21 leaders join Birmingham’s fight against homicides

An advisory commission of business, community and criminal justice leaders has been formed to identify promising strategies to reduce homicides in Birmingham.

The formation of the diverse group comes in response to the city already passing the number of homicides in 2023 with months left in the year.

The commission is modeled after a successful effort initiated in Birmingham during the 1990s, when then-Mayor Richard Arrington appointed a commission to address a surge in crime. 

21 members on the Birmingham Advisory Commission to reduce homicides

Below are the 21 members of the commission appointed by Mayor Randall Woodfin. 

Co-chaired by Ralph Williams Jr., vice president of Alabama Power’s Birmingham Division, and Lee Styslinger III, co-chairman of Altec Inc.

• Leroy Abrahams, executive vice president at Regions Bank 
• Dr. Tracey Morant Adams, senior executive vice president at Renasant Bank 
• Chris Anderson, Chief of Police at Talladega College 
• Emory Anthony, attorney 
• Frank Barefield, chair, CrimeStoppers of Metro Alabama 
• Dr. Thomas Beavers, pastor at New Rising Star Church 
• Danny Carr, Jefferson County District Attorney 
• Patrick Davis, Special Agent in Charge at U.S. Secret Service – Birmingham Field Office 
• Monique Grier, director, Jefferson County Youth Detention Center 
• David Hicks,Jefferson County Health Officer 
• Dr. Jeff Kerby, director of UAB’s Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery 
• Phillip Harris, Vestavia Police Department, Birmingham Police Detective (retired) 
• Carnelle Howell, senior managing director at Howell Consulting 
• Jamey McMahon, chair of Ligon Industries 
• Chris Nanni, CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham 
• Arnee Odoms, communications manager at Birmingham Promise 
• Shanta Owens, Jefferson County Circuit Judge 
• Michael Streety, Jefferson County Circuit Judge
• Bo Walters, President, Dunn Construction 

Former Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper will serve as an advisor to the group.

“We all feel a sense of urgency and share the mayor’s belief that these senseless killings must come to an end. We will be looking for best practices that are working elsewhere and what has the best chance to make a difference in Birmingham.”

Former Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper

Strategies needed: Report in 60 days

The commission is in charge of accomplishing the following tasks:

• Assemble for the city strategies and programs that have helped other cities and jurisdictions reduce crime and especially homicides
• Produce an initial report to the city in less than 60 days

The Birmingham Police Foundation will be a key partner in supporting the commission’s fact-finding work as well as in implementing its recommendations. 

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