The Honorable L. Bernard Smithart, Chair
Burt Smithart is the Circuit Court Judge for Barbour and Bullock Counties. He joined the Sparks Foundation Board in August 2002 and is currently serving as Chair. He says,“the resources that Wallace provides our area can do more to improve the quality of life of our citizens than any other single entity. Our job as a board member is to be sure that people know about what is available.”

Mr. Robert M. Dixon, Jr., Vice Chair
Robert M. Dixon, Jr. is the President of M. C. Dixon Lumber Company in Eufaula. He joined the Sparks Foundation Board in January 2010 and is currently serving as Vice Chair. He says “The foundation is an investment in the people of our community, our greatest asset.”

Mr. Grady Hartzog, Treasurer
Grady Hartzog is the President of Hartzog and Company in Eufaula. He has been a member of the Sparks Foundation Board since February 2004 and is currently serving as Treasurer. He feels “the Sparks campus is a vital part of our community that provides educational opportunities to area students. The Foundation board helps provide these opportunities and serving on the board is a great privilege to help the community.”

Mr. Albert Adams
Albert Adams, Jr. is an attorney in Eufaula and has been on the Sparks Foundation Board since August 2002. He joined the Sparks Foundation Board because he is a former student and the College afforded him the ability to get an education later in life.”

Mr. Phil Clayton
Phil Clayton is the Director of Economic Development for the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce. He joined the the Sparks Foundation Board in September 2019. Phil is married to Mitzi Ketchum Clayton of Clayton. They have three children; Annie Laura, Daniel, and Elliott.

Mrs. Rhonda Harrison
Rhonda Harrison is the Director of Economic Development for Henry County. She retired as the Executive Director of the Headland Area Chamber of Commerce. Rhonda currently serves on the Wiregrass United Way Henry County Board, Industrial Development Authority of Houston, Henry and Geneva Counties Board, and Southeast Alabama Works Regional Workforce Development Board. She is a graduate of Troy University with a degree in Journalism and Public Relations/Marketing. Rhonda and her husband, Ben have four children.

Ms. Mary Foy Kirkland
Mary Foy Kirkland retired as the President of Young Johnston and Associates in Eufaula. She joined the Sparks Foundation Board in May 1998 because as a former teacher she feels like “serving on the board gives her the opportunity to continue her interest in education.”

Mr. Lynn Mergen
Lynn Mergen is the Chief Executive Officer of Medical Center Barbour. Lynn has 23 years’ experience as a healthcare executive, specializing primarily in hospital operations overseeing both urban and rural facilities. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Lynn holds a master’s degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Missouri and a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology/Sociology from Truman State University. He and his wife, Sharee have two children.

Mr. Ken Novak
Ken Novak is the Southeast Division Vice President for Alabama Power Company based in Eufaula. He joined the Sparks Foundation Board in March 2017 and is honored to serve on an organization that impacts so many students. Ken says, “The availability and quality of our workforce is critical for the economic growth of the communities we serve. Wallace Community College provides the much needed technical training and education to help grow the region.”

Mr. David Padgett
David Padgett is the Economic Developer at Bullock County Development Authority. He is a member of the Grow Southeast Alabama Board and South Central Alabama Development Commission Board. David is also a member of the Economic Development Association of Alabama Rural Development Committee. He is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Industrial Operations Management. David has one daughter, Anna Kathryn.

Mr. Shane Seaborn
Shane Seaborn is a member of the law firm, Penn and Seaborn, LLC, with offices located in Eufaula, Clayton, and Union Springs. He joined the Sparks Foundation Board in March 2014. He is excited about serving on the board because he understands the importance of a quality education to our community.

Mrs. Laurie White
Laurie White is a Physical Therapist and Clinic Director at Eufaula PT and Wellness. She joined the Sparks Foundation Board in March 2014. She feels that WCC is vital to the health and growth of our community and considers it an honor to serve in a capacity to help local students as they pursue higher education.

Ex Officio

Dr. Linda C. Young
Dr. Linda C. Young has served as a president in the Alabama Community College System since 1988 when she was appointed president of Sparks State Technical College in Eufaula. In 1999, Sparks was merged with Wallace Community College, and Dr. Young was appointed president of the institution. Under her leadership, the College has developed strong community support as evidenced by its two thriving Foundations. Dr. Young received her associate in arts degree from Enterprise State Junior College, both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Troy University, and she received her doctorate from Auburn University. She has served in a variety of civic organizations and professional associations over the years.

Staff

Dr. Tracy Brooks, Secretary
Dr. Tracy Brooks has been with Wallace Community College since 2007. She works with both the Wallace Community College Foundation and the Wallace Community College Sparks Campus Foundation and is an instructor in the Business Technologies Department. She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Troy University, and she received her doctorate degree from Auburn University.