Sue Johnson

Chief Executive Officer 

Sue Johnson is the Chief Executive Officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters and has been associated with the agency since 1991. Wearing many hats for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Sue has served as Program Director, Board member, and CEO for the agency since 1999. Sue has over 33 years of experience in the Social Service profession and has served as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters for 24 years and worked for BBBS for 28 years. She holds a Social Work Degree from Judson College and a Landscape Design and Horticulture degree from Bessemer Technical College.

She is currently the Treasurer for the BBBS of Alabama State Association.  She is a past member of The Women’s Network.  She serves on the Board of Directors for the Steel City Men’s Chorus and is a member of the United Way "Women United" group. Governors Bob Riley, Robert Bentley, and Kay Ivy have consecutively appointed Sue to serve as a State Commissioner on the Serve Alabama Commission. She served as Board President for CAP (City Action Partnership). She is a past Board member of Legal AID, a past Board member of Mentor Alabama, a member of the Birmingham Children's Policy Council, and a member of the National Professional Association of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Under her leadership, Big Brothers Big Sisters was named Non-Profit of the Year in 2011 and 2013 by the Birmingham Business Alliance.  Additional awards presented to the agency include:

• Children’s Advocate Award presented by Childcare Resources
• The Tweety Lassiker Award presented by Hand In Paw
• Named CEO of the year by Birmingham Business Journal
• Gold Standard Award presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
• Parent’s Choice Award presented by Birmingham Business Alliance
• Alfred P. Sloan award for Business – Excellence in workplace flexibility

Sue and her husband, Jimmy, co-own Dog Days of Birmingham. In her spare time, she likes to read, landscape and garden in her yard, play with her four dogs and 6 grandchildren, spend time on Smith Lake, and travel with her husband.

Shannon Belmont

Chief Operating Officer

Shannon Belmont is the Chief Operating Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham, where she ensures the daily operations run smoothly.  Since she joined the agency in 2005, she maintains accounts payable, accounts receivable, personnel documentation, meeting minutes, and grant reporting, along with many other duties of the non-profit world.  She brought over 10 years of previous office manager skills with her and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama in Business Administration. Shannon has always had a special love and needs for helping others and is very enthusiastic about her job and what the agency does for our community. Shannon and her children enjoyed participating in the BBBS Bowl For Kids’ Sake every year as a family to help raise money. 

Shannon has been a resident of the Birmingham Area all of her life, graduating from WA Berry High School.  She became a single mom in 2004 and has since dedicated her life to raising her two children.  She enjoys spending time with her family and pets.  

Rebecca Hunter

Vice President of Development

Rebecca Hunter serves as the Vice President of Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters. She oversees the Development office, writes grants for the agency, and recruits and stewards donors, volunteers, and community partners. Rebecca earned a B.A. in English from Auburn University (2005), an M.S. in International Relations from Auburn University/Air University (2008), and an M.S. in Public Administration from Auburn University Montgomery (2010). She also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership.

She is passionate about the BBBS mission and is thrilled to serve the youth and families who are so close to her heart.

In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys running, cooking for her family, traveling, and exploring Birmingham and the surrounding areas with her children.

Katie Prince

Vice President of Programs

Katie Prince serves as the Vice President of Programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters. She earned a B.S. in Nutrition Science from Auburn University and an MPH with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health Leadership and Policy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Katie comes to BBBS with experience in child development and nonprofit program management, where she oversaw the expansion, growth, and continuous quality improvement efforts of a statewide program. She understands the impact positive relationships can have on a child's life through her work with families with young children. 

At home, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and their dog, reading, and running.

Kiranda Robbins

Director of Volunteer Services

Kiranda Robbins serves as the Director of Volunteer Services. She has been with the agency for 15 years. She was an intern with BBBS in 2006 and was hired a short time after. She earned a bachelor's degree in Child and Family Studies from the University of Montevallo. She was matched with her Little Sister in the Community-Based program for over 7 years.

During her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and all of her many pets. She enjoys volunteering, reading, and being outdoors.

Jatava Burns

PR and Marketing Director

Jatava Burns is the PR and Marketing Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters. She was previously the Community-Based Mentoring Specialist. Jatava earned a B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in Social Psychology from The University of Alabama at Birmingham, an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (area of studies: Global Studies and English) from Liberty University; and is currently attending Liberty University to earn her Ph.D. in Communication.

Studying at UAB sparked her passion for helping others. Attending Liberty University solidified her purpose of using her skills in communication and writing to be an asset in youth development.  Jatava is an advocate for Endometriosis and Mental Health. She is a current member of the Social Media Association and the Association for Women in Communications. 

In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and Shorkie, Mixien, writing, reading, and catching up on her favorite shows. 

"Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is that we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words." – Roy T. Bennett, author

Kim Egan

Shelby County Program Director

Kim Egan is the Shelby County Program Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Kim was previously an Enrollment and Matching Specialist with BBBS for 13 years. Kim earned a bachelor's degree in Social Work with a minor in Family and Child Studies from the University of Montevallo. Kim has worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters since June of 2000.

Brooke McKinley

Shelby County Mentoring & Development Coordinator

Brooke McKinley serves as the Shelby County Mentoring and Development Coordinator. She began working with Big Brothers Big Sisters in March 2015. She earned a bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Montevallo. She has worked for nonprofits for eight years and has a passion for helping improve the community around her. 

She lives in Alabaster with her husband, Evan, their children, and their cats, Posey and Fred.

Andrea Pinkney

Shelby County School-Based Mentoring Specialist

Andrea Pinkney is the Shelby County School-Based Mentoring Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters. She earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 2020. She is a long-time admirer and supporter of the mission and vision of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and is very eager to invest in and champion the youth that we serve.  

She was born and raised in San Diego, CA and now resides in Helena, AL with her husband of 20 years and 3 beautiful children.

Blake Dimick

Community-Based Program Director

Blake Dimick is the Community-Based Program Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Blake became a Big Brother on October 15th of 2008 and joined the agency as an employee in 2012. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Montevallo.

In his free time, Blake can be found either spending time with his wife or his dogs. His hobbies include sneaker collecting, skateboarding, and playing bass in the local rock group "American Dream Factory". 

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
- Calvin Coolidge

Judy Wilemon

Blount County Program Director

Judy Wilemon is the Blount County Program Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Judy is a graduate of Gadsden State Community College and Christian Brothers University, where she attended the Barret School of Banking. She previously worked as a banker for 15 years and came to work for BBBS in February 2011. Judy served on the Blount County Advisory Council for over a year before coming to work for BBBS.

She is married to her husband of 25 years with four children that she has adopted and one of her own. She is active in her church and community and volunteers at her children’s school. In her leisure time, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her family.

Deborah Roper

Blount County Mentoring Specialist

Deborah serves as a part-time Blount County Mentoring Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1996, an M.A. in Elementary Education in 2000, and an Ed.S. in 2002 in Elementary Education at the University of Alabama. She currently works full-time as an ESL teacher for the Blount County School System.  She is active in her community and works with the ESL community in an effort to bridge the language barrier between school and home. 

In her free time, Deborah loves to read, paint, refinish furniture, and hang out with her husband, 3 dogs, and cat.  

Lisa Beavers

Blount County Mentoring Specialist

Lisa is a part-time Mentoring Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Blount County. She joined the agency in 2012 and also stayed employed in her current position at Terry Sligh Chevrolet. Lisa enjoys visiting with the Littles at the schools because she looks forward to hearing all the wonderful and fun stories from them.

Lisa has a home in Blount County and an apartment in the downtown area of Birmingham while her daughter, Mckinley is a student at the Alabama School of Fine Arts.  Lisa loves spending time with her family and friends, watching movies, creating, and traveling. 

Jamie Wieschhaus

School-Based Program Director 

Jamie Wieschhaus is the School-Based Program Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters. She earned a bachelor's degree in Social Work from Auburn University and a master's degree in Social Work from The University of South Carolina. She is licensed as an LMSW in the state of Alabama. She previously worked as a counselor for middle school students before joining BBBS. Jamie has been matched with her little sister for two years.

During her free time, she enjoys serving in her church, traveling, running, and spending time with family and friends.  

Jennifer Brown

School-Based Match Support Specialist

Jennifer serves as the School-Based Mentoring Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Jennifer earned a B.A. in Sociology from Talladega College. During her time at Talladega, she found her passion for working with the youth and mentoring. 

In her free time, Jennifer loves watching documentaries, spending time with family and friends, and writing. 

Brooklyn Culp

St. Clair County Program Director

Brooklyn Culp is the St. Clair County Program Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Brooklyn earned a bachelor's degree in Social Work from Jacksonville State University. She is licensed as an LBSW in the State of Alabama. After interning at DHR and volunteering in a juvenile detention center during college, her eyes were opened to the struggles children faced in their personal lives. This sparked a desire within her to become a part of the solution.  Brooklyn is passionate about helping children reach their potential and is a strong believer in mentorship. She believes that a child having a Big Brother or Big Sister has the potential to change the trajectory of their life and provides them with needed support.

At home, she enjoys spending time with her two doodles (a Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle) and with her family.

Taylor Brown

St. Clair County Mentoring Specialist

Taylor is a student at UAB majoring in social work and non-profit management! Taylor is a member of the Beta Eta chapter of the Phi Alpha Social Work Honors Society at UAB. She has worked as a preschool teacher for 7 years and volunteered with BBBS for 5 years before joining the team officially. Taylor has a passion for helping children, advocacy, and enriching communication. 

In her free time, Taylor enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her boyfriend and family. 

Kasey Oswalt

Beyond School Walls Program Director

Kasey Oswalt is the Beyond School Walls Program Director. Kasey has worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham since September 2022 and worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County in Washington State for three years as well. Kasey has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and a Master’s degree from Florida State University, both in Social Work. Kasey has worked in non-profits with children and volunteers for ten years.

In her free time, she enjoys crafts, participating in local activism, and spending time with her dog, Sylvia.

Brendan Thomas

Beyond School Walls Mentoring Specialist

Brendan Thomas is the Beyond School Walls Mentoring Specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Brendan earned a B.A. in Psychology with a Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University. He was a summer camp counselor at Camp Winnataska in Moody, AL for four summers, where he discovered he wanted to go into a career helping and working with kids. While at Auburn, Brendan was involved in several research labs and several organizations. These include Auburn for Water, the Student Advisory Board for the Auburn Campus Food Pantry, and Esperanza House, a non-profit whose main goal was to help Latinx families integrate into American life. The main program was the mentoring program, where Auburn students partnered with the children of the families twice a week to create positive role model experiences. Since leaving Auburn, Brendan has been taking courses at UAB and was also a research assistant for one summer. 

Brendan has loved Auburn football ever since he was old enough to walk. He enjoys spending time with his friends, reading, and watching documentaries. He has been playing guitar for a little over ten years, and his favorite music genre is 70's singer-songwriter/folk. He has two older brothers, and his parents still reside in Vestavia Hills where he grew up. 

Amber Lewis

Heart Gallery Mentoring Specialist

Amber Lewis serves as the Heart Gallery Mentoring Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Before this, she worked with DHR as a foster care case worker. Amber's passion has always been to work with youth, and working with Heart Gallery gives her the opportunity to serve foster youth in a different way than she ever has before. 

As a child that was involved with DHR throughout her life and eventually in foster care herself, having those positive mentors and role models helped Amber become the successful woman that she is today. Her heart is to show foster youth that they are not defined by the circumstances they have faced and that they can make life what they want it to be.