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Convention 2001: Speakers and Panelists |
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Tutwiler Hotel Birmingham, AL |
The League of Women Voters of Alabama is honored to host the following distinguished speakers and workshop panelists at our 2001 Convention in Birmingham.
- Scott Stantis
Editorial Cartoonist, The Birmingham News - Stephen A. Smith, D.V.M
Executive Director of Southern Alliance for Clean Energy - Charles H. Goodman, Ph.D.
Senior Vice-President of Research and Environmental Affairs for the Southern Company - Charlotte R. Ward, Ph.D.
President League of Women Voters of Alabama; Associate Professor Emeritus, Auburn University - Anne Permaloff, Ph.D.
Professor of Political Science and Public Administration, Auburn University Montgomery, former President of the League of Women Voters of Alabama - H. Bailey Thomson, Ph.D.
Director, Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform (ACCR); Associate Professor of Journalism, University of Alabama - Howard P. Walthall, LL.B.
Director, State Constitutional Law Project; Professosr, Cumberland School of Law - Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, Ph.D.
President of the League of Women Voters of the United States
Scott Stantis
Editorial Cartoonist, The Birmingham News
Luncheon Speaker - Saturday, May 5, 12:00 Noon - 1:15 P.M
Scott Stantis, originally of Madison Wisconsin, attended Los Angeles Community College and California State University in Long Beach, CA.
His first job as an editorial cartoonis after leaving CSU was for the Orange County Register. He went from there to The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tennessee and then to The Arizona Republic. Currently, he is the editorial cartoonist for The Birmingham News. His editorial cartoons are also regularly seen in the Chicago Tribune, The New York Times and Los Angeles Times. He is a regular contributor to Reason Magazine and USA Today. These are just a few of the many newspapers which carry his humorous and biting work. The Copley News Service syndicates his editorial cartoons to over 500 newspapers around the world.
Another famous creation of Mr. Stantis' is his comic strip, "The Buckets." It is featured in over 100 newspapers through distribution of the United Features Syndicate.
You may have also heard Scott on your daily afternoon drives. For a brief time recently, he hosted a radio talk show on WYDE Talk 850. He did resign from that job in March, however, when he found that the demands of the many facets of his career were taking too much time away from his family.
Scott has a prestigious job looming ahead of him. In December, he was voted president-elect of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists and will take this office this coming September, 2001.
Scott and his wife of 20 years, Janien, live in Hoover with their two sons, Spencer and Trevor. Other than playing with the kids and walking Niki and Dogzilla (the dogs), Scott creates animation projects, writes screenplays, reads, and collects flags and political memorabilia.
Stephen A. Smith, D.V.M.
Executive Director of Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Workshop Panelist, "Working Toward Cleaner Air in Alabama" - Saturday, May 5, 1:30 - 2:20 P.M.
Dr. Stephen Smith is a veterinarian by training and co-founder of the Foundation for Global Sustainability. He has been Executive Director of Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (formerly the Tennessee Valley Energy Reform Coalition) for eight years and has been involved in environmental policy issues for 18 years.
Dr. Smith's experience includes testifying before Congress on the activities of TVA, serving on TVA's IRP Review Group for their 25-year energy plan, and serving on a DOE advisory panel making recommendations to Congress and the Clinton administration on the future of TVA.
Dr. Smith is currently member of the national governing board of the Center for Resource Solutions' (CRS) National Green Power Accreditation process. He serves on TVA's Regional Resource Stewardship Council and TVA's Green Power Steering Committee.
Dr. Smith holds a B.S. degress in Biology from Kentucky Wesleyan College (1988) and a Ph.D. in Veterinarian Medicine from the University of Tennessee (1992).
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Charles H. Goodman, Ph.D.
Senior Vice-President of Research and Environmental Affairs for the Southern Company
Workshop Panelist, "Working Toward Cleaner Air in Alabama" - Saturday, May 5, 1:30 - 2:20 P.M.
Dr. Charles Goodman is the Senior Vice President of Research and Environmental Affairs for the largest generator of electricity in the United States. Southern Company is the parent firm of Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, Southern Nuclear, and Savannah Electric.
Dr. Goodman joined Southern Company in 1971 as a Senior Research Engineer in the Research and Development Department. In his current role, he is the lead officer for environmental policy and oversees the company's research and environmental affairs activities. He reports to the president of Southern Company Generation, which is the company's energy producing arm, supplying more than 36,000 megawatts of electricity throughout the Southeast and serving more than 3.7 million customers.
Dr. Goodman brings together and directs the environmental policy, research and the compliance program development efforts of Southern Company as we continue to seek cleaner, more efficient ways to meet the energy needs of our customers. Reporting to Dr. Goodman are the Environmental Stewardship, Customer Technologies, Power Technologies, Economic Analysis, Environmental Assessment, and the Environmental Compliance Strategies and Permitting departments; as well as the Power Systems Development Facility - the nation's premier clean coal technology research center, located in Wilsonville, Ala.
Dr. Goodman is a former chairman of the Environmental Staff Committee of the Business Roundtable and a member of the U.S. Environment Protection Agency Clean Air Act Advisory Committee. He is also a member of EPRI's Research Advisory Committee and chairman of the EPRI Environment Sector Council.
Dr. Goodman holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington (1964), a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Tulane University (1967); and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Tulane University (1971).
Dr. Goodman and his wife, Pat, have two daughters, both currently enrolled in state universities. Over the years, he has been involved in various community activities. Among them, he is a former member of the board for the Cahaba Girl Scout Council and continues to work with the council on a variety of projects.
Charlotte R. Ward, Ph.D.
President League of Women Voters of Alabama; Associate Professor Emeritus, Auburn University
Workshop Presenter, "League Management and Leadership: Getting a Grip!" -
Saturday, May 5, 1:30 - 2:20 P.M.
Dr. Charlotte Ward, originally from Lexington, KY and later Mount Sterling, KY, was raised to believe that she could be and do anything she chose. She discovered early in her life that she had an abiding love for science and exploration. She also discovered a love of politics and a sensitive social conscience. From an early age she was aware of the inequities of society and has always felt a responsibility to "give something back" to society. Dr. Ward also describes herself as an "ardent feminist" and defender of equal rights.
Dr. Ward holds a B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of Kentucky (1949), a M.S in Physical Chemistry from Perdue University (1951), and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Purdue University.
She and her husband, Dr. Curt Ward, came to Auburn University (then Alabama Polytechnic Institute) in 1957 with their three young children (number four arrived in Auburn). While Dr. Curt Ward taught as professor of chemistry, Dr. Charlotte Ward became an early television pioneer teaching elementary science for AL Public Television. She continued teaching on APT until 1972. In 1961, she also began a thirty-three year career as professor of physics at Auburn University during which time she taught over 5000 students in the classroom alone.
Her career at Auburn was highly distinguished. During her tenure, she authored numerous science resource materials including several physics text books and lab manuals. She was a member of the American Association of Physic Teachers. Not surprisingly, Dr. Ward was also involved in campus politics. In 1976, she was the first woman ever elected as Auburn senate faculty president. She served on the National Council and Executive Committee of the American Association of University Professors (1989-1991). In 1994, Dr. Ward was bestowed the prestigious Academic Freedom Award by the AAUP for her numerous contributions to Auburn University and for her continuing role as "a public defender of education and a champion for academic freedom."
Dr. Ward has also been involved in the government of her community. She served as a member of Auburn's Planning Commission and in 1980 was elected to the Auburn city council.
Dr. Ward has been a member of the League of Women Voters since 1960. She is the defacto office holder of the Auburn League including serving as president for three terms. She is currently President of the League of Women Voters of Alabama.
Dr. Ward is a Sunday school teacher and a former deacon of the First Baptist Church of Auburn (only the second woman to achieve that honor). She was a Girl Scout Troop leader for many years and continues to assist current troop leaders.
When not visiting her grandchildren, Dr. Ward may be seen around Auburn - at any time, under any weather conditions - on her bicycle. This is her only wheeled mode of transportation ever.
Anne Permaloff, Ph.D.
Professor of Political Science and Public Administration, Auburn University Montgomery, former President of the League of Women Voters of Alabama
Workshop Panelist, "A New Constitution for a New Alabama: How Do We Get There?" -
Saturday, May 5, 2:30 - 3:20 P.M.
Dr. Anne Permaloff is currently Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at Auburn University Montgomery (AUM). She was appointed to this position in 1975. She is also a Distinguished Research Professor of AUM. In the Fall of 2000, Dr. Permaloff was appointed for a three year term as AUM Alumni Professor. Dr. Permaloff's primary teaching expertise at AUM are in the fields of Policy Analysis & Research, American Politics, Alabama Politics, and Political Behavior
Dr. Permaloff holds a Ph.B. from Wayne State University, a M.A. from Wayne State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Permaloff has co-authored two University of Georgia Press books: Political Power in Alabama: The More Things Change ... (named an Outstanding Academic Book for 1996 by Choice) and Big Mules and Branchheads: James E. Folsom and Political Power in Alabama. Her more than 35 referred articles cover computer applications in political science, public budgeting, Alabama politics, and public policy. Additional publications include research reports, newspaper articles, and material for practitioner magazines.
Currently, Permaloff teaches research methodology, public policy analysis and research, the American politics seminar, and public budgeting.
Her professional and service organization activities include: past president, Computers and Multimedia Division, American Political Science Association; past president, Alabama Political Science Association; President, League of Women Voters of Alabama; and current and/or past membership on state, regional, and national committees. She is the first consumer member of the Alabama Board of Nursing.
H. Bailey Thomson, Ph.D.
Director, Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform (ACCR); Associate Professor of Journalism, University of Alabama
Workshop Panelist, "A New Constitution for a New Alabama: How Do We Get There?" -
Saturday, May 5, 2:30 - 3:20 P.M.
Bailey Thomson is an associate professor of journalism at the University of Alabama and coordinator of his department's graduate studies.
He grew up in Aliceville, Ala., and earned three degrees from Alabama. He worked as a journalist for the Huntsville Times and the Tuscaloosa News. Later, he was editorial page editor of the Shreveport, La., Journal, and chief editorial writer for the Orlando Sentinel in Florida. He returned to Alabama in 1992 to become associate editor of the Mobile Register. While at the newspaper, he directed a special investigation of Alabama's constitution, titled "Sin of the Fathers."
In 1999, his editorial series about Alabama, titled "Dixie's Broken Heart," won the Distinguished Writing Award from the American Society of Newspaper Editors. He wrote another series for the paper last October --- this one on Alabama's antiquated constitution. The title was "Century of Shame." His commentaries appear regularly in the state's newspapers and on Alabama Public Radio.
Thomson serves as volunteer director of Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform.
He and his wife, Kristi, live in Tuscaloosa. They have a daughter, Sarah, who is a junior at Hillcrest High School.
Howard P. Walthall, LL.B. -
Director, State Constitutional Law Project; Professosr, Cumberland School of Law
Workshop Panelist, "A New Constitution for a New Alabama: How Do We Get There?" -
Saturday, May 5, 2:30 - 3:20 P.M.
Professor Walthall received a A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard College in 1964 and a LL.B. from Harvard University Law School in 1967
Professor Walthall joined the law firm of Berkowitz, Lefkovitz, Isom & Kushner in 1967 where he practiced for eight years. He became Partner in that firm in 1971.
In 1975 he left Berkowitz, Lefkovitz, Isom & Kushner to join the faculty of Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. There his teaching and research interests include state constitutional law, state and local taxation, commercial law, bankruptcy, and business organizations. Professor Walthall is also the Director of the Cumberland State Constitutional Law Project. The purpose of this project is to study issues related to the Constitution of Alabama and other states.*
Professor Walthall is a member of the Alabama Bar Association. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, and serves on the committees on consumer bankruptcy and partnerships of the ABA's Business Law Section.
Professor Walthall has been involved in numerous Bar and law revision activities. He was elected a Fellow of the Alabama Law Institute in 1993 (one of only eight in the history of the Alabama Law Institute) and has served as reporter and active member of many of its committees. He is currently reporter for the Business Entities Committee. In 1994, he was elected member of the American Law Institute and has been an active participant in various members consultative groups of that body.
Professor Walthall is the author of many publications. He is co-author of From Maverick to Mainstream: Cumberland School of Law, 1847-1997 (University of Georgia Press, 1997), along with Cumberland Professor David J. Langum. He is currently co-writing Alabama's Supreme Court and Legal Institutions: A History.
In the summers of 1999 and 2000, Professor Walthall was Visiting Professor at the University of Tennessee School of Law.
Professor Walthall is married and has three children.
* The Cumberland State Constitutional Law Project is underwritten by a grant from the Unus Foundation. In an address to the Rotary Club of Birmingham on February 9, 2000, Dr. Thomas Corts, President of Samford University, said, "We have realized there is a much neglected area in state government and our folks are going to work, studying state constitutions, building a database, hiring outside experts, and focusing on issues that must be considered by states. ....WHEN (it is not a matter of 'if') our Constitution is renewed, this Project should be a great help." [A full analysis of this project is on the Internet at http://www.samford.edu/News/grant.htm]
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Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, Ph.D.
President of the League of Women Voters of the United States
Banquet Keynote Speaker
Saturday, May 5, 7:00 P.M.
[The following is reprinted from the web site of the League of Women Voters of the United States at:
http://www.lwv.org/about/presaddress/president_bio.html]
Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins is the 15th president of the League of Women Voters of the United States and chair of the League of Women Voters Education Fund. A native of Ohio, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins has been a League member since 1982, and is the first woman of African-American descent to head the 80-year-old organization.
Reelected as president of the League in June 2000, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins has placed a high priority on issues such as increased citizen participation in the electoral process, campaign finance reform, voting and health care. Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins leads the education and advocacy work of the League on public policy issues. She also works to encourage women and ethnic minorities to run for public office. Much of her tenure as president has been focused on a "Vision for the 21st Century" which emphasizes League impact, visibility and organizational development. She has encouraged enhanced communications as seen in the new League website and the redesigned quarterly magazine, The National Voter. Forward-thinking outreach under her leadership is exemplified by the "Take A Friend to Vote" Campaign and DEMOCRACYNET or DNET (www.dnet.org).
During her years of service with the League of Women Voters, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins has had oversight responsibility of several comprehensive League initiatives. These include the 1996 Get Out the Vote campaign which registered more than 50,000 people to vote, the Wired for Democracy project to increase voter education and participation via the Internet and the League's Future Plan. The League has placed a strong emphasis on member services and public policy activism.
Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins is a recognized authority on the voting rights of African-Americans and is the author of The Road to Black Suffrage and One Man One Vote: The History of the African-American Vote in the United States.
Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins has worked in public and private school systems since 1974. A firm believer in the value of public schools, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins has served as a principal in the Cleveland and Cleveland Heights, University Heights Public School Systems and has created innovative alternative educational programs.
Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins received a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education and Administration from Cleveland State University, Ohio; an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) from Kent State University, Ohio; a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio; and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science and Education from Western College (Miami University), Oxford, Ohio.
A recipient of numerous awards for her voluntarism and civic involvement, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins has been recognized by Who's Who Among Successful African-Americans, Who's Who in American Education, and the Outstanding Young Woman in America Award. Most recently she was the recipient of the National Coalition of Black Civic Participation's Civic Leadership Award.
Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband, Kenneth, a realtor.
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