October Newsletter 2020

Simmons’ work in the nonprofit sector is not limited to the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. He is the founder of D.A.D.S (Dads And Daughters Saturday) and serves on various boards throughout the community, including the YMCA of Greater Montgomery, East Montgomery YMCA and the Montgomery City-County Public Library. Simmons has also served on the boards of Brantwood Children’s Home and Jubilee CityFest. He is also a member of the Economic Development Association of Alabama and a Leadership Montgomery graduate, Class XXVIII.

“We are extremely excited about Ron Simmons joining the River Region United Way,” shared Dr. Rhea Ingram, RRUW Chair of the Board. “Ron not only brings a wealth of business acumen and marketing savvy, but he is from the River Region, as a lifelong resident. He will be a tremendous asset to our communities, leading our organization toward its centennial in 2023 and beyond.”

As president and CEO of River Region United Way, Simmons will establish a vision that is achieved through the efforts of a diverse team of high-performing leaders, volunteers and staff. He will lead a staff of nine in identifying community needs, finding the resources required to address those needs, and allocating funds where they will make the greatest impact. In this role, Simmons will serve as the chief mobilizer, leveraging the power of relationships and networks, and working across private, public and corporate sectors to improve the conditions in Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon and Montgomery counties.

Ron Simmons stated, “I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to work with River Region United Way, the board of directors, staff and partners who are so committed to improving the lives of people in the communities I love! United Way’s purpose of Making Life Better for Everyone mirrors the work of the Chamber in many ways. Both organizations understand that education, financial stability and good healthcare are critical elements for building strong communities. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our communities in this new role.”

Simmons took his post on July 16, 2020. He succeeds Jimmy Hill who served as president and CEO from 2014-2020. Hill left the position to take a statewide leadership role as executive director of Alabama CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Original article: alabamanews.net

“Jon is the ideal leader for Manufacture Alabama,” said George Clark, president of Manufacture Alabama. “He is a seasoned mover and shaker with significant experience working with elected officials in the great state of Alabama, operating an effective team, and recognizing the future challenges we must confront. We are fortunate to have Jon as our COO.”

Before joining Manufacture Alabama, Barganier served as deputy chief of staff to Gov. Kay Ivey and provided leadership during the transition of authority in April 2017 between the Bentley and Ivey administrations. During the Bentley administration, Barganier served in roles ranging from chief of staff, deputy chief of staff and legislative liaison.

“I am incredibly grateful and excited to assume this role and for the future of Manufacture Alabama,” said Barganier. “I look forward to working with George and the rest of the Manufacture Alabama team to build on the solid foundation that has been laid, to successfully serve our members and to fulfill the vision to make Alabama the best business and political location in the U.S. for manufacturers.”

Barganier has experience working as a government consultant leading the development of state public policy and legislation on behalf of the leadership in the Alabama Senate. Prior to consulting, Barganier spent five years in the Alabama Department of Finance developing and implementing a performance management program for state government agencies and decision makers.

Barganier is a graduate of the University of Alabama and received his MBA from Auburn University at Montgomery in 2010. He lives in Montgomery with his wife, Leigh, and their two children, Nash and Jeb. He is an active member of First United Methodist Church and enjoys coaching youth sports in the community.

Original article: montgomeryindependent.com

“Dr. Pappanastos is one of the most genuine teachers you will ever meet. Ed is selfless in his service to the students of Troy University, the Sorrell College of Business and the Risk Management and Data Analytics Department,” said Dr. Jeffrey A. Bohler, Department Chair, who nominated Pappanastos for the award. “He is incredibly knowledgeable in Risk Management and Quantitative Measures, is well published and continuously mentors all members of our department. Ed’s efforts directly contribute to helping our department support the vision of Troy University.”

Dr. Pappanastos said he was both shocked and honored to receive the award.

“It was a complete shock to me to be selected to receive the Malone Award because there are so many qualified faculty members at Troy,” he said. “I am tremendously thankful to be able to work alongside of a group that is so focused on making a positive impact on the lives of the students and each other. The quality of our current faculty and the legacies of the previous award winners makes this a tremendous honor. I am extremely grateful, and somewhat embarrassed, to have been selected.”

Dr. Pappanastos first joined the Troy faculty in 1997, serving for 17 years as a Professor of Quantitative Measures and Risk Management and Insurance. After a twoyear stint as a Professor of Management at Tuskegee University, Dr. Pappanastos returned to Troy in 2016 as chair of the Department of Economics, Finance and RMI, and then Chair of the Department of Risk Management and Data Analytics from 2017 to 2019.

Dr. Pappanastos earned a bachelor’s in 1985 and a master’s degree in 1988 from Auburn University at Montgomery, a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama.

In addition to his service on many committees of the Sorrell College of Business, Dr. Pappanastos is also active within the Montgomery community. He has served on three occasions as chairperson of the Catholic Charities Appeal for the Archdiocese of Mobile, has served as a proctor for the AP Calculus Test for LAMP High School and is a committee member and past chairperson of the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association.

Original article: https://today.troy.edu/news

Carina Harrison ‘00
Degree: Biology
Your Current Occupation: Military
Employer: USAF

How did your AUM experience benefit you? My time at AUM was a long time ago, but I can truly say my time at AUM was instrumental in my success today! While attending AUM, I learned teamwork through collaboration with other students, I gained an understanding of when it’s time to try something new, and I learned to never give up no matter level of difficulty!

Share Your Story: I currently serve in the USAF as a Force Support Officer stationed At the Pentagon managing the AF budget.  I have served in the military for 19 years having travelled to various locations across the world. I did all this while raising my now 17-year-old daughter!

Brandon Taylor ‘13
Degree: Physical Science

Taylor switched gears from biochemistry to pursue his passion for writing through a fellowship from the Tin House summer writing workshop. His novel, “Real Life,” is now on The Booker Prizes 2020 shortlist. Read more about his fascinating journey here.