Alabama Humanities Foundation, the Birmingham-based state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is now known as the Alabama Humanities Alliance (AHA) following an extensive rebranding effort that also includes a new logo and website and further coincides with the hiring of a new executive director.
Since 1974, AHA has been committed to connecting individuals and communities across the state through a love for learning that is rooted in the understanding and appreciation of the unique people, communities and cultures of Alabama. The rebranding, which will be publicly rolled out in January, features an updated name and visual identity that strives to reflect the organization’s deep, long standing dedication to enriching and enhancing the lives of Alabamians.
To facilitate the rebrand, the AHA board tapped local Birmingham-based agency Telegraph Creative to skillfully oversee and execute the collaborative process that resulted in an enhanced comprehensive identity and messaging strategy designed to inspire thinkers, investigators and learners to connect meaningfully through curiosity, discovery and a shared quest to learn daily.
“Today we trade in our old name to stand shoulder to shoulder with each individual that supports, enjoys, celebrates and appreciates the humanities in our state and nation,” stated AHA board chair Trey Granger. “Our view is that the humanities have great allies in every community, crossroads and city in Alabama, so the Alabama Humanities Alliance seemed most appropriate.”
“Our team has been fortunate to have a wonderful partnership with the talented folks at Telegraph to explore pathways that inspire an enhanced appreciation for the humanities in every Alabama community,” Granger added. “The relationship very quickly resulted in our realization that so many persons have those A-HA moments of reflection, enlightenment and inspiration along life’s journey. So as we become the Alabama Humanities Alliance, our friends at Telegraph remind us that we are the organization that offers so many A-HA moments statewide through our matrix of programs, initiatives, collaborations, publications and communications.”
Taking the lead of the organization’s new chapter will be Chuck Holmes, most recently the executive director and general manager of National Public Radio’s Birmingham affiliate, WBHM.
“On behalf of the entire board and staff, I am delighted to welcome Chuck Holmes as our new executive director,” Granger remarked. “Chuck’s great work at the local, national and international level positioned him as the dynamic executive we need in Alabama to help shine a bright light on the humanities in our beloved State.”
Holmes was previously NPR’s digital editor in Washington, D.C., and later served as managing editor of Morning Edition. He subsequently became one of two deputy managers leading the entire newsroom for NPR, where he received the Edward R. Murrow Award and a Peabody Award.
When he officially takes the position of executive director on January 4, Holmes will bring to AHA a proven track record of success from an award-winning career in both newspaper and broadcast journalism, as well as station management.
Ann Florie, retired executive director of Leadership Birmingham and member of the AHA search committee, commented of Holmes, “Chuck has a proven track record as a CEO who knows how to transform organizations and execute plans. He has a very inclusive leadership style, and he understands development, communications and marketing and knows how to work well with boards and staff. I am convinced he truly understands and believes in the mission of [AHA].”
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
