The List September 2011
STEPHANIE HOSKINS
Promoting the art of graceful movement is the noble profession of Stephanie Hoskins, Marketing Director for the Montgomery Ballet. At the tender age of 25, Stephanie has already made a name for herself. A graduate from Auburn Montgomery in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in marketing, she is currently working on her MBA at AUM.
Promoting the art of graceful movement is the noble profession of Stephanie Hoskins, Marketing Director for the Montgomery Ballet. At the tender age of 25, Stephanie has already made a name for herself. A graduate from Auburn Montgomery in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in marketing, she is currently working on her MBA at AUM. Where does this ambition and pursuit of excellence come from? “I owe all my success to the love, wisdom and guidance of my parents,” she humbly explains.
JESSAMYN BOYD
With so much emphasis on current news and concerns about the future, it’s easy to overlook the many lessons that can be found in our rich past. For Jessamyn Boyd, Curator for the Alabama Department of Archives and History, preserving the past is her life’s passion.
While achieving her master’s degree in historical administration and public history from Florida State University, she also worked with the Alabama Department of Archives and History, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Florida State University Heritage Protocol at the College of Nursing, documenting and exhibiting their memorabilia. In her current role, Jessamyn tells the sweeping story of Alabama to others. “I get to share aspects of our history that many people either do not remember or have never heard of,” she explains. "To see the looks on people’s faces when they view a Civil War uniform or the chair that Martin Luther King, Jr. sat in before the Selma to Montgomery March – that’s what I work for.”
JOSH JOHNSON
For Josh Johnson, Meteorologist for WSFA 12, keeping an eye on the sky has been a lifetime activity. “I started drawing weather charts when I was 6 years old,” Josh notes. “When I was 13, I would use our family computer to type up forecasts and fax them to some of my family members at work.”
It’s that same dedication that has allowed Josh to work in the business since college. At 19, Josh started doing weather at an ABC affiliate in Meridian while still in school at Mississippi State University. “They paid me $35 per broadcast, barely enough to pay for my gas money to drive back and forth,” he says, laughing. Yet from these modest beginnings came his first full-time position, as Josh was offered the chief meteorologist position at the same ABC station only a few months after his graduation from MSU. In July 2008, Josh joined the WSFA team. Asked what his favorite part about his job, he doesn’t hesitate. “Being on TV isn’t what it’s about for me. I am a weather geek!"
SYLVESTER FOLKS
Sylvester Folks is the rare sort of Montgomery Police Officer who is both a protector of the peace and a playwright. Despite what one might assume, the two professions aren’t incompatible. “As a police officer, I love the role of being a public servant,” Sylvester explains.
“As a writer, some stories are inspired by the personalities and lives of the citizens I’ve encountered, and others are combinations of my life experiences. “ Upon graduating from Faulkner University, Sylvester began work as a teacher at Prattville Christian Academy. Joining the police force in 2007, he faced the same initial stresses that many young officers face. “The biggest fear I had to overcome was believing in myself and knowing that I would not fail the community or my fellow officers in the time of need.” He credits his family with providing guidance during uncertain times, with his father and uncles having held positions in law enforcement. As a writer, Sylvester credits his grandfather as his greatest influence.
MEGHAN COCHRANE
Stories of courage and hope are what fuels Meghan Cochrane, Executive Director of the South Alabama Pensacola Muscular Dystrophy Association. The South Alabama Pensacola MDA Chapter serves more than 400 families in 34 counties with over 43 different types of neuromuscular diseases.
“The families we serve have had the biggest impact in my success,” says Meghan. “I work harder and harder every day to fundraise to be able to provide the services we can for our families.” The Auburn Montgomery graduate began as a fundraising coordinator with the MDA. In less than two years, she was promoted to the Executive Director, but despite her quick success, Meghan has faced obstacles. “I've had to overcome the stereotype of being young and inexperienced to lead an office with a million dollar budget,” she notes. “But I love knowing at the end of the day, what I am doing makes a difference in the lives of others.”
KEITH DANIELS
Keith Daniels, CEO of Remarkable Properties, believes in the art of the deal. “I enjoy putting deals together that allow a family to acquire a piece of the American Dream,” he enthuses.
A graduate in business finance from Troy University and a 10 year veteran of the United States Air Force, Keith began as an Associate Broker with Aronov Realty, where he worked for three years prior to branching out on his own. Those early years were a learning curve in and outside the office, and Keith credits his cousin, Mike Jackson, as the person who has most aided his current success. “He has shown me so much in the area of how to run a business,” Keith explains. “Without him exposing me to the world of Real Estate, I don’t know where I would be today.” Outside of work, Keith and Remarkable Properties have just finished hosting, along with Daniels and Associates, the first Annual Military Appreciation Event titled “Picnic in the Park... A Hero’s Welcome” at the Ida Bell Young Park.
JOSEPH WOOD
How many people in the River Region can say they are a Master Stylist and a competitive skydiver? Joseph Wood, owner of 2940 Salon-Spa, can proudly say he is both. His journey to entrepreneurial success began 20 years ago.
“I started at Itz Robertz Salon on October 1, 1991, making $4.50 an hour as the Shampoo Boy,” he explains. “Thirteen years later, I bought the company.” Joseph takes great pride in the knowledge that has been the only job of his life. “It has been a wonderful road thus far full of highs and lows and an experience that I would not trade for anything,” he says, advising that the way to happiness is “to find a home and stay there!” Joseph attributes a great deal of his success on his travel throughout the country and the world, noting that these influences have allowed him to create a serene environment at 2940. His also describes the loyalty of his clients and co-workers as an essential component in his good fortune.
JUSTIN MOODY
Offering solid financial footing in an uncertain economy is the mission of Justin Tyler Moody, Residential Investment Realtor for Partners Realty. Justin represents investors that are looking for tangible assets in order to diversify their investment portfolio.
In his work, Justin handles everything from single family residential homes to multi-million dollar apartment complexes. He spends hours and hours studying local market transactions and trends, searching for value for his clients. “Having this knowledge of every transaction in every micro community allows me to recognize when an opportunity presents itself,” he explains. “Arming myself with the knowledge to keep my investors, customers and friends ahead of the curve is what I pride myself on.” By involving himself in transactions from a variety of markets, Justin has seen his business thrive when so many others in real estate have been forced to close up shop. He is also an active member of First Baptist Church with his wife Lacey.
COURTNEY GILES
Ensuring a bright future through reading is the job of Courtney Giles, Literacy Specialist at Brewbaker Primary School.
Since graduating with a certification in educational administration from Alabama State University and receiving her education specialist degree in elementary education, Courtney has worked in education for nine years, serving as a teacher then reading coach. Today, she believes she’s in exactly the right job. “It gives me pleasure to collaborate with the teachers, administrators, parents and faculty at large about the tasks and responsibilities that are involved in providing the students we serve with meaningful learning opportunities,” she says. In addition to her mother and father, Courtney credits her community for aiding her in her vocational quest. Her job has rewarded Courtney with a range of opportunities to network and become more aware of societal needs, and this knowledge has spurred her on to write articles on the subject of education.
EDWIN MARTY
For Edwin Marty, Executive Director of the Hampstead Institute, rediscovering the vitality of farmland is his life’s passion. After completing an apprenticeship in agroecology at the University of California-Santa Cruz, he worked on agricultural projects around the world, including Mexico, Australia and Mongolia.
Ten years ago, Edwin returned to his home in Birmingham to launch a non-profit urban farm called Jones Valley Urban Farm, an institution which has since grown to see immense success. This past summer, Edwin relocated his family to Montgomery and started the Hampstead Institute, a project which includes the development of an urban farm in downtown Montgomery, a suburban farm at Hampstead and the creation of youth education programs that will provide a direct connection to healthy lifestyles. Before returning to Alabama, Edwin felt some trepidation. “I think I feared coming back to the South and being the only person that cared about the issues I’ve been working on,” Edwin explains. “Fortunately… i