Alex McCrary has been elected as the next president of the Alabama State Parks Foundation (ASPF) Board of Directors.
McCrary takes office in January 2024 after the ASPF board selected him during its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 26, at Wind Creek State Park. He replaces Dr. Dan Hendricks, a Florence resident who has served as president since ASPF’s inception in 2017.
“I am humbled and incredibly honored that my fellow board members have elected me as president of an organization dedicated to supporting our Alabama State Parks System,” McCrary said. “Many Alabamians utilize each of our State Parks for a variety of interests and activities. They are important to connecting our citizens with the great outdoors, but they also attract tourists and are an economic driver for our state. Dr. Hendricks has put us on the right track towards success, and it will be a pleasure to continue serving with him on the board.”
Hendricks, a retired college administrator, will remain a board member when McCrary officially becomes president in January.
“I firmly believe we have laid a solid foundation, and I am looking forward to working with Alex and the rest of our colleagues on the board to make the State Parks System the very best it can be,” Hendricks said.
McCrary serves as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Alabama Power and previously served as the company’s Director of Corporate Affairs. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Stillman College, the board of directors for Sloss Furnaces Historic Landmark, and was appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey to serve on the Alabama Workforce Council. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Auburn University and a master’s from Vanderbilt University.
ASPF board members are currently working on a corporate giving campaign designed to fund programs and amenities at the 21 State Parks.
A vast majority of funding for State Parks – 80-to-90 percent annually – is generated through user fees for lodging, golf and other activities. The system’s finances can also be negatively impacted by natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes.
That’s why ASPF’s fund-raising efforts remain vital to the future of the State Parks system.
“State Parks Director Greg Lein and I know there are needs in each of our 21 State Parks, and it’s reassuring to know the Foundation is working every day to help us make improvements to enhance the overall experience for our visitors,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, who also serves on the ASPF’s board of directors. “We are grateful to Alex for stepping up to lead the organization in new and exciting ways, and I look forward to working with him more closely.”
Other officers elected to the Foundation’s board of directors include James Brazil, vice president; Jim Emison, secretary, and Greg Lein, treasurer.
About The Alabama State Parks Foundation
The Alabama State Parks Foundation is the first statewide non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Alabama State Parks system. The Alabama State Parks Foundation strives to make the parks system better than ever, whether through funding deferred maintenance projects, helping clean-up after natural disasters such as hurricanes or tornadoes or building new amenities. Learn more and donate at https://asparksfoundation.org/give-today.
