Dear Members of The Arc of Alabama
I am excited to announce that I have joined The Arc of Alabama as the new Executive Director. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself.
I presently live in Talladega, Al with my wife Nancy (we will be relocating to Montgomery). We have been married for 31 years and have three children, Savannah 29, Betsy 26, and Drew 23. I graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education/Recreation Management. In 1998, I added my Master of Science in Physical Education from JSU. In 2003, I completed my Educational Specialist Degree in Special Education from JSU.
I was first introduced to The Arc thirty-two years ago when I started my professional career at The Arc of Tuscaloosa County. Immediately, I could see the love and respect that everyone at The Arc had for each other and for those we served. It was the epitome of the word community, and I wanted to be a part of it. As I moved to Calhoun County to become a teacher, I began working summers at The Arc of Calhoun and Cleburne Counties as a camp counselor, then camp director in their summer day camps. I volunteered in many of their programs, especially in their Special Olympics program. After I retired from teaching in May of 2019, I became the Executive Director of The Arc of Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. While there, we expanded all programs, created two new programs to help better serve those we serve, and increased members, funds, and donors.
I bring to the Arc experience in fundraising, community relations, marketing, grant writing, and quality assurance. I also bring a deep understanding of the mission and vision of The Arc of Alabama. I am passionate about serving individuals in Alabama with ID/DD and their families through support, education, advocacy, and public awareness so they can reach their chosen goals. I am confident that there is no better way to achieve this than through The Arc of Alabama alongside our Members, Board Members, Local Chapters, and Volunteers.
I appreciate this great opportunity that the Board of Directors of The Arc of Alabama has given me and look forward to sharing our stories and news with you.
Sincerely, Tim Cooper