GADSDEN, AL — The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation has appointed five new members to its Board of Directors, expanding the leadership team that supports Gadsden State Community College through philanthropy, community partnerships and student-focused initiatives.
The Cardinal Foundation serves as the College’s charitable organization, providing scholarships, supporting academic and workforce development programs, funding innovative initiatives and helping remove financial and other barriers that can prevent students from reaching their educational and career goals.
According to Gadsden State, the Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors plays a key role in advancing these efforts by connecting the College with businesses, community organizations and supporters throughout the region.
“We are honored to welcome these outstanding leaders to the Cardinal Foundation Board of Directors,” said Hillary Folsom, director of advancement and alumni relations for Gadsden State. “Each has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving our community. Their professional expertise, leadership and passion for education will help us create even more opportunities for our students while strengthening the programs that make Gadsden State such an important resource for our region.”
The newly appointed board members are:
- Phillip Hall, president and CEO of the Etowah Chamber, brings experience in business leadership, public policy and workforce development. A graduate of Westbrook Christian School, the University of Alabama and Birmingham School of Law, Hall has focused his career on strengthening partnerships between education and industry.
- Tena King, director of city services for the City of Gadsden and owner of King’s Olive Oil Company, has held leadership roles in higher education, nonprofit organizations and community development. She earned three degrees from Jacksonville State University and has worked with organizations promoting educational access and student success.
- Gil Isbell, a business owner, former Alabama legislator and Gadsden State alumnus, has decades of experience in business management and public service. He has remained active in civic organizations including the Kiwanis Club of Gadsden and The Salvation Army of Etowah County.
- Gail Minshew, a qualifying broker with Keller Williams Gadsden, has worked in the local real estate industry for nearly three decades. A member of Gadsden State’s first graduating class, she has also served with numerous civic organizations and previously served four terms as a councilwoman for the Town of Reece City.
- Tori Parris Stigile, an attorney, educator, author and musician, practices law with her family’s firm while serving as a professor at Jacksonville State University and director of the Jax State Show Choir. Her background includes leadership in education, ministry and the performing arts.
Foundation officials said the five new directors represent a broad range of experience in business, education, government, law and nonprofit leadership across Northeast Alabama. Their collective expertise is expected to support the Foundation’s efforts to expand scholarship opportunities, strengthen strategic partnerships and enhance educational resources for students.
“The success of our students depends on dedicated community leaders who believe in the power of education,” said Tony Smith, president of the Cardinal Foundation Board of Directors. “We are grateful that Phillip, Tena, Gil, Gail and Tori have chosen to invest their time and talents in the Foundation’s mission. Their leadership will help ensure that Gadsden State continues transforming lives, strengthening families and building the workforce our communities need.”
The Cardinal Foundation also encourages alumni, businesses and community members to support scholarships, academic programs, workforce initiatives and student emergency assistance through charitable giving.
