community Helper

    Tammy Waege Hughes is a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major with minors in Leadership, Psychology, and Rehabilitation. She holds an Associate Degree in General Education from Troy University. Tammy served in the Alabama National Guard as a Personnel Management Specialist from 1991 to 1997. She graduated from Highland High School in 1992. Currently, Tammy works as a Departmental Secretary for the Institute for Leadership Development. After completing her degree, Tammy would like to start her Master’s in Student Affairs Counseling. She is married to Terry Hughes and has two children, Nikki and T.J.

  • Legal Liason - Board Member

    Denzel is an associate at Burr & Forman, LLP Birmingham, Alabama office where he primarily works in commercial and consumer finance litigation. Denzel obtained his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Birmingham-Southern College. He then received his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law, Samford Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division Scholarship. Throughout his time in law school, Denzel was listed on the Dean’s List and was selected to serve as a Judge Abraham Caruthers Teaching Fellow.

  • Community Advisor - Board Member

    Estela Tirado is the CEO of Alabama Aprende y Emprende (Alabama Learns and Excels in Spanish). She also is a translator and community bridge builder for education and the Hispanic community in the Birmingham area. She is a California native but Mexican at heart and soul. Estela is the daughter of two immigrants from Mexico who arrived in the United States in the 1960s seeking the American Dream, and now she works to empower others so they can accomplish this dream as well. Estela holds a B.A. in International Relations from the Tec de Monterrey and a master’s degree in studies of Public Policy. Her professional experience involves being a Program Manager at the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama. She also worked for Trinity Church Wall Street, holding positions in their international grants program and global strategic department. She has experience working for the government; before returning to the United States after a 17-year stay in Mexico, she held the role of District Councilwoman of Elections in Jalisco, Mexico, for the National Institute of Elections, and she also was a Special Projects Coordinator at the Citizen Council for Public Security for the State of Jalisco. Estela is a world traveler cattle rancher who loves to cook and enjoys the cinema and quiet evenings at home. Estela believes that immigrants are not only an asset to the workforce but are an asset to our communities since they enrich our day-to-day lives with their cultures and Cosmo visions.

  • Legal Liason - Board Member

    McRae Young works at Johnstone & Adams after serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Mobile, Alabama, where she interned while in law school. A 2019 graduate from the University of Mississippi

    School of Law, McRae was chair of the Honor Council and led both the Dean’s Leadership Council and the Animal Legal Defense Fund as president. She is an honors graduate of Auburn University where she holds a degree in Health Services Administration with minors in Psychology and Business. The idea for SHORT originated with McRae’s early observations of families attending court

  • Community Connector - Board Member

    Vanessa is the acting manager for Latino News, LLC, a free, weekly Hispanic newspaper that is delivered throughout Alabama and has been in the market for 23 years. Vanessa is a graduate of the University of Alabama - Birmingham where she completed both her undergraduate degree in Human Resource Management and Master of Business Administration. Since a young child, she has been involved in the growth of the Hispanic community.

  • Education Advisor - Board Member

    Lotoya West is a 19-year veteran in the field of education. She began her career as a classroom teacher and taught for eight years. She was a school counselor for nine years and then became an Assistant Principal. Lotoya now serves the Escambia County School District as the Federal Programs/Assessment Supervisor. Lotoya holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Development with a concentration in School Counseling, and a Master of Education with a concentration in Instructional Technology.

  • Treasurer

    Steve Ogburn is Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager for Trustmark Bank in Auburn. He has over 27 years of experience in banking and finance. He is a 1992 Troy University graduate. Steve is a past president of the Alexander City Lions Club and current treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Auburn.

Interested in joining our team?