New Slate of Officers Also Begin

Birmingham, AL, June 2, 2021 —– The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship of Alabama (ASF) is pleased to announce five new members to their Board of Directors: Stirling Hutchins, Dr. Michelle Robinson, Matthew Stuenkel, Stacey Walters, and Steve Yoder. These new Board members epitomize Dr. Schweitzer’s philosophy of service and will act as vocal supporters of the organization’s work throughout their three-year tenure. 

“We are thrilled to have each of these new members join us, as they bring years of professional and civic experience that will challenge our young organization to continue to grow and improve,” said Kristin Boggs, Executive Director. “They have the same vision–to help us strive for excellence in the governance, financial oversight, and strategic planning that will be vital for our ongoing development. They have already shown a commitment to be ambassadors for us in the community, and for that we are grateful.”

Stirling Hutchins, CFRE, works as a Legacy Gifts Officer at United Way of Central Alabama, where she promotes planned giving. Prior to coming to United Way in 2017, Stirling worked with Impact America to coordinate and later expand their free preschool vision program around the Southeast. She is a graduate of the Leading Edge Institute and has served on the Junior Boards for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Botanical Gardens.  

Michelle Robinson, DMD, MA, is an Associate Professor in the UAB School of Dentistry who presently serves as Interim Dean of the UAB School of Education. Dr. Robinson brings a wealth of knowledge about strategic planning, diversity and inclusion, student mentorship as well as her clinical background as a private practice dentist, dental faculty, and researcher on electronic record systems. In addition, she previously served as an ASF Academic Mentor and supported ASF while serving as Interim Dean of the UAB School of Dentistry. 

Matthew Stuenkel, CPA, MBA, is an Accounting Manager at Medical Properties Trust. His 15+ years of experience in both public accounting and industry include work on project analysis, financial modeling, internal control design, financial statement preparation, and more. Prior to joining the Board, Matt was already using these skills to serve ASF as a member of the Finance Committee. 

Stacey Walters, CPA, serves as Director of Medicare Advantage at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, a new division she helped develop and lead in order to create a “best in class” service model for seniors. Overall, Stacey has worked in various capacities for BCBS for over 18 years. Stacey was a member of the Momentum Leadership Program and is also civically involved with the JDRF Board of Directors.

Steve Yoder, JD, is Associate Provost for Academic Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he manages faculty affairs. In addition, as an Assistant Professor in the Collat School of Business, he teaches courses on business ethics, law, leadership, and corporate governance. His civic involvement spans from arts, to healthcare, to the environment, having served as a Board Member or even Chair of many organizations, including the Vulcan Park Foundation, Tocqueville Society and Planned Giving with United Way of Central Alabama, Railroad Park Foundation, UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, and Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham. 

ASF of Alabama additionally announces the new President of its Board of Directors, Brooke Bowles. Ms. Bowles assumed the role of Board President in January 2021 following the previous officer, Dr. Stefan Kertesz. She has served as an ASF Board Member since August 2019. Dr. Kertesz founded the organization as a chapter of the national nonprofit in 2015, assuming the role of President in 2018 when it was incorporated as an Alabama-based organization.”I am thankful for the example that Dr. Kertesz set as the founding President of ASF of Alabama,” said Brooke Bowles. “Because he had his roots as an alumni of the program, Stefan did a wonderful job advising the organization in its early years. It is an honor to assume responsibility for a nonprofit that continues to serve communities and shape the lives of our future leaders. With such a talented group of Directors, I am confident that we can continue to move the organization forward for the benefit of our community and academic partners.”

The 2021-22 ASF Board of Directors are as follows: 

Officers:

• Brooke Bowles, Birmingham Southern College- President
• Jan Hofman, Regions- Vice President
• Dr. Lisa Graham, McDonald Graham- Secretary
• Nancy Ferren, Veritas Medical Real Estate- Treasurer

Directors:

• Prince Cleveland, EBSCO
• Jeff Eliasoph, WVTM 13
• Stirling Hutchins, United Way of Central Alabama
• Myeisha Hutchinson, Office of Congresswoman Terri Sewell
• Dr. Michelle Robinson, UAB
• Matthew Stuenkel, Medical Properties Trust
• Stacey Walters, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
• Steve Yoder, UAB

“I am thankful for the example that Dr. Kertesz set as the founding President of ASF of Alabama… With such a talented group of Directors, I am confident that we can continue to move the organization forward for the benefit of our community and academic partners.”

Brooke Bowles, President

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About The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship of Alabama

The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship (ASF) of Alabama is preparing the next generation of professionals who will serve and empower vulnerable people to live healthier lives and create healthier communities in Alabama. To date, 71 Alabama Fellows have contributed over 15,000 hours of service at a value of over $362,000. Nationally, more than 4,000 U.S Schweitzer Fellows have delivered nearly 750,000 hours of service to individuals and communities in need. Additionally, over 100 Lambaréné Schweitzer Fellows have served in Africa at the Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon.  Through this work and through the ongoing contributions of the more than 4,000 program alumni who continue as Schweitzer “Fellows for Life”, ASF perpetuates the legacy and philosophy of physician-humanitarian and Nobel Peace laureate Dr. Albert Schweitzer. ASF currently has 13 active program locations in the U.S.  The national nonprofit is located in Boston, MA.