Gadsden, AL – The Gadsden State Community College Cardinal Foundation has elected six new members to its board of directors. The foundation, which supports the mission of Gadsden State and provides opportunities for students, welcomes Melissa Battles, Donny Dunn, Eva Garner, Ray Smith, Tony Smith, and Erin Wells to its board.
“We are pleased to welcome our new foundation board members,” said Tommie Goggans III, president of the board. “Their diverse experiences and commitment to the foundation’s mission will bring fresh perspectives and valuable insights. Together, we will continue to advance our initiatives, support our students, and enhance the educational excellence of Gadsden State.”
Meet the New Board Members:
- Melissa Battles: The East Alabama field representative for U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Battles serves constituents and local leaders across eight counties. A Gadsden State alumna, she previously worked for Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill, the Alabama State Department of Education, and Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford.
- Donny Dunn: Owner and CEO of Dunn’s HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical, Dunn operates successful offices in Anniston and Pelham. He earned credentials in HVAC and Electrical Technology from Gadsden State and is known for his deep commitment to community service.
- Eva Garner: Owner of Odyssey Health Club and Spa in Cherokee County, Garner holds a degree in Radiography from Gadsden State and worked as a radiologic technologist for 22 years. She chairs the Saving Teens at Risk Program, serves on the board of the Children’s Advocacy Center in Cherokee County, and directs the Val Courtney Memorial Scholarship Fund.
- Ray Smith: President of River Bank and Trust, Smith also serves on its board of directors. A Gadsden State graduate, he has held leadership roles in numerous community organizations, including the Etowah Chamber of Commerce, the Gadsden/Etowah Industrial Development Authority, the Gadsden Rotary Club, the United Way of Etowah County, and the Gadsden Quarterback Club.
- Tony Smith: Business office manager for the Eastern Division of Alabama Power Co., where he has worked since 1996. He serves on the boards of the Etowah Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Etowah County, and the Etowah County Personnel Board. He is also an advisory committee member for the Challenger Center of Northeast Alabama.
- Erin Wells: A realtor with ERA King Real Estate in Calhoun County, Wells is actively involved with the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Calhoun County, the United Way of East Central Alabama, and the Junior League of Anniston-Calhoun.
These new board members join the existing at-large members: David Hooks, Lynn King, Heather New, Ricky Ray, Scott Schofner, Jonathan Tang, and Davis Varner.
Executive Committee for 2024-25:
- President: Tommie Goggans III
- Vice President: Major Gen. Eric Crabtree
- Treasurer: Bryan Dorsett
- Secretary: Gerri Langley
For more information about the Cardinal Foundation, visit www.GadsdenState.edu/CardinalFoundation.
