Brad Newman

President

Brad Newman, an Alabama native, is recognized as a turnaround specialist and leader in the automotive industry. With engineering degrees from the University of Alabama, he advanced quickly by transforming underperforming operations into award-winning organizations.

His honors include the Alabama Governor’s Award on Employment of People with Disabilities for launching the state’s first industry-led prison re-entry program, and receiving the Business Council of Alabama’s Large Manufacturer of the Year and IndustryWeek’s Top 10 Plant in North America awards. He is also a University of Alabama Distinguished Engineering Fellow.

Newman serves as Board President of the Unity Alliance Foundation USA and Board Member - Facilities Committee Chair for I Dream Big Academy charter school. He previously served as a board member for UA’s Blackburn Institute, the University of Alabama’s Capstone Engineering Society, the Alabama WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) Board and Vice-Chair of Education and Workforce Development for the national award-winning West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. He remains deeply committed to bridging industry, education and community.

Joseph Eatmon Sr.

Vice President

Joseph Eatmon Sr., is a proud husband to Erica and father to three children: Joseph Jr., Jordyn, and Joi. Born in Tuscaloosa to Howard and Angie Eatmon, he brings a deep passion for youth, education, and community development to his role as Councilor for District 1. Currently serving as Head Basketball Coach at Shelton State Community College, he previously held the role of Dean of Community Relations. A graduate of Central High School, he played collegiate basketball and earned degrees from the University of West Alabama, where he also began his career in education and coaching. Joe has dedicated his career to mentoring young people, building bridges across communities, and expanding access to opportunities for all. His leadership is defined by integrity, consistency, and a steadfast commitment to service.

John Covington

Secretary

John Covington, Founder and CEO of Chesapeake Consulting since 1988, John is a pioneer in the Theory of Constraints, having worked directly with Dr. Eli Goldratt on the development of the TOC Thinking Processes. He has authored eight books on leadership and improvement, numerous articles, and led Industry Week’s most successful webinar. His consulting spans industries from petrochemicals to aerospace, with projects in strategy, operations, and leadership.

Before founding CCI, John held engineering and executive leadership roles at DuPont, Stauffer Chemicals, and Sherwin-Williams. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the University of Alabama’s College of Engineering, a recognized community leader, and an active supporter of charitable causes. Outside of work, John enjoys hiking, biking, training dogs, and volunteering with Dogs Finding Dogs. He and his wife Linda have been married since 1972.

Anderson Walker

Treasurer

Anderson Walker is the Senior Pastor of New Harvest Community Worship Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Pastor Walker was licensed in 1998 by the Alabama State Association Ministerial Assembly of the Church of God and the Church of God of Anderson, Indiana. He pastored the St. Mary Church of God in Panola, Alabama from 1999 until 2003. In February 2003, Pastor Walker became the fourth pastor of Parkview Church of God which was later renamed New Harvest Church of God. He and his beautiful wife of 36 years, Tina Harris Walker, have three children-Allison, Andrea, and Brandon.

Carl Jamison

Board Member

Carl Jamison, is a third-generation Shareholder at JMF, joining the firm in 1980 and becoming a Shareholder in 1987. He specializes in tax and audit, providing comprehensive services to clients in manufacturing, medical, retail, construction, and professional services, with a focus on closely-held businesses both locally and internationally. Carl is a Certified Public Accountant in Alabama and holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Alabama. Active in professional organizations, he is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. He also serves his community through leadership roles with the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Small Business Commission, Alabama State Port Authority, University of Alabama President’s Cabinet, Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority, Boys and Girls Club, and First Tee of Tuscaloosa, and has previously chaired the Business Council of Alabama and the Regional Advisory Committee of Progress PAC.

Michele Coley

Board Member

Michele Coley, an accomplished Allstate agent with nearly 7 years of experience, serves Alabama and Mississippi with unwavering dedication. With almost 20 years in the insurance industry, Michele’s excellence has been recognized through three consecutive Honor Ring awards and three National Conference Awards, highlighting her commitment to quality service. Active in her community, she holds positions as Chair of the Tuscaloosa Zoning Board of Adjustments, a member of the Mayor's Advisory Council, and a member of the University of Alabama OTIDE Board of Visitors. When not serving customers or participating in community initiatives, Michele enjoys pursuing personal interests.

Rick Clementz

Board Member

Rick Clementz is an experienced attorney and engineer who most recently served as Product Safety Officer at Lucid Motors, overseeing legal operations and Chief of Staff functions. Before that, he spent much of his career with Mercedes-Benz US International, where he advanced from quality engineer to General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, and Chief of Staff. Rick began his career in manufacturing and quality engineering before transitioning into legal and compliance leadership roles in the automotive industry. He holds a Juris Doctor from Birmingham School of Law, earned through evening studies while working full-time, and is an investing partner with The Nine. Appointed to Alabama’s Innovation Commission by the Governor, Rick is also active in professional and civic organizations. A native of Ohio, he now lives in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with his wife, Lauren, and their five children.

Jheovenny Gomez

Board Member

Native of Colombia, South America, Jheovanny Gomez moved to Tuscaloosa in May 1999 to study English at the ELI (English Language Institute) at the University of Alabama. He has an Associates Degree in Business Administration from Shelton State Community College. In 2001, he helped open the first Jalapeños Mexican Grill in downtown Tuscaloosa, and subsequently, he was offered the opportunity to become a Co-owner. Jalapeños presently has three locations in Tuscaloosa and Northport. Jheovanny has served in leadership roles in various organizations, including the Diverse Business Council of West Alabama, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, past president Druid City Business League and Past chairman of Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama.