Mar. 12, 2026–Mike Sledge, RYLA

Speaker Bio – Mike Sledge

Mike Sledge began his career in the hardware and industrial supply business as a teenager, working as a stock boy in a small, family-owned hardware store in the late 1980s. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for the industry. He went on to build a successful career with a Fortune 500 industrial distribution company, managing locations across the Southeastern United States.

At age 39, Mike took a leap of faith and, alongside his wife Suzy, founded Coastal Industrial Supply in 2010. Today, their company supplies materials to companies and job sites across the country. A Baldwin County, Alabama resident since 2003, Mike is proud to work alongside his children, Jake and Maggie, who help run the family business. His youngest, Marley, is currently attending the University of Montevallo. Mike and Suzy are also the devoted owners of Woody, their lovable (and slightly dopey) golden retriever.

The Sledges split their time between Alabama and New Orleans, where they recently purchased a small shotgun home in the St. Roch neighborhood, allowing them to stay connected to a city they fell in love with decades ago.

Mike joined Rotary in 2017 and has been an active and dedicated member ever since. He has served as Club President and Assistant Governor and currently serves as District PolioPlus Chair and District RYLA Chair for Rotary District 6880 for the 2025–2026 Rotary year. His commitment to leadership development and global service reflects his deep belief in Rotary’s mission.

Outside of work and service, Mike enjoys restoring vintage automobiles, especially classic Volkswagens, and traveling in search of new adventures. In the summer of 2024, he spent 18 days riding a Royal Enfield motorcycle through the Himalayan Mountains of Northern India as part of the International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians. Along the way, he survived harrowing roads, questionable food, unforgettable hospitality, and some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth, all while raising funds for The Rotary Foundation.

A little-known fun fact: Mike has two cocktails named after him. If you find yourself at C’est Le Vin in Foley, Alabama, order a “Sledgehammer,” or at The Gemstone in Amory, Mississippi, try the “Mike Sledge.” They are entirely different, equally memorable, and guaranteed to be enjoyed.

 

Mar. 5, 2026–Karen Poth, Executive Director, National Maritime Museum of the Gulf

Karen Poth was named Executive Director of the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf in 2023. In that role, she’s led a reimaging of the museum – increasing visitor counts and developing landmark exhibits on the Mobile River Delta and Jimmy Buffett.

Karen is an innovative storyteller and thinker with a proven track record of building and leading teams, developing organizational strategy, crafting interactive experiences, branding and marketing. Before her time in Mobile, Karen was the creative director for the Museum of the Bible, in Washington, D.C., and has held senior roles at Walt Disney World, Hallmark Cards, and the VeggieTales franchise.

Karen holds a B.A. and an M.A. in Journalism from the University of Missouri as well as a “Mousters” and a “Ducktorate” in Theme Park Management from Disney University. She is a published author of more than 30 children’s books and has designed and produced more than 45 museum exhibitions.

A storyteller at heart, Karen believes any creative organization’s ultimate duty is to tell stories and create experiences that bring joy and inspiration to the human spirit.