The Selma/Dallas County Leadership Association celebrated its 15th birthday Friday morning with balloons, breakfast, door prizes, alumnae and friends in the hospitality room of Alagasco.

Board President Denson Henry presided, introducing Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard who welcomed those present and commented on bright future prospects for the region. In the absence of Mayor James Perkins Jr. and City Council President George Evans, Council President pro tempore Jean Martin brought greetings.

Harriet Bates, retired County Extension Agent and former Selma resident, gave the keynote address, keyed into the theme “Leaders are born …” Chamber of Commerce President Laurie Cothran and present Arts Revive Director Fran Pierce also made brief remarks.

The 27 members of Leadership 2009 were given “Hail and Farewell” as they were introduced, then departed for their weekend retreat at the Shelby County 4-H

Center.

They are:

Rusty Adair, International Paper HR Director; Paul Alexander, Media business, owner; Tommy Atchison, Attorney, Gamble & Calame; Carver Boynton, Selma Mall manager; Lee Calame, Bank Trust; Tracy Cothran, Community leader; Bill Ezell, St. James Hotel manager; Helene Felton, Town and Country real estate; Jana Garner, Attorney, Reeves & Stewart; Scott Girlie, Lawrence Funeral Home; John

Hanning, Henry Brick; also,

Hunter Harrelson, Rayco Industrial; Candace Johnson, Chamber of Commerce; Susan Keith, Community; Cooper Leach, Bank Trust; Tim Lolley, Vaughan Hospital; Brennan Nedley, First Cahawba; Vernetta Perkins, Assistant District Attorney; Kenyatta Ray, Community Corrections Agency; also,

William Riley, Chief of Police; Eric Roberts, Salvation Army Captain; Laurie Stewart, ADECA; Ann Thomas, Arts Revive; Doris Truax, Truax & Co.; Dalton Williamson, Vaughan Hospital; Kendra Woodruff, Benefit Development Group; and Fred Ziegler, Church Street Methodist minister.