Alabama Association of Nonprofits

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a powerful reminder that progress is built through education, advocacy, community, and service.

Across Alabama, nonprofits play a vital role in advancing these ideals every day by strengthening communities, expanding access to resources, and creating pathways for a brighter future.

As we reflect on this important day, we celebrate the individuals and organizations working to build a more inclusive and equitable Alabama.

Some careers are built on ambition. Susan Sellers' career was built on a question she keeps returning to: Who's being left behind, and what can I do about it?

From her first role at the National Center for Victims of Crime in Washington, D.C., to leading nonprofits across Texas and Louisiana, that question has been her compass. When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, Susan stepped in, managing a multimillion-dollar federal initiative that helped place 8,000 displaced families back into their homes. She then spent years restructuring the city's mental health, addictive disorder, and developmental disability services across multiple parishes.

A final move brought her to Birmingham in 2014, and in April 2021 she became the fourth CEO in United Ability's 75-year history. She hasn't slowed down since. She recently led the transition of United Ability's health clinics into a joint venture with Cahaba Medical Care expanding services and building the kind of sustainable infrastructure that makes impact last.

We're proud to count Susan among the founding members of the Trailblazer Collective. She keeps asking the right questions and showing up with the answers.

AAN is the only Association of its kind in Alabama dedicated exclusively to serving the nonprofit sector.

We are educators, consultants, and connectors, and we help nonprofits succeed.

We’re in DC today talking to our congressional delegation and promoting Alabama nonprofits.

Trailblazer Collective Spotlight:

Perryn Carrol is the Executive Director of Jimmie Hale Mission, an Alabama nonprofit that provides "pathways to recovery from the root causes of homelessness and unhealthy living through a proven process of compassion, guidance and accountability grounded in Christian faith." Perryn is a founding member of AAN's Trailblazer Collective, an executive program where seasoned nonprofit leaders celebrate the trails they've already forged and help blaze new paths for others.

Join us for Focused Fundraising: Donor Cultivation for Busy Executive Directors — an interactive session designed to help nonprofit leaders build stronger donor relationships without adding more overwhelm to an already full schedule.

You’ll walk away with:
A practical donor cultivation plan
A time-blocking strategy for consistent donor engagement
A clear process for identifying and prioritizing high-capacity prospects

This two-hour investment can lead to stronger donor retention, increased major donor engagement, and greater fundraising impact.

Be more intentional. Build stronger relationships. Raise more support.

Register today: https://www.alabamanonprofits.org/events

Our Jobs Board offers a place for organizations to find new talent, a place for nonprofit professionals to find new opportunities and other resources that will help you be successful in securing a new role.

Check it out today! careers.alabamanonprofits.org