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07/22/24

Cardinal Foundation elects new board members

Gadsden, Ala. — The Gadsden State Community College Cardinal Foundation has elected six new members to the board of directors. The Cardinal Foundation supports the mission of Gadsden State and provides opportunities for students.

New members include Melissa Battles, Donny Dunn, Eva Garner, Ray Smith, Tony Smith and Erin Wells.

“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.”

Melissa Battles is the East Alabama field representative for U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Alabama). She is responsible for serving constituents and local leaders in eight counties. A graduate of Gadsden State, Battles previously worked for Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill, the Alabama State Department of Education and Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford.

Donny Dunn is the owner/CEO of Dunn’s HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical, a successful business that has offices in Anniston and Pelham. He earned credentials in HVAC and Electrical Technology from Gadsden State. Dunn has a deep commitment to community service.

Eva Garner is the owner of Odyssey Health Club and Spa in Cherokee County. She earned a degree from Gadsden State in Radiography and worked as a radiologic technologist for 22 years. She is the chairperson for the Saving Teens at Risk Program, board member for the Children’s Advocacy Center in Cherokee County and director of the Val Courtney Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Ray Smith is the president of River Bank and Trust, where he also serves on the board of directors. A graduate of Gadsden State, Smith has served in many roles of leadership in 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 is the business office manager for the Eastern Division of Alabama Power Co., a company he has worked for since 1996. He currently serves on the boards of directors for 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 is a realtor with ERA King Real Estate in Calhoun County. In the community, she has been 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.

The new board members join previous at-large members: David Hooks, Lynn King, Heather New, Ricky Ray, Scott Schofner, Jonathan Tang and Davis Varner.

Joining Goggans on the 2024-25 Executive Committee are Major Gen. Eric Crabtree, vice president; Bryan Dorsett, treasurer; and Gerri Langley, secretary.

For more information about the Cardinal Foundation, visit www.GadsdenState.edu/CardinalFoundation.