GADSDEN– The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation has appointed five Northeast Alabama community leaders to its board of directors.
Phillip Hall, Tena King, Gil Isbell, Gail Minshew and Tori Parris Stigile will join the board. Together, they bring experience in business, education, government, law, real estate and nonprofit leadership.
The appointments strengthen the Foundation’s efforts to support Gadsden State Community College students. The new directors will also help connect the college with businesses, organizations and community supporters.
Cardinal Foundation Supports Gadsden State Students
The Cardinal Foundation serves as the charitable organization for Gadsden State Community College. It provides scholarships and supports academic and workforce development programs.
In addition, the Foundation funds new initiatives and helps remove financial barriers facing students. Its work creates opportunities for students to reach their educational and career goals.
The volunteer board of directors plays an important role in that mission. Board members build relationships with community partners and supporters while advocating for student success.
“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,” Folsom said. “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.”
Five New Cardinal Foundation Board Members
The five new directors represent several areas of leadership across Northeast Alabama. Their backgrounds include economic development, education, public service, law and community involvement.
Phillip Hall
Hall serves as president and CEO of the Etowah Chamber. He has experience in business leadership, public policy and community development.
His work also focuses on workforce development and economic growth. Throughout his career, Hall has worked to strengthen Etowah County’s business community.
Hall graduated from Westbrook Christian School, the University of Alabama and Birmingham School of Law. He has also helped develop partnerships between education and industry.
That experience closely supports Gadsden State’s work to prepare students for successful careers.
Tena King
King serves as director of city services for the City of Gadsden. She also owns King’s Olive Oil Company.
Throughout her career, King has supported education, youth development and community service. Her experience includes work with the University of Alabama’s Gadsden Center and the Anniston Community Education Foundation.
King also held a position with Project GRAD LA. In addition, she has worked with organizations focused on educational access and student success.
She holds three degrees from Jacksonville State University. King brings experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership and community engagement to the Foundation.
Gil Isbell
Isbell is a business owner, former Alabama legislator and longtime civic leader. He brings decades of experience in business management and public service.
A Gadsden State graduate, Isbell also attended Auburn University and Jacksonville State University.
He has remained active in several community organizations. Those include the Kiwanis Club of Gadsden and The Salvation Army of Etowah County. He also serves through his local church.
His background in public service and economic development will support the Foundation’s efforts to expand student opportunities.
Gail Minshew
Minshew is a qualifying broker with Keller Williams Gadsden. She has worked in the local real estate industry for nearly 30 years.
She also shares a special connection with Gadsden State. Minshew was a member of the college’s first graduating class.
Her civic involvement includes service with Community Action of Etowah County, United Way and Baptist Health Services. She has also served with the Etowah Baptist Association.
In addition, Minshew served four terms as a councilwoman for the Town of Reece City. Her career has combined business leadership with long-term community service.
Tori Parris Stigile
Stigile is an attorney, educator, author and musician. Her career includes work in law, higher education, ministry and the performing arts.
She practices law with her family’s firm. Stigile also serves as a professor at Jacksonville State University and directs the Jax State Show Choir.
She graduated from the University of Mobile, Liberty University and Birmingham School of Law. Stigile graduated summa cum laude from Birmingham School of Law.
Her career has focused on education, leadership and service. She also has a passion for mentoring students and developing future leaders.
New Directors Will Help Expand Student Opportunities
Foundation leaders say the five directors will help expand scholarship opportunities and strengthen community partnerships.
They will also assist the Foundation in providing resources for Gadsden State students and programs. Those efforts support thousands of students each year.
“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,” Smith said. “Their leadership will help ensure that Gadsden State continues transforming lives, strengthening families and building the workforce our communities need.”
Supporting the Cardinal Foundation
The Cardinal Foundation encourages alumni, businesses and community members to support its work.
Donations help fund scholarships, academic programs, workforce initiatives and emergency assistance for students. Each contribution helps remove barriers to higher education and creates opportunities for student success.
For more information about the Cardinal Foundation or available giving opportunities, visit cardinalfoundation.org or call the Foundation Office at 256-549-8147.
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