The List July 2008
ANTHONY OLIVER
Music is loved by all and has never needed justification, but if it did, Anthony Oliver certainly justifies its existence. Although his formal education is in information systems, with the discipline from his parents and encouragement from his wife, this self-taught singer and songwriter got the boost of confidence he needed to pursue his goals as a musician. In demand and promising delivery, Anthony’s talents keep passing him to the next round!
Whether he is singing the National Anthem at the Biscuits Baseball Stadium, playing an acoustic gig or performing with his band Surgestone at a local bar or private event, Anthony stays in tune with what crowds want to hear. His love for performing comes from the rush he gets hitting that first chord and the brotherhood shared with band mates helps him overcome obstacles that come his way. Whether these guys are covering up mistakes, simply making him look younger, or running the show, he can count on them in all circumstances.
ASHLEY BRANDLE
California native Ashley Brandle is emphatic when it comes to planning events. It all began in high school where her organizational skills were quickly noticed by classmates and she was nominated as spokesperson and overseer of all senior events, including rallies, trips, dances and even graduation. Ashley even created and ran a morning concession stand for fellow students. Ashley’s mother always gave her great advice and told her to do what she loved. She said if you have a passion for what you do, the money will come.
With her mother’s encouragement and her father’s constant support and love, she had the drive to pursue her dream. Ashley received an academic scholarship to Alabama State University based on an essay she wrote about her love for event planning. Although leaving California to come to the South was similar to Dorothy’s experience when she told Toto, “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore”, the staff at ASU went above any of her expectations to make her feel welcome.
ASHLEY PAIGE LAYSON
A graduate from the University of Alabama, Ashley took a job in Chattanooga at the CBS affiliate as a reporter before coming to Montgomery as news anchor and special events coordinator for WAKA-CBS 8. This familiar face has been keeping Montgomerians plugged in and informed of River Region happenings for the past five years. She loved her job with WAKA and says you would be surprised by the amount of fun and ‘behind the scenes’ jokes and dance offs that went on between the station crew.
Ashley has just taken a new job as Public Relations and Marketing Director for the Federal Land Bank Association of South Alabama where she will be overseeing all of their community and special events and advertising decisions. She is very excited about starting this new season of her career. Ashley is involved with Emerge Montgomery Young Professionals, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery Ballet Executive Board, Montgomery Humane Society, the National Kidney Foundation and the Arts Council of Montgomery.
BETH BOWMAN
Looking for a home can be a difficult task... unless you have realtor Beth Bowman, who can turn your dreams into reality and soon have you living the American Dream. Beth loves her job and feels fortunate to be a realtor in Montgomery with industry, military bases and growing communities allowing us a steady and stable market. Early on she felt she had a disadvantage by not being from the Tri-County area, but started with family and friends and quickly built up her database. Growing up, her father taught her the value of a dollar and, no matter what, your word is your bond. All of these traits are evident in her daily life. Beth is a graduate of Auburn University and is a member of Heritage Baptist Church. Another interesting tidbit... this girl can twirl a baton! As a former Auburn University Majorette, she is the majorette instructor at Prattville High School where her husband works as the band director. She loves volunteering with the Footprints Ministry.
DENISE BLAKE GREENE
If it’s true that “all the world’s a stage”, Montgomery is front and center for Denise. A graduate of both the Montgomery Academy and AUM, she landed a position at an advertising agency in Atlanta which parlayed into a Chamber of Commerce job. Four years in the big city was enough for her to know she missed the small-town feel of Montgomery and moved home so her daughters could live that experience.
After a four-year break from the work force to be a full-time Mom, she now holds the title of Development Director for the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. She accepted the position at ASF because she knew she would be able to make a difference in the fabric of the city, not to mention working with the most spirited, creative and passionate group of people. She daily admires that Montgomery houses such a jewel as ASF and recognizes the impact it has on our community not only as an economic engine but an educational experience for the 54,000 children who attended Alfa Schoolfest this season.
GEOFF WARING
If you want to play some “sets in the city” take yourself right over to Lagoon Park Tennis Center where you will find Geoff Waring who can help you ace your serve. Geoff graduated from Huntingdon College and worked as an Assistant Tennis Pro at Wynlakes Country Club before becoming the Tennis Supervisor at O’Connor Tennis Center where he has worked for the last 15 years. Most recently, Geoff was promoted as the Tennis Manager for the City of Montgomery.
Geoff has an eye for improving anyone’s tennis game and if you see his “wait list” for lessons, you will quickly understand that his talent is a commodity. Geoff got his strong work ethic from his parents, Richard and Carol Waring, who led by example and taught him to respect others. Geoff’s father-in-law and best friend, Kirven Ulmer, who passed away unexpectedly, taught him to never let anyone out work him, and to have fun when he is working. Geoff stays involved in the community by bidding and bringing large tournaments to the City of Montgomery.
JEREMY WALKER
Because we know that persistence and diligence really do pay off, we’re certain that Attorney Jeremy Walker will quickly move his way up the ladder among other young lawyers in Montgomery. Jeremy played football at the University of Alabama and was a student assistant coach there while earning a degree in Finance. After graduation he chose to continue his education and persevered through many late nights of studying and went on to receive a law degree from Thomas Goode Jones School of Law.
Growing up, Jeremy’s father was a constant source of encouragement and taught him that “anything worth having is worth working for”. Presently, Jeremy is practicing as an Associate Attorney at Haskell Slaughter Young and Gallion where he is grateful to the experienced partners and attorneys in the firm who mentor and teach him daily... “it’s amazing what they do not teach you about practicing law in law school.” Jeremy is the chairman of the Montgomery County Young Republicans.
KYLE KYSER
In commercial real estate and construction, taking a blank canvas and turning it into a masterpiece is Kyle’s specialty. His most recent project is on display downtown, 129 Coosa, a beautiful venue available for private parties and events. His expertise has been a lifetime in the making by gaining a strong work ethic from his father Kyle and uncle Jerry. He spent a great deal of his time delivering furniture and working on construction job sites as a young adult, learning valuable lessons for his work today.
He completed his Finance degree at Birmingham-Southern and went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Auburn University’s Building Science program. After working as a Project Manager for Brasfield and Gorrie, he is now Vice President of Jerry Kyser Builder, Inc. He has been involved in numerous community organizations including Past-President of the Montgomery Lions Club, Jimmy Hitchcock Selection Committee, Young Life, and Young Executive Board for Compass Bank.
LYNN BOYD
Not only is Troy University’s Football program on fire, but their professors are taking education to a new level. Dr. Lynn Boyd, Assistant Professor of Counseling and Psychology at Troy University’s Montgomery Campus has both discipline and heart, making her a great example to her students. Lynn received a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Alabama and M.Ed. Counseling and Development and B.A. in English at Auburn University at Montgomery and has 15 years experience working in higher education.
Balancing a full time job and family life while obtaining her doctorate was challenging, but made easier by the encouragement from family, colleagues and friends. Lynn loves to explain concepts to students who need a better understanding of the subject at hand. She gets her drive from seeing the students’ facial expressions change from uncertainty to understanding. Seeing her own students juggle all of life’s roles that she juggled while pursuing her college degrees keeps her going.