The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Foundation has added five Alabama business and health care leaders to its board of directors, expanding the statewide board to 16 members as the school prepares to welcome its inaugural class on August 13.
The appointments took place during the foundation board meeting in Demopolis on June 30.
Clarence M. Ball Jr., Nathaniel Drummond, Barbara Estep, Larry Howell and Jeremy Wootten will serve through June 30, 2029. Their appointments bring the total number of new members added within the past year to eight, following the earlier appointments of Bart McCorquodale, Dr. Mark McIlwain and Matthew “Cade” Warner.
The foundation’s board of directors is responsible for building and sustaining partnerships across government, education, health care, business and philanthropy to advance ASHS’ mission of providing “a steady flow of uniquely prepared high school students” into the state’s health care workforce pipeline—with particular attention to rural equity, according to the foundation’s press release.
“Our foundation board reflects the statewide commitment that has made this school possible,” Foundation Board Chair Kirk Stephens said. Stephens also serves on the statewide school board governing ASHS’ operations. “These five leaders bring extraordinary experience, vision and relationships that will strengthen our ability to support the school’s long-term success and create opportunities for generations of Alabama students.”
Foundation President and CEO J. Scott Huffman echoed those sentiments.
“The foundation’s role is to bring together people who care deeply about Alabama’s future and give them meaningful ways to make a difference to and with ASHS,” Huffman said. “These five leaders have already done that throughout their careers, and their experience and perspective will make our board even stronger.”
At last week’s board meeting, the foundation also elected officers for the 2026-27 term. Stephens will continue as chair, Alfred “Freddy” Padilla will serve as vice chair, and Warner will serve as secretary-treasurer.
ASHS is the fourth tuition-free public residential specialty high school in Alabama, and the foundation said it has played a key role in its formation and support, from securing large philanthropic gifts and government funding to providing donations that help cover student meals.
