Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
This Birmingham leader has changed thousands of lives over 30 years
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For more than three decades, AIDS Alabama has quietly but powerfully shaped the health, housing and dignity of people living with HIV across Birmingham and far beyond.
As longtime CEO Kathie Hiers announces her retirement, this moment marks not just a leadership transition, but a chance to reflect on how her vision, advocacy and persistence shaped one of the most impactful public health organizations in the state.
A trusted resource for decades
Founded to respond to an urgent and evolving public health crisis, AIDS Alabama has grown into one of the state’s most comprehensive service organizations.
When Kathie stepped into leadership, AIDS Alabama primarily focused on core support services. Under her guidance, the organization evolved into the nation’s only statewide AIDS Service Organization, now reaching individuals in all 67 Alabama counties.
Today, the nonprofit provides housing, mental health services and critical supportive care for low-income individuals living with HIV, while also leading education, outreach, testing and linkage-to-care efforts statewide. That reach has made the organization a backbone of HIV services in a region that continues to face disproportionately high rates of new diagnoses.
While HIV and AIDS have historically and disproportionately affected LGBTQ+ communities, they impact people from all walks of life—regardless of age, gender or background. That’s why AIDS Alabama’s services are designed to meet the needs of the whole community.
Here are just a few ways they make a difference:
- Free HIV + STI testing
- Safe housing for individuals + families
- HIV prevention + education programs statewide
- Medical case management + connection to care
- Mental health + substance use support
- Advocacy to improve healthcare access for all
Growth rooted in advocacy + service
Kathie’s impact extended well beyond organizational growth. She emerged as one of the South’s most influential HIV advocates, navigating Alabama’s conservative political landscape while persistently pushing for progress. Her work bridged local realities with national policy, ensuring Alabama’s voice was heard at the highest levels.
In 2010, Kathie was selected by President Barack Obama to serve on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS—the only representative from the Deep South. She brought national policy expertise back home, helping shape programs and funding streams that strengthened care across the state.
That advocacy includes leadership in statewide coalitions, participation in the Governor of Alabama’s HIV Task Force and spearheading efforts like Alabama AIDSWatch—an annual gathering at the state capitol that brings together people living with HIV, advocates and policymakers to highlight urgent needs and solutions.
Recent progress, including Birmingham Housing Matters (a HUD-funded permanent supportive housing program), reflects years of persistent, data-driven advocacy. These initiatives demonstrate how AIDS Alabama balances immediate community needs with impactful strategy.
“Kathie’s leadership changed the landscape of HIV services in Alabama. Her courage to challenge the system has created lasting hope for countless individuals.”
Candace Taylor, Executive Director of AIDS Alabama South
Leadership that shaped an organization
While AIDS Alabama’s mission has always been bigger than any one person, staff and board members agree that Kathie Hiers’ leadership helped shape the organization’s reach and reputation. Having spent more than 30 years working in HIV services—including over two decades at AIDS Alabama—Hiers brought both policy expertise and deep empathy to the role.
“Kathie has inspired care, compassion, change and resilience throughout AIDS Alabama, the State of Alabama and the United States. Her impact on the care of individuals with HIV will be forever changed because of her leadership.”
Heather Rauckman, Executive Director, AIDS Alabama
As a leader, Kathie made a major mark on the future of HIV advocacy in our communities.
“Kathie leads with both policy expertise and deep empathy. She’s known for mentoring staff over decades—like my 10+ year relationship with her—and building genuine community partnerships.
She creates space for staff to grow into leadership roles while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with partners like UAB, community foundations, and advocacy coalitions. Her approach balances data-driven strategy with compassionate, person-centered care.”
Gina Mallisham, Development Director, AIDS Alabama
A Birmingham legacy that lives on
While Hiers’ retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter, the organization she helped grow is positioned to continue serving as a vital resource for Birmingham and communities across the state.
Kathie’s impact is embedded in every program, partnership and policy victory that continues to support people living with HIV across Alabama. In Birmingham and beyond, her legacy stands as proof that sustained leadership—grounded in empathy, strategy and persistence—can change systems and save lives.
To support AIDS Alabama’s mission during this evolution, make an online contribution here. Want to get involved? Visit AIDS Alabama to learn how you can volunteer, advocate—or even join the team! The organization is currently hiring for multiple positions across the state.
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