Brian Binzer is a big-picture guy. “I’m economic development and business-growth focused,” he says. “I like to work with the pieces and see everything come together.” And that’s exactly what he does (among many other things) in his role as Alabaster’s City Administrator. Binzer grew up in Montgomery and graduated from Jeff Davis High School … Read More
Kerri Pate—Ward 7 Alabaster Connection: How long have you served Ward 7? Kerri Pate: I was elected in 2016, and in 2020, I ran unopposed, so I’m two years in to my second term. AC: How long have you been in Alabaster, and where do you live? KP: I’ve lived in Alabaster since 1996. We … Read More
By Lori Culpepper After a milestone year obtaining her doctorate, being named Thompson High’s Teacher of the Year, and being named Alabaster City Schools’ (ACS) District Secondary Teacher of the Year, McKenzie Wayman is committed to raising the bar even higher during the 2022-2023 school year. “Last year was one of my personal best in … Read More
Dear Friends, As we celebrate the birth of our nation with family, fireworks, and barbecue, remember the military service members who guard our freedom around the world. We are grateful to the Alabaster Veteran’s Center that serves our local veterans and provides invaluable resources to these brave men and women. Also, check out the story … Read More
Command Sergeant Major Mary Kyser (ret) Photos by Brit Huckabay and courtesy the Kyser family Retired Command Sergeant Major Mary Kyser grew up in Greenville, Mississippi, graduated from Greenville High School, and promptly joined the Army. Why? “I knew that most military persons were better educated, better paid, and better off than in the civilian sector … Read More
Alabaster Connection: You have been appointed to fill the Ward 6 City Council seat. What made you want to serve on the City Council, and what was the appointment process? Zach Zahariadis: The opportunity to serve on Alabaster’s City Council fell into my lap, as Seth Gandy is an incredible friend of mine. He shared … Read More
Photo by Neal Wagner It doesn’t take long to realize that Stacy Payton would rather talk about the Senior Center than herself. She clearly loves what she does and who she does it with. Stacy grew up in Scottsboro, Alabama, graduating from high school and furthering her education at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga where … Read More
Pastor, pilot, media consultant, missionary, husband, father, woodworker, photographer, bus driver. Photography by Brit Huckabay, Butch Oglesby and courtesy the Oglesbys Alabaster resident Butch Oglesby grew up in Mobile until the ripe age of 15 when his family uprooted and moved to Atlanta. Butch graduated from Forest Park Sr. High a few years later and … Read More
Jamie Cole Ward 5 1) Alabaster Connection: What inspired you to run for Council, and how long have you served? Jamie Cole: I was elected in October 2020. My wife Charissa (principal at Alabaster’s Creek View Elementary School) inspired me to run. She’s a tremendous city leader and has made such an impact in the … Read More
Dear friends, As we look forward to the warm days of summer, we are excited about the return of Alabaster CityFest on June 4! After two years of cancellations due to COVID-19, the premier event in Alabaster returns to the grounds of Thompson High School for its 20thanniversary. CityFest is the largest free event of … Read More
