Category: Past Speakers

Sarah Otts; A Creation Celebration

 

Sarah Otts, a native Mobilian and full time artist, works with the local scenery and wildlife found in and around Mobile Bay to create expressive and vibrant oil paintings. Her work represents the gifts of creation aiming to inspire perspective by encouraging others to look up to the beauty of the natural world. In 2007, Sarah graduated from Ole Miss with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in painting.  Her career,  however,  began before college as a freelance artist selling work as a teenager and throughout her college years. She then went on to sell work through galleries throughout the country until 2019 when she opened Sarah Otts Gallery in the Springhill area of Mobile which is now the sole representation of her art. Sarah and her team distribute fine art to clients around the US. In addition, the gallery carries the “Be a Bright Spot” campaign and products which Sarah created in an effort to encourage others to spread the “color and light” she works into her art.  Be all that you are and nothing you’re not. Be color. Be light. Be a bright spot.  In 2019, Sarah published her first book To Be a Line ; a children’s story about a personified line who learns of the whimsical possibilities that come from simply being himself. Currently, Sarah spends her work days making art in her Oakleigh studio known as The Garden, a conceptual nod to the hymn “In the Garden”. In addition to perpetually painting, Sarah plans to release a new book in November 2022.

CHIEF OF POLICE  – PAUL PRINE

Chief Paul O. Prine was born and raised in Prichard, Alabama and graduated in 1990 from C.F. Vigor High School. He is married to Kay Sayasane Prine of 26 years and has three beautiful children. He attends Calvary Temple Assembly of God Church and teaches Wednesday night bible study.

He has more than 26 years of law enforcement experience. He started his career with the Chickasaw Police Department in 1995. He was accepted into the Mobile Police Academy in 1997 whereby he graduated at the top of his class earning the Academic Award, The Chief’s Overall Excellence Award, and was nominated by his peers to be the class president.

In October 2001, he responded to a domestic call where he was shot multiple times in the line of duty. He sustained life-threatening injuries. After returning to duty, he subsequently earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and received his graduate degree in Criminal Justice.

Chief Prine has served in many areas of the Mobile Police Department to include Patrol Services, Ranger Unit-Public Housing-Community Patrol, Criminal Investigations, FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, Major Crimes Unit, Narcotics and Vice Unit, the Mobile County Drug Task Force (Gulf Coast H.I.D.T.A.), and Field Operations. He was promoted to the rank of captain in October 2013, whereby he assumed command of Precinct Three. In October 2020, he was promoted to the rank of major where he commanded the Field Operations Division.

Throughout his career, Chief Prine has earned many accolades that include the Chief’s Unit Awards, Chief’s Commendation, Commander Citation, Excellent Police Duty, Law Enforcement Commendation Medal, Wounded-in-Service, and the Distinguished Service Award.

Dr. Adele S. Goodwin, District Governor 2022 – 2023

Dr. Dell Goodwin, Ed.D District Governor Elect Rotary International, District 6880; Dr. Dell Goodwin was born and raised in Camden, Alabama and her family later moved to Dothan, Alabama. Dell received her undergraduate degrees, Masters in Learning Disabilities and Administration and AA Educational Specialist from Troy University. She received her Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Sarasota. Dell retired as Director of Personnel Services for Dothan City Schools and previously served as Personnel Assistant, Director of Elementary Curriculum, Program Specialist and as a Special Education Teacher in her 39 years all with Dothan City Schools. Dell currently is the Executive Director of the Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators and on the board for the National American Association of School Personnel Administrators. Dell has served on various professional organizations and community boards: American Cancer Society, LifeSouth, United Way, American Heart Association, Dothan Education Foundation Board, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Board She currently serves on several community boards, including the Dothan Houston County Intellectual Disabilities Board and on the Executive Board. <br>Dell joined the Dothan Rotary Club in September 1996, serving in various areas of responsibilities and leadership on the Club, District, and International Level. On the Club Level service projects: White Elephant Sale, Salvation Army Bell Ringers, Senior Citizen Luncheon, Foster Children, Adopt A School, Food Bank, Scholarships, 4-H Watches, Habitat for Humanity, Polio Plus and Rotary Foundation Program. She has served in the following leadership roles: Club Secretary, Vice- President, President Elect, President, and Immediate Past President. She also served on the committee for the construction of the Dothan Rotary Miracle Field and Playground. Dell has written and received several local grants. Dell served on the Dothan Rotary 100th Anniversary Celebration Committee and coordinated activities for Past Rotary International President, John Germ, during his visit as keynote speaker. On the District 6880 level: PETS Training, District mid-year and annual meetings, Local District Grant Selection Committee, District Global Grant Committee, and District Governor Selection Committee for 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. She attended the Martin Stewart Project “kick-off’ building project in Greensboro. She attended the District ceremonial tree planting on the Capitol grounds with other District 6880 Rotarians and Governor Ivey to fulfill the challenge of RI President for every Rotarian to plant a tree. She served as the Rotary District 6880 Mid-Year Conference Event Coordinator for 2018. On the International Level, the Dothan Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Slough, England have had an ongoing “matching club” partnership since 1964. This “Rotary Friendship Exchange” is an international exchange program for Rotary members and their families that builds relationships, which have also led to international projects through the years. Dell has participated, coordinated, hosted Slough Rotarians and as the chairman of the Sister City Visits. She attended Rotary International Conference in Atlanta. Dothan Rotary Club received the Presidential Citation and several Rotary District 6880 Awards the year Dell was President. <br>Dell is a Paul Harris Fellow plus two. Dell was honored to receive the Harry P. Hall Meritorious Award for 2017-2018 for District 6880, the highest individual award. Dell has served as District Secretary. She attended the 2019 Rotary Summit for Zones 30 31 in Fort Wayne, Indiana and participated in the Emerging Leaders Seminar. Dell is excited and honored to serve as the District Governor Nominee for District 6880 for 2021-2022 and will also serve as District Secretary. <br>An important aspect of Dell’s life is family, including her husband of 47 years, Tim, who she met at Troy University, a daughter and son in law, a son, and an adorable granddaughter and 3 grand-doggies. Dell and Tim, are members of Covenant United Methodist Church. When she is not working, she loves reading, traveling, the beach, spending time with family, learning, and Rotary!

Kendra Haskins was named Executive Director of Distinguished Young Women in 2017. Prior to joining the national office, she served as a Distinguished Young Women local chairman for almost 20 years in both San Diego and Charleston, South Carolina. Before moving to Mobile, she owned a design, marketing and branding studio with an emphasis on helping small businesses. She is an award-winning business leader who serves on the steering committee of Mobile’s FOCUS Women’s Conference and formerly helped execute the Charleston Chamber’s Women’s Business Conference and the PubSmart Conference for independent book publishers. And in 2022, she was named one of the Women Who Shape the State by AL.com. Her mission is to see women of all ages be successful in both their personal and professional lives.

 

DYW:

Founded in 1958 in Mobile, Distinguished Young Women has the mission to help young women reach their full individual potential. They do this by offering a free program with life skills workshops to prepare for success after high school, a positive peer network, and by providing over $1 billion in college scholarship opportunities.

Overview:

The Downtown Mobile Rotary panel will include a discussion about economic development, real estate and the state of Downtown. Panelists include John Peebles, Principal with CRE Mobile, and Matt LeMond, entrepreneur and developer of O’Daly’s Irish Pub, Dauphin Street Blues Company, Draft Picks Tap Room, POST Crafted Cocktails & Wine Bar and Cedar Street Social Club, to be moderated by Fred Rendfrey of the Downtown Mobile Alliance.

 

Bios:

John is a Mobile native and a graduate of the University of the South. He has been licensed and active in area real estate markets since 1975. His practice has encompassed the sale and leasing of industrial facilities, warehousing and distribution, office as well as brokerage of the land upon which such facilities have been developed. John is also active in the area of urban infill development and redevelopment, and has participated in numerous development projects utilizing Historic Tax Credits financing.

 

Matt is a New Orleans native and a Spring Hill College graduate. Since opening O’Daly’s Irish Pub in 2010, the entrepreneur and developer he has added Dauphin Street Blues Company, Draft Picks Tap Room, POST Crafted Cocktails & Wine Bar, Cedar Street Social Club, and as of June, 2022, The Insider Collective Eatery and The Outsider Sports Lounge

 

Fred Rendfrey is the director of economic development for the Downtown Mobile Alliance and has been in this role since 2007. A native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Fred graduated from Millsaps College with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi.  He began working in economic development for the Harrison County Development Commission in Gulfport, MS before serving as the executive director of The Pearl Chamber of Commerce in Pearl, MS.

Mayor Stimpson Bio
The City of Mobile’s 108th mayor, Sandy Stimpson has a bold mission to create One Mobile – a safer,
more business and family friendly city.
Driven by a desire to affect positive change in the life of each citizen, Mayor Stimpson has proven that
the greatest level of success is achieved when everyone has a seat at the table. Stimpson’s four decades
of experience in the private sector and extensive community service provide a solid foundation for the
type of practical change he has generated in just eight years in office. Mayor Stimpson has ushered in a
new culture at City Hall, emphasizing a commitment to transparency, effectiveness and efficiency.
Since assuming office in 2013, Mayor Stimpson’s tenure has been marked by major achievements that
stand to make a lasting impact for all citizens. Stimpson and his team have executed such transformative
initiatives as Map for Mobile, an unprecedented increase in the delivery of infrastructure improvements,
and the city’s first supplier diversity program.
Mayor Stimpson’s leadership has led to unparalleled reform of city finances. Stimpson and his team built
upon responsible fiscal stewardship to put the city on sound financial footing, reducing bonded
indebtedness by nearly $100 million, and unfunded liabilities for pension and benefits by $200 million,
leading to credit rating increases from both Moody’s and S&P. During the same period, he has built and
maintained a two-month rainy day reserve fund and awarded six raises for city employees.
Successfully campaigning for a third term under the slogan, “Not Done yet”, Mayor Stimpson was reelected in August 2021. He and his team will focus on projects which will ultimately bring generational
transformation to the City of Mobile.
A graduate from the University of Alabama in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering,
Stimpson began a nearly 40-year career in his family’s lumber manufacturing business. Starting at an
early age, he worked his way up through virtually every position in the family business including serving
as its CFO and ultimately it’s Executive Vice President.
Mayor Stimpson and his wife Jean have been married since 1975 and have four grown, married children
and 14 grandchildren. They are longtime, active members of Ashland Place United Methodist Church.

Dr. Lasseigne serves as Executive Director Bellingrath Gardens and Home, a position he started in September 2020.  He joins a team of board members and professional staff working to bring forward the legacy of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath at their renowned estate and gardens located on the Fowl River south of Mobile.

 

Prior to coming to Bellingrath, Todd was President and CEO of Tulsa Botanic Garden (Tulsa, Oklahoma), an institution he led for over nine years, working to build it from the ground up with over $20 million raised and invested during his tenure.  Dr. Lasseigne also served as the founding Executive Director of Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden (Kernersville, North Carolina) from 2005 through early 2011, and as Assistant Director of the JC Raulston Arboretum (Raleigh, North Carolina) for 5 years.

 

Todd is a highly respected plantsman, horticulturist, and public garden leader.  He is widely recognized as a leading horticulture expert among nursery professionals and in the public garden world.  He has delivered invited lectures across the U.S., in Japan, South Korea, and Mexico.  Todd has visited over 450 gardens around the world during his career.  He lives with his wife (Heather) and five cats in Grand Bay, Alabama.