WEDC August 2025 Leadership Development Meeting

Description

Please join us for the Women’s Economic Development Council’s (WEDC) August luncheon presentation entitled "Built for This: Leading Regional Growth Together".

This month’s luncheon will feature a panel of city leaders including Mayor Tommy Battle (Huntsville, AL), Mayor Paul Finley (Madison, AL), and Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon. The panel will be moderated by Beth Richardson.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain insight into the region’s economic growth, infrastructure plans, and priorities.
• Learn how Huntsville, Madison, and Madison County are collaborating to shape the future of our workforce and community.
• Discover opportunities for civic engagement, leadership, and supporting women’s advancement across North Alabama.

This meeting is open to the public – Guests are welcome!

Please be sure to register to receive a lunch.

Sponsored by: Blaze Solutions

Speaker Biographies:

Mayor Tommy Battle: Elected in 2024 to serve a fifth term, Mayor Tommy Battle is dedicated to creating jobs, diversifying Huntsville’s economic base, and enhancing the City’s quality of life. Through his leadership, the Mayor has assembled a coalition of regional leaders committed to recruiting industry, workforce development, and high-quality education. As a result, Huntsville leads the state in new jobs and economic investment.

Mayor Paul Finley: In November 2008, Paul Finley took over as the Mayor of Madison. Multiple projects including Madison Hospital, Hogan YMCA, James Clemens High School, Indian Creek Park Expansion, Target, and the Shoppes of Madison were all started and completed during his tenure. During his initial term, Paul teamed with Huntsville, the Madison County Commission, and Redstone Arsenal officials to secure over $100 million in funding for major road projects.

Chairman Mac McCutcheon: Mac McCutcheon was appointed as Madison County Commission Chairman by Governor Kay Ivey on January 31, 2023. McCutcheon was elected by his colleagues as the 66th Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives in August 2016 and served in this leadership role until he retired in 2022. He has led a life of public service as a United States Army Veteran, a law enforcement officer, and Alabama State Representative (District 25).

Beth Richardson: Beth Richardson is the Madison Market President for United Community Bank, formerly Progress Bank. She ensures that all aspects of the bank’s activities obtain maximum profits aligned with the best interests of shareholders, customers, employees, and the community. Her civic involvement includes serving on boards for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, United Way, and Village of Promise, among others.