WHO WE ARE

A message from Executive Director Ron Gray

In my years as an engineer and business owner, I have found that two things are essential to the success of any project: leadership and perspective. These qualities are even more important when the task at hand requires a broad understanding of disparate communities, multiple disasters, and widely varied challenges that can be transformed into specific action items for building resilience across a region.

The Tornado Recovery Action Council embodies the diverse backgrounds, talents, experiences and perspectives that are needed to see the big picture. Its leaders, John Johns and Pam Siddall, are inspired and committed citizens with the ability to listen and to lead. With significant input from residents and leaders impacted by the storm, the TRAC is positioned to design real and meaningful recommendations for a stronger, more prepared Alabama.

TRAC Members

  • Suzanne Durham, CEO, YWCA of Central Alabama, Birmingham
  • Dallas Fanning, retired Director of Urban Development, Huntsville
  • Grayson Hall, President and CEO, Regions Financial Corporation, Birmingham
  • David Hannah, business owner, Crossville
  • John Johns, President and Chief Executive Officer of Protective Life Corporation, Birmingham
  • Evelyn Mauldin, Vice President, Bank Independent, Sheffield
  • Dr. Max Michael, Dean, UAB School of Public Health, Birmingham
  • Dr. Keith Morrow, Physician, Hackleburg Medical Clinic, Hackleburg
  • Brenda Parker, Principal, Alberta Elementary School, Tuscaloosa
  • Dr. Malcolm Portera, Chancellor, University of Alabama System, Tuscaloosa
  • Dr. Cathy Randall, Chairman, Pettus Randall Holdings, Tuscaloosa
  • Isabel Rubio, Executive Director, Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, Birmingham
  • Guice Slawson, Senior President, Southeast Wood Treating, Montgomery
  • Pam Siddall, President and Publisher of The Birmingham News Multimedia, Birmingham
  • Zeke Smith, Executive Vice President of External Affairs, Alabama Power Company, Birmingham
  • Finis St. John, Partner, St. John and St. John, Cullman
  • Rex Vaughn, Vaughn Farms, Huntsville
  • W. Michael Warren, President and CEO, Children’s Health System, Birmingham
  • Randall Woodfin, Attorney, Pratt City

Comments are closed.

Our Leaders

John Johns

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Protective Life Corporation

Johns is one of Alabama’s most active and influential business leaders, having served in leadership roles for the Business Council of Alabama, the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. In addition, Johns is on the Board of Directors of Alabama Power Company and is a trustee of Birmingham-Southern College. Earlier this year Johns was appointed to the Alabama Commission on Improving State Government, which has been tasked by Governor Bentley with exploring new ways to reduce government spending without reducing essential state services.

Pam Siddall

President and Publisher of The Birmingham News Multimedia

Pam is the President and Publisher of the state's largest news gathering organization, The Birmingham News Multimedia.  She is the first woman to lead The Birmingham News and was also the first female president and publisher of the The Wichita Eagle and Columbus Ledger Enquirer. Since returning to her home state to join The News in January of 2010, Siddall has quickly immersed herself in the community, serving on the Executive Committee of the Birmingham Business Alliance and on the Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, United Way and Alabama Press Association.  She is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Birmingham. Siddall led The Birmingham News' comprehensive response to the tornadoes that swept across the state April 27, including its ongoing commitment to telling the stories of those impacted by the storms.