The List March 2011
AUBREY CARTER
A devotion to impeccable customer service is the driving force behind Aubrey Carter’s great success as an assistant manager with Alabama Power. Equipped with a bachelor’s degree from Alabama A&M University and a master’s degree from Troy University Montgomery, Aubrey has been with Alabama Power for 12 years, building relationships within the community and helping to mentor and develop his co-workers.
An enthusiast of Montgomery’s energy and economic growth, Aubrey actively involves himself in the community outside of office hours as well. By working with EMERGE and Leadership Montgomery, he is able to connect with local leaders and engage in city efforts. The lifelong optimist’s positive attitude is contagious; he believes that if you love your profession, you will enjoy working hard. “I have not had real obstacles to overcome in my career, only opportunities and I have embraced each one. I simply don’t see failure as an option in anything I do.”
MORGAN HIGHTOWER
ABC 32 Reporter Morgan Hightower’s deep interest in news originated well before she began her telecommunication studies at the University of Florida. While her first major interview might have been with author/activist Gloria Steinem, her earliest and most memorable interview was with her grandmother in the second grade. Since then, the Orlando, Florida native knew she was destined to be a reporter.
She continued to develop her craft by working for her high school newspaper and then the University of Florida TV station and ABC’s affiliate in Gainesville. Upon graduation, Morgan left the “Sunshine State” for the “Capital of Dreams,” where she is delighted to be able to tell the stories of others. “I love that every day I go to work, I’m inspired by the people I encounter…I am fueled by the fight, dedication, integrity and desire in the people I interview.” The driven young journalist gladly meets the challenges that reporters commonly face while fresh in the field – including long hours.
GABRIEL AUSTIN
After three years as a computer programmer for Maxwell Air Force Base, Gabriel Austin, the assistant to the revenue commissioner, switched his focus from microchips to math. The 2007 Alabama State University graduate is now pursing his second bachelor’s degree in accounting from Auburn University at Montgomery with plans to soon sit for the CPA exam.
As a Birmingham native, Gabriel came to Montgomery committed to building long-lasting relationships throughout the community, and his superb networking skills led to his appointment to his current position with the revenue commissioner. Now, instead of designing computer software, the recreational tennis player works directly with the city’s taxpayers in finding ways to assist in meeting their needs. Outside of the office, Gabriel is still as dedicated to helping people; the United Way account executive is a staunch volunteer of Meals on Wheels and Rally in the Alley. Also a member of EMERGE Torchbearers, Gabriel attributes his motivation to his parents.
BEN SKELLEY
The culinary artwork of Chef Ben Skelley has aided in the elegant Chop House at Vintage Year becoming a sensation in the Cloverdale community. While his education began at the Trenholm Culinary Arts program here in Montgomery, Ben’s story stemmed from his parents’ principles of work ethic, morals and primarily the love of great and inventive food.
Upon completion of the Trenholm program, he fled to Europe and spent two years in Germany enhancing his skills before returning to the United States. After traveling throughout the Southeast with a long stay in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ben brought his topnotch talent back to Montgomery to serve his exquisite dishes at The Chop House at Vintage Year. Although his career has turned Ben into a world-class traveler, his heart remains in Montgomery. “I may be biased since I grew up here, but the people of Montgomery make it a special place.” At home, the avid fisher and wife Walton are busy raising their two young children, 2-year-old son and 18-month-old daughter.
ASHLEY GILBREATH
Interior Designer Ashley Gilbreath is bringing style and sophistication to homes across Montgomery with her residential and commercial design studio, Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design, and retail shop, PARISH. Before she created her design business, the Auburn University graduate gained a great deal of experience working for shops across the East Coast, including the prestigious Richard Keith Langham in New York City and the Atlanta-based Studio L.
This diverse work history, along with unwavering support from husband Barrett, has helped Ashley to become an illustrious success. The new mom attributes this success to the community, acknowledging that undertaking the challenges small businesses face, especially in a downward economy, would not be possible without community support. Hoping to build on this success, she is excited to be bringing PARISH to the Hampstead community this month. When the self-admitted work-a-holic allows herself free time, she is with husband and baby daughter Cates.
KENDALL DUNSON
A true beacon of the American dream, Kendall Dunson, attorney and shareholder at Beasley Allen law firm, arose from a humble upbringing to become a successful and highly respected attorney in the River Region. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Georgia, Kendall studied law at the University of Alabama and worked as an associate with Balch and Bingham before taking his current position with Beasley Allen.
The most rewarding aspect of his career is having the ability to influence the safety of products sold in the United States and serve his clients that were affected by manufacturing negligence. Although he is kept busy, family is of utmost importance to this proud father of two. Through the example of his mother, Kendall learned the value of perseverance, integrity and motivation at a young age, and this “success is never out of reach” attitude has led him to recently becoming the first African American president of the Montgomery County Bar Association.
BO JINRIGHT
With a resume that includes architectural design for downtown Montgomery and an internship designing devices for NASA, Charles (Bo) Wayne Jinright, Jr. of Securance Group is leaving his mark on the River Region. Before joining the family business of insurance, Bo graduated from Auburn University with a degree in industrial design and then spent a few years with Brown Chambless Architects.
Although insurance can be a high stress field, Bo takes joy in the opportunity to solve problems for his clients. “I love finding solutions, helping people and creating something where before there was a void.” Bo’s expert insurance advice isn’t the only service he provides to the community; in addition to serving as president of the Montgomery Health Underwriters Association, a member of Kiwanis Montgomery and on the board of the Children’s Museum of Alabama, the former improv actor is also a founding member of the Montgomery Fencing Club, a sport fencing program for both kids and adults.
CASEY VAUGHAN
After years in the spotlight as a professional ballerina, Casey Vaughan now works behind the scenes as a public relations representative and ballet teacher at the Alabama Dance Theatre. The recent University of Alabama graduate followed her love for dance to Miami to study at the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami and competed in the 2006 International Ballet Competition before returning to Montgomery.
After growing up dancing at the Alabama Dance Theatre, Casey is thrilled with the opportunity to promote the company and contribute to the quality of dance by teaching classes. With an unbounded passion for the arts, Casey actively serves on the Alabama Dance Theatre Committee, the Arts Council of Montgomery and is currently the “Doing Our Own Thing” chairman, where she has the rewarding opportunity to work with local schools to encourage creativity in children. When the ballet shoes come off, Casey can be found in a spinning class, doing pottery, testing her culinary skills or playing with her Yorkie,Sadie.
EMILY FLOWERS
As the development director, Emily Flowers is working toward developing a new platform for performing arts with the upcoming Cloverdale Playhouse. The born and raised Montgomery native has been working with the Playhouse Board since its creation in 2009 and is delighted to announce its opening the fall of this year.
Before taking her current role, Emily attained her degree in English from the University of Alabama and worked in magazine publishing, formed and sold a real estate company and will take on the title of managing director once the Playhouse opens its doors. Emily’s fervor for the arts isn’t limited to theatre; not only was she a dancer at the Alabama Dance Theatre, she also takes pleasure in studying art, architecture, interior design and antiques. The former Landmarks Foundation vice president is also completing the Fine and Decorative Art Appraisal Certification from Pratt Institute.