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The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) has announced its support for a new batch of candidates for the Alabama House of Representatives.
The association supports Ernie Yarbrough, David Cole, Leigh Hulsey, James Lomax, Mike Kirkland, Phillip Rigsby, Mark Gidley, Evan Jackson, Chad Robertson and Fred Kelley.
Ernie Yarbrough – District 7
Yarbrough is running for House District 7, which covers all of Lawrence County and parts of Colbert and Morgan counties. Yarbrough is originally from Lawrence County and now lives in Trinity, Morgan County with his wife, Myra, and their four children. Yarbrough graduated from the University of Alabama at Huntsville with a degree in electrical engineering. He is independent and owns his own software development company which develops software for American companies.
“I am so honored to receive the endorsement from the Alabama Forestry Association,” Yarbrough said. “As a lifelong resident of Alabama, I love its outdoor nature and look forward to working with this conservative and valued association to preserve and promote beautiful Alabama.”
David Cole – District 10
Cole is running as a Republican candidate for House District 10, which covers part of Madison County. He is a retired Colonel in the US Army where he served as a surgeon for 22 years, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. Cole received three bronze stars and an Air Medal for his service. He graduated from Arkansas State University and earned his doctorate in medical services from the University of Arkansas. He and his wife, Melanie, have three children and live in Madison.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement from the Alabama Forestry Association,” Cole said. “As a person with a passion for the outdoors, this association protects one of the largest natural industries in the state and is a great example of how Alabama is capable of resource conservation and entrepreneurship. . As a member of the state House of Representatives, I will work to promote a positive business climate throughout the state for the nation to see. I look forward to working with the Alabama Forestry Association.
Leigh Hulsey – District 15
Hulsey is running for House District 15, which covers parts of Jefferson and Shelby counties. She is currently a member of the Helena City Council and owner of CrossFit Alabaster and Henley Developments, LLC. Hulsey is a leader in many organizations, serving as president of the Alabaster Business Alliance, vice president of Republican Women’s Campaigns for North Shelby County, and member of the Shelby County GOP Executive Committee. She and her husband, Dennis, have three children and live in Helena.
“As a Christian Conservative, I look forward to working with the great men and women of the Alabama Forestry Association as the next Republican State Conservative Representative from District 15,” Hulsey said. “I am honored to receive the support and endorsement of Forest PAC. Together, we will help create quality jobs while ending government excesses and eliminating red tape. »
James Lomax – District 20
Lomax is running to represent House District 20, which covers part of Madison County. He lives in South Huntsville with his wife, Elizabeth. Lomax is director of asset management and leasing for a real estate investment trust in Huntsville. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama at Huntsville and received his master’s degree from the College of Leadership and Public Service at Lipscomb University.
“It’s an honor to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” Lomax said. “The lumber industry is vital to Alabama’s economy. In the Alabama State Legislature, I will work to protect industries from government excesses and burdensome regulations. Keeping our economy moving and creating an environment conducive to business is one of my top priorities. I look forward to serving the people of our state and working with the Alabama Forestry Association.
Mike Kirkland – District 23
Kirkland is running to represent House District 23, which covers most of Jackson County. He was born and raised in Jackson County and still lives in Scottsboro with his wife, Pamela, and their children and grandchildren. Kirkland has been an employee of Vulcan Materials for 34 years. He received his bachelor’s degree from Athens State University and his master’s degree from the University of North Alabama.
“It is an honor to receive the endorsement from the Alabama Forestry Association,” Kirkland said. “As a state representative, I will keep our economy going and work for the people of my district and state. The logging and lumber industry is one of the major economic components that keeps jobs going. Alabama and our economy in the right direction.
Phillip Rigsby – District 25
Rigsby is running to represent House District 25, which covers parts of Madison and Limestone counties. He is a permanent resident of Huntsville. Rigsby graduated from Auburn University with a doctorate in pharmacy in 2000. He returned to Huntsville and began working at Kroger Pharmacy. He then went to work at Huntsville Compounding Pharmacy and The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, which he now owns and works at both locations. Rigsby and his wife, Pamela, have two sons.
“It’s an honor to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Rigsby. “The timber and logging industry plays a key role in our economy. As a small business owner, I know how important it is to create a business-friendly environment. Once elected, I will protect our 2nd Amendment rights and fight government mandates on industries and businesses.
Mark Gidley – District 29
Gidley is running to represent House District 29, which covers parts of Etowah and Calhoun counties. He is a permanent resident of Etowah County, currently residing in Hokes Bluff. He holds a master’s degree from Pentecostal Theological Seminary and is pastor of the Faith Worship Center in Glencoe. Gidley previously worked in the insurance industry for 21 years in sales and management. He and his wife, Kathy, have two daughters and four grandchildren.
“I am honored to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” Gidley said. “Our forests in Alabama are one of our greatest natural resources; a renewable source of energy and is essential to building our homes, supplying essentials and developing the workforce. Protecting our natural resources is imperative to safeguarding our future, and I look forward to working with the AFA to help support their efforts in each of these areas, as well as many others.
Evan Jackson – District 32
Jackson is running to represent House District 32, which covers parts of Talladega and Calhoun counties. He is from the rural town of White Plains in Calhoun County. Jackson graduated from Jacksonville State University with a degree in finance and political science. He is now an insurance agent for Leavitt Group in Anniston. Jackson has worked for the Leavitt Group for 10 years now and is a risk management consultant.
“I’m proud to have the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” Jackson said. “I run a positive campaign focused on being an effective representative for all parties in District 32. We need good and honest government that serves the people. I know that the Forestry Association has long been a champion of good government and the principle of limited government. I am proud that they support my campaign.
Chad Robertson – District 40
Robertson is running to represent House District 40, which covers Cleburne County and part of Calhoun County. He is a US Navy Veteran and is now Executive Director of the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce. Robertson and his wife, Laura, own Heflin Fitness and Lineville Fitness. They have three children.
“I’m honored to receive this endorsement,” Robertson said. “The impact that the men and women of the forest industry have on our economy and our state as a whole cannot be overstated.”
Fred Kelley – District 68
Kelley is running to represent House District 68 which covers parts of Monroe, Clarke, Conecuh, Marengo, Wilcox and Perry counties. He worked as a marketing manager for South Alabama Gas for 30 years. Kelley is a commercial pilot for Pilots for Christ and sits on the board of the Monroeville/Monroe County Economic Development Authority. He and his wife Teresa are adoptive parents with Monroe County DHR. Kelley founded “Pedalin for a Cure,” a bike ride to Battleship Alabama that raised over $1 million for the American Cancer Society.
“It is with great respect and honor that I accept the Alabama Forestry Association endorsement for Alabama House District 68,” Kelley said. “As a young boy, I walked the dusty dirt road past our home in Clarke County. Along the way, I passed several “Tree Farm” signs. My dad, a WWII Army veteran, told me, “If you take care of those pines, they’ll take care of you. Dad, it’s my turn to do this. I pledge my full support to the AFA and will advocate for its efforts to promote the timber and logging industry in Alabama.
These candidates are seeking election of their seats for the Alabama House of
Representatives in the general elections of November 8, 2022.