Decatur Times

Welcome to the new fiscal year of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce that runs April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023. Every Friday, we will introduce you to one of our new board members. Click here to meet members of our Executive Committee.

As chairman of the Morgan County Economic Development Association, Arthur Orr represents the organization on our Board of Directors. He is also an Alabama State Senator. Arthur grew up in Danville, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest University and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Alabama School of Law.

After graduating, Arthur joined the Peace Corps where he was assigned to a remote Himalayan village in Nepal where he established a college scholarship program to benefit female village students. After completing his Peace Corps commitment, he returned to Decatur where he joined the law firm of Harris, Caddell and Shanks, P.C. and served as president of several non-profit organizations. He was then hired by Habitat for Humanity International to establish a new program in Bangladesh. He built the program from scratch that has now constructed over 1000 houses in partnership with the working poor of that country.

He returned to Decatur in 2001 where he joined Cook's Pest Control, Inc. and now serves as Executive Vice President over finance and accounting, human resources, fleet and property management, legal, technology, marketing and advertising. Arthur also started several businesses, primarily involved in real estate development and leasing. He has also re-engaged as an active community leader and served as president or chairman of numerous community organizations. He helped start the Community Free Clinic and serves on many other local and state non-profit boards including Athens State University.

In 2006, Arthur was elected to the Alabama State Senate, representing District 3. He was instrumental in the creation and location of the Robotics Technology Park in Limestone County and the Alabama Center for the Arts in Morgan County. Senator Orr has also been a part of business recruitment teams that led to billions in economic investment and thousands of jobs over the three counties he represents. He now chairs the $17 billion Senate Budget Committee for Education and several other legislative committees.

Arthur and his wife, Amy, have one son named Jack and a daughter, Anna. Arthur enjoys reading, jogging and traveling. A long-time adult Sunday school and men's Bible study teacher, Arthur and his family are members of First Bible Church in Decatur.

Chrystal Morgan is the Director of State & Local Government Operations for The Boeing Company. In this role, she briefs key stakeholders across the states of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Alaska on Boeing projects, future programs and strategic direction. Prior to joining Boeing, Chrystal served in management positions at a number of aerospace organizations including United Launch Alliance, RUAG Space USA, and Teledyne Brown Engineering.

Chrystal has an extensive background in community development and non-profit leadership and currently serves on the Alabama Workforce Development Board for Governor Ivey, the Aerospace States Association Alabama Chapter for Lt. Governor Ainsworth, the Business Council of Alabama, and as the Co-Chair of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce State Government Committee. She was recently awarded the 2022 Cosmic Community Leader Award by the Alabama Chapter of ASA, in recognition of her commitment and dedication to strengthening the Alabama space community. Chrystal and her husband Gavin have three children, Ashley, Tanner, and Brooklynn.

Cindy Smith is a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Cindy was born and raised in Selma. She and her husband moved to Decatur in 2009 after graduating from Auburn University. Cindy later received her MBA from The University of Alabama in Huntsville. Cindy enjoys being an active part of the community through various volunteering opportunities, board positions and her church.

Cindy is a proud to have built a reputation in Decatur serving families and helping them to reach their financial goals. She opened her Edward Jones office in 2019 in Decatur and currently serves as her region's Women and Diversity Inclusion Leader. She has earned the AAMS® and CRPS® professional designations. Cindy has been involved with the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce since she moved to Decatur and it was the first place she went when starting her financial advising business. "The Chamber has had a positive impact in me leading a successful career in Decatur and raising my family here," said Cindy.

Cindy and her husband have two kids and two rescue dogs. They lived in a camper at Point Mallard Campground while they built a home in Decatur two years ago. Cindy's hobbies include traveling, camping, hiking, being on the water, reading and gardening.

Iris Pettus is the Director of Sales, Catering, & Marketing at the DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront. She joined Cooper Hotels in 2001 and during that time, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Union University. During her career, she has held various hotel management positions while being active in the community. She currently serves as a board member for the Kiwanis Club of Decatur and the Decatur Morgan County Chamber of Commerce. She is an advisory board member for the Decatur Morgan County Hospitality Association and active member of the Rotary Club of Decatur.

In 2018, Iris was named the Decatur Morgan County Tourism Professional of the Year and the Sales Manager Star Performer for 2019. Her hobbies include running, reading and hiking.

Keith Jackson is the founder and owner of Jackson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Decatur. Keith was born and raised in Hartselle and graduated from Morgan County High School. He earned an associate degree from Calhoun Community College and opened Jackson Plumbing Inc. in 1987. He added HVAC in 2016 and purchased Drain Pro in 2018. Keith is a certified John Maxwell speaker and trainer. His personal mission statement is to teach people not only a trade, but how to have a happy, successful life.

Keith currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Alabama Better Business Bureau. He is vice president of the Kiwanis Club of Decatur. This year, Keith was named the Chamber’s Raymon Baker - John Cook - Ralph Jones Small Business Person of the Year. Keith's business received the Better Business Bureau's Torch Award for business ethics in 2021.

Keith is married to Lori and they have three daughters and six grandchildren. Keith enjoys spending time with his family at the lake.

Original source can be found here.