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.

Email: [email protected]

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.  

Email: [email protected]

Jennifer Fields Hall, CFRE

Chief Development Officer

With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and development, Jennifer Fields Hall, CFRE serves as Chief Development Officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham.  She is responsible for building relationships with donors and volunteers and generating philanthropic revenue to support the programs, services, and ongoing operations of BBBS.  

In 2005, Hall was certified as a Fundraising Executive (CFRE) agreeing to uphold the highest of standards and ethics within her profession.  She has been a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) since 2001 and served as President of AFP’s Alabama Chapter Board in 2016.

Hall has a B.A. in Communications from the University of Alabama and lives in Gardendale with her husband and two children.

Email: [email protected]

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.

Email: [email protected]

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. 

Email: [email protected]

TaWanna Brooks

Montgomery Satellite Director

TaWanna Brooks serves as the Montgomery Satellite Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from Alabama State University in 2003. TaWanna served as an Elementary school teacher for nine years. She served as the Senior Disaster Program Manager with the American Red Cross for 10 years and was very instrumental in leading the Community Engagement and Partnerships team for the state of Alabama. TaWanna completed graduate studies in Community Counseling at Troy University Montgomery in 2011. She will earn an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University in the summer of 2024. TaWanna is the founder and owner of Moment-by-Moment Coaching, where she empowers others to realize and activate their fullest potential.

TaWanna is the women’s ministry leader in her church and enjoys traveling, watching a good movie, and spending time with her family and friends. She is married to her husband, Chuck, and has two children (Kevin "K.J." and Alyssa Grace). TaWanna is the proud GiGi to her granddaughter, Gabriella "Gabby" Mae.

Email: [email protected]

Ali Brown

Shelby County School-Based Mentoring Specialist

Ali Brown is the Shelby County School-Based Mentoring Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University in 2016. During her time at Auburn, she developed a passion for working with children. She previously worked as a special education paraprofessional before joining BBBS.

Ali enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and being outdoors in her free time.

Email: [email protected]

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. 

Email: [email protected]

Jaila Chapman

Community-Based Mentoring Specialist

Jaila serves as a Community-Based Mentoring Specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Jaila graduated from Jefferson State Community College in 2021 with an associate degree, and from UAB in 2023 with a bachelor's degree. She is currently enrolled in graduate school to earn her Master of Public Administration in 2025. Jaila has worked with children for 5 years as a preschool teacher, camp counselor, and babysitter. 

She enjoys walks in the park with her Goldendoodle, attending concerts, shopping, and reading. 

Email: [email protected]

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.

Email: [email protected]

Kaylan Dix

Shelby County School-Based Mentoring Specialist

Kaylyn serves as a Shelby County School-Based Mentoring Specialist. She earned her Bachelors degree in Social Work from the University of Montevallo. She is passionate about serving others and has dedicated her career to serving in child welfare and non-profits. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, being creative, volunteering, exercising, and shopping. 

Email: [email protected]

Kim Egan

Shelby County Satellite Director

Kim Egan is the Shelby County Satellite 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.

Email: [email protected]

Jakayla Fletcher

Montgomery Mentoring Specialist

Jakayla Fletcher serves as the Montgomery Mentoring Specialist. She graduated from The University of Alabama in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in Addiction & Recovery. During her time in Tuscaloosa, Jakayla was actively involved in organizations dedicated to the developmental growth of children and adolescents, contributing significantly to the Tuscaloosa community. Jakayla has extensive experience working with individuals aged 6-25 and possesses deep knowledge in mental health and intellectual disabilities. Currently pursuing her master's degree in Counseling with a specialization in Crisis Response & Trauma, she is passionate about helping others and constantly seeks new methods to empower today's youth and promote excellence.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Jakayla enjoys traveling, watching movies, experimenting with new recipes, and cherishing moments with her family. She takes great pride in her role as an aunt to her six nieces and nephew.

Email: [email protected]

Andrea Gates

PR & Marketing Director

Andrea Gates serves as the PR & Marketing Director for Big Sisters and Big Brothers. Andrea holds a B.A. in Mass Communications from The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and a M.A. in Organizational Leadership from The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa (UA). Andrea brings years of experience in graphics creation, marketing, public relations, project management, and community engagement.  Andrea understands the necessity and power of strong community partnerships.

In her spare time, she loves to laugh, read, travel, spend time with her family, and serve at her church. 

Email: [email protected]

Nicole Hall

Sister to Sister Program Coordinator

Nicole has been working with BBBS of Greater Birmingham since 2011. She holds a master's degree in social work from the University of Alabama and is licensed in the state of Alabama. She lives in Tuscumbia with her husband and 4 children.

During her free time, Nicole enjoys reading, gardening, and playing outside with her family.  

Email: [email protected]

Samone James

Heart Gallery Program Coordinator

Samone James, LMSW serves as the Heart Gallery Program Coordinator, where she connects youth in foster care with consistent, caring adults. She earned her Bachelors and master’s in social work, with a concentration in Program Administration, from the University of Alabama. Samone previously worked as a program coordinator for a residential mental health facility for residents living with SMI diagnoses.

Samone enjoys travelling, trying new foods and restaurants, and listening to music.

Email: [email protected]

Jennifer Logan

Shelby County School-Based Mentoring Specialist

Jennifer Logan was born and raised in Hoover, Alabama. She will earn a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Troy University in July 2023, after completing her internship with BBBS of Greater Birmingham. Jennifer has a passion for working with children and has worked with children for 7 years. She has volunteered at summer camps, worked at her local YMCA branch, and been a pre-kindergarten teacher. Jennifer plans to get her Master of Social Work and become a licensed social worker for the state of Alabama.

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys hiking, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and taking her dog to the dog park. 

Email: [email protected]

Mckenzie Martens

Shelby County School-Based Mentoring Specialist

McKenzie serves as the Community-Based Mentoring Specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham. McKenzie is a graduate of Auburn University, where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She previously worked as an elementary school teacher before joining BBBS BHM.

McKenzie enjoys spending time with her family-her husband, two daughters, and their dog.

Email: [email protected]

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.

Email: [email protected]

Kiranda Robbins

Walker County Program Director

Kiranda Robbins serves as the Director of Volunteer Services. She has been with the agency for 18 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.

Email: [email protected]

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.  

Email: [email protected]

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 minor in 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.

He enjoys spending time with his friends, reading, and watching documentaries.

Email: [email protected]

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.  

Email: [email protected]

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.

Email: [email protected]

Taylor Worthey

Big Futures Program Coordinator

Taylor serves as the Big Futures Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Birmingham. In 2018, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Montevallo. Taylor is passionate about assisting young adults with the help they need for their future career goals. Taylor also has experience working with young adults with intellectual disabilities.

In her free time, Taylor loves spending time with family, drawing, and listening to music.

Email: [email protected]