Birmingham Promise Welcomes New Leadership to Enhance Commitment to Youth Development

Birmingham Nonprofit Introduces New Leadership to Strengthen Community Commitment

Birmingham, Alabama – In an exciting development for the local nonprofit sector, Birmingham Promise has announced its new chairman and two additional members to its board of directors. This transition brings fresh energy and perspectives to the organization dedicated to supporting the city’s youth.

New Leadership at Birmingham Promise

According to a recent announcement, Danny McKinney has been appointed as the new chairman of Birmingham Promise, succeeding Leroy Abrahams, who has held the position since the organization was founded in 2019. McKinney, a co-founder and partner at McKinney Capital, is a graduate of both the University of Alabama and Harvard Business School.

Reflecting on the organization’s growth, McKinney stated, “We’re at a point in Birmingham Promise’s history where we are not just able to see the wonderful investments that are being made in our city’s young people; we are also starting to see students who have benefited from scholarships and internships complete their education and set out on their career journey. It’s a win for them and a win for our city.”

Board Members Bring Diverse Experience

Joining McKinney on the board are Nick Willis and Mary Pat Lawrence. Willis, who serves as the Greater Alabama regional president for PNC, has been instrumental in guiding the bank’s Alabama market, including overseeing the acquisition of BBVA in 2021. He has a notable track record, having previously worked at Regions Bank and IberiaBank. While at PNC, he helped secure a significant donation of $10 million to Birmingham Promise, marking it as the largest private donation the organization has received to date.

Willis shared his enthusiasm for the organization’s vision saying, “PNC and I believe in the mission of Birmingham Promise. Equipping students in Birmingham City Schools for college and career success is an investment in their future and in our future as a city.”

Mary Pat Lawrence brings her extensive experience as a senior vice president for governmental affairs at Protective Life. Before joining Protective Life, she worked as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill and practiced law for two decades. She is also an alumna of the University of Alabama, having studied both undergrad and law there.

Lawrence expressed her commitment to the nonprofit’s mission, stating, “Joining the Birmingham Promise board means having a chance to make a real difference in the lives of students. By exposing them to career possibilities and supporting their college journey, Birmingham Promise inspires young people to set big goals and accomplish them.”

Mission and Impact of Birmingham Promise

Birmingham Promise has been a beacon in the community, managing a paid internship program that connects high school seniors with valuable job opportunities. This initiative aims to equip students with critical job skills that are essential in today’s competitive job market.

Furthermore, the organization offers up to four years of tuition assistance for graduates of Birmingham City Schools who attend public colleges and universities in Alabama. These efforts collectively aim to enhance educational attainment and career readiness among the city’s youth.

With the new leadership and board members stepping in, Birmingham Promise is poised to continue making significant strides in the community, ensuring that students are not just prepared for college but also for successful careers.

As Birmingham Promise embarks on this new chapter under the guidance of McKinney, Willis, and Lawrence, it reaffirms its commitment to investing in the young people of Birmingham, paving the way for a brighter future for the city and its residents.