Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy

The Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy spent the day in Montgomery learning about the Executive and Legislative Branch of the Alabama State Government. Members heard updates from Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, State Fire Marshal Scott Pilgreen, Legislative Services Agency Director Othni Lathram, State Treasurer Young Boozer, and ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor.

Spending time learning about the legislative process better prepares participants to make a greater impact in their local communities. Applications for our next cohort are due April 30, 2026.

Special thanks to Beth Chapman of Beth Chapman & Associates, LLC for setting up our meetings.

Last week, the 2025-2026 cohort of the Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy convened on the campus of the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Alabama, to take an in-depth look at Human Resource Management. We heard from UWA faculty members Dr. Karen Braxton and Mr. Robert Upchurch on the importance of professional standards, due process, and disciplinary procedures. In the words of Dr. Braxton, "Professional standards are not just rules - they are a promise." As public safety executives, we make a promise to our people and the public to maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

Thanks to UWA President Dr. Todd Fritch, UWA Interim Provost Dr. Amy Jones, and Dean of the College of Business Dr. W***y Hilly for their partnership with the Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy.

🚨 Now accepting applications for APSLA 2026–2027!🚨

apsla.wordpress.com

👥 Open to professionals across all public safety fields
🎓 Limited to 30 participants
📅 Nine-month interdisciplinary leadership experience
💵 Tuition: $500 (includes materials, meals, & graduation items)

Participants will gain valuable insight into:
✔️ Public Finance & Budgeting
✔️ Communications & Media Relations
✔️ Ethics
✔️ Major Event Coordination
✔️ Human Resource Management
✔️ Legislative Process & Governmental Affairs
✔️ Strategic Management
✔️ Myers-Briggs Personality Type Assessment

📧 Questions? [email protected]

On January 9th, the 2025-2026 Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy cohort came together at Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach for an engaging day focused on organizational culture. Participants heard from David Wilson, retired Foley Public Safety Director, on Real Deal Leadership; Gulf Shores Fire Chief Mark Sealy on building strong organizational culture; and CSU Professor Dr. Michael Whittington, who traveled from California to share insights on influencers, implementers, and doers. Each session delivered practical takeaways that truly resonated. A big thank-you to Columbia Southern University for their outstanding hospitality and support- it was the perfect setting for a productive and memorable day.

The Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy met at the Alabama Fire College on December 12, 2025, for a focused look at strategic planning and public finance. The day included an overview of the Alabama Competitive Bid Law by Jason Paulk ( Department of Examiners of Public Accounts), followed by Fire Department Strategic Planning and Budgeting with Chief Brandon Broadhead (Homewood Fire Department). After lunch, Scott Thurmond, University of Alabama Interim Police Chief (UA Safety), shared insights on law enforcement budgeting, followed by Reid Vaughan, Section Chief of Regional Services at the Alabama Fire College, who led a discussion on executive strategies in public safety budgets. We wrapped up the afternoon with student presentations covering fire, police, EMA, and 911 budgeting. Another great day of leadership development for public safety professionals across Alabama!

We had an incredible day conducting our media relations session at Bryant Denny Stadium at the studios of WVUA 23. Class members participated in live press conference scenarios in conjunction with UA Journalism & Creative Media Graduate Students, followed by an engaging presentation by Dr. Chandra Clark on "What Journalists Need from You." After lunch, we conducted in-studio interview simulations with Dr. William Ferguson (pre-hospital blood programs), Chief Marlos Walker (community-oriented policing), Lieutenant Christine Shores (community risk reduction), and Mrs. Alissa Jacques (women in the fire service). Assistant Chief Matt McCracken wrapped up the day with an overview of the public information officer's role in public safety organizations.

A big thank you to Dr. Chandra Clark, the UA College of Communication and Information Sciences, and WVUA Channel 23 for hosting our APSLA cohort.

APSLA’s latest meeting at Pelham City Hall was a hit! Attorney Mark S. Boardman (Boardman, Carr, Petelos, Watkins, Ogle & Howard, P.C.) unpacked Alabama Ethics Law, sparking great discussion. After lunch, Investigator Lynn Shobe (Jefferson State Community College Campus Police & Security) dove into public safety ethics, and Allan Rice (Partner, Master Solutions LLC), led an ethics case study.

Special thanks to Pelham Fire Department for their support!

On September 11-12, we welcomed the newest APSLA cohort for two powerful days of leadership development and networking! This year’s group is off to a strong start, committed to learning, leading, and serving Alabama’s communities.

📅 Day 1:
🔹 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at the Alabama Firefighter Memorial
🔹 Official welcome, class introductions, and formal photos
🔹 Chief Robert Ezekiel led an engaging session on Myers-Briggs personality types

📅 Day 2:
🔹 “What is Leadership?” with guest speakers, including:
• Chief Robert Ezekiel (Ret.), Mountain Brook Fire Department
• Colonel David Mollahan, President, Marion Military Institute
• Chief A.C. Roper (Ret.) Birmingham Police Department
• Jim Coker, Director, Jefferson County EMA
• Chief Alan Martin (Ret.), Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue
🔹 Class president and chaplain elections

The Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy provides a valuable opportunity to enhance your skills, expand your perspective, and connect with a network that empowers effective and impactful leadership. Apply for the 2025-2026 session now! apsla.wordpress.com

This is an excellent opportunity for a public safety professional. The Baylor School is a highly-regarded private school in Chattanooga. The successful applicant will be able to build a safety program from the ground up.

We’re kicking off the 2024-2025 APSLA class this morning!