NaTa’sha Black joined the Chamber staff in September 2019. She coordinates the workforce training efforts throughout the nine-county region of West Alabama Works/Region 3 Workforce Development Council. She assists with the planning, promoting and execution of WOW 2.0 for high school seniors and post-secondary students, as well as overseeing the Automotive and Manufacturing Clusters as…
Thomas has worked in the financial services industry for more than 37 years, where he has helped his clients navigate many types of market and economic environments. He is a Certified Financial Planner and is the founding partner of Dedrick Wealth Management Group with Raymond James and Associates. He is a 1981 graduate of Morris…
Michele Coley is the only African American female Allstate Agent in the state of Alabama and owns agencies in Tuscaloosa and Hoover, AL. She holds a Business Administration degree from Stillman College. She serves on the West Alabama Chamber Executive Board of Directors, the city of Tuscaloosa Elevate Advisory Council and is a member of the University…
Mildred Black Hooks is the Founder and Principal of People Optimum Consulting, LLC. Mildred thrives at the intersection of strategy, transformation, people and communication. She specializes in transforming people, systems and structures to realize exceptional results. Mildred’s qualifications include Strategy Studies from Harvard Extension School, Executive MBA from Georgia State University, a business degree from…
Karen Thompson-Jackson, Ph.D, has served as the Executive Director of Temporary Emergency Services since 1990. She received her Bachelor, Master and Ph.D degrees from the University of Alabama. She is an adjunct professor at The UA School of Social Work. She also serves as the administrative assistant at Elizabeth Baptist Church and is Co-Chair of…
A graduate of Shelton State Community College’s Machine Tool Technology and Computerized Numerical Control programs, Jason Moore has over 26 years of experience in manufacturing, teaching and college administration. Currently serving as Dean of Workforce and Economic Development, Moore has served in numerous positions during his 17 years at the College including Machine Tool Technology…
Jim Page is the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. He serves as the 120-year-old, Tuscaloosa-based business advocacy organization’s lead spokesman on all public policy issues, economic development projects and strategic community initiatives. Jim is a member of the Tuscaloosa County Road Improvement Commission, serves on the Board of Directors…
Erik Johnson is an Assistant Professor of Economics at The University of Alabama. His research focuses on topics such as measuring industrial agglomeration patterns, valuing visual amenities in cities through the use of deep learning methods and automated street photo scraping and how exploring support for higher education funding is affected by the racial composition…
Moore serves as the Executive Director of Urban Development and Elevate Tuscaloosa’s Project Lead. He has been with the City of Tuscaloosa for twelve years. Moore received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Alabama. In addition, he is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). His specializations include…
Audrey Buck serves as the Deputy Director of Urban Development. She has worked for the City for almost seven years with an emphasis on economic development and recruitment. Before taking on the role of Deputy Director, Audrey worked as the city’s Development Ombudsman for two years with a focus on the redevelopment of Tuscaloosa’s Recovery…