Unity of Birmingham

Meet the Board
Diane David President	Diane E. David a native of New York was raised by her mom and grew up in the South Bronx with an older brother. A scholarship opportunity allowed her to go to high school in Andover, MA. From there she attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. She remained in Philadelphia until 1985 when she accepted a job in Birmingham with the thought of staying here for three years. Several events have turned that three year stay into nearly 25 years; Southern hospitality, developing wonderful friendships, meeting her soul mate with which she has been in a relationship with for 20 years, and last but not least, finding Unity of Birmingham 16 years ago. She lives in Crestwood, has two "kitties" (a girl - Tysyn and a boy - Quinton), and works for the Federal Government as a Program Integrator.
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Rick Daniel Vice Pres.	I was born in 1957 to parents from Holly Pond, Alabama. I spent all of my childhood and young adulthood in this small town which is very much like "Mayberry USA". I will always cherish the small town values I learned there. I was also born wanting to fly, so as soon as I could, I enrolled in a nearby Junior College in the first class of the new Aviation program. I became a Commercial Pilot, with Instrument, Multi-Engine and Seaplane ratings while working as an Aviation Instructor with the same college. I became more and more interested in "New Age" ideas and read almost all books available in the local bookstore (one entire shelf!) and attended a "Gateway Outreach" weekend, sponsored by the Monroe Institute, in Atlanta. While there I met Nelson Marchant, and learned about Unity of Birmingham. I knew I belonged here on the first day I attended. I became a member at the first Membership Sunday - which happened to be Earth Day, 1990. Since then I have been a Board Member, Wizard of Sound and Light (the sound booth operator), Usher, Hole Digger, Table Toter and occasional "emergency locksmith". I feel that Unity of Birmingham has given me so much, it is my honor to give something back. Thanks for your opportunity to serve.
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Ann Ferrier Treasurer	I was born and educated in Birmingham, Alabama. My mom made her transition when I was 14 yrs. old. My dad played the role of Mr. Mom and did an excellent job raising seven children. I received a Secretarial Science degree in January of 1979 and went to work the same month for a major corporation. After serving in different capacities, I left the company to join my wonderful husband, Deryck, in his accounting firm. I also joined Deryck at Unity of Birmingham in 1996 and have enjoyed this spiritual journey, which is still unfolding. I visited Unity to see just what Deryck was so excited about and now I am a member of this spiritual family. I am a proud grandparent and enjoy spoiling the grandbabies. I enjoy shopping with my three sisters and daughter, Kedra. Did I mention travel? This girl loves to "GO"!
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Bill Lewis Secretary	Born and raised in Dothan, AL Bachelor of Arts Degree, University of Alabama, 1969 Master of Arts Degree, University of Alabama, 1971 Alabama School of Banking Graduate, 1978 Active in UA student affairs, a leader in professional and student organizations, and editor of "Forum", a national public relations magazine for students. Bill has over 30 year of experience in communication, advertising, marketing, and branding for regional, national and fortune 500 companies. He worked in Birmingham on the corporate side for Alabama Power Co. & Compass Bancshares, before going into the advertising agency business for the majority of his career. His most recent experience was serving as partner of SlaughterHanson, a nationally acclaimed advertising and branding firm for over 15 years. Bill retired from SlaughterHanson in 2003. He has served on numerous Birmingham arts and cultural boards and been active as a trustee and leader for several professional, civic, and non-profit organizations. Bill has an ardent passion for international travel, fly fishing, golf, exercises, and reading. He describes himself as having a lot of imagination and a soft spot for dogs and ice cream.
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Leonard McCray Director	Leonard McCray and his wife, Nadine, became members of Unity of Birmingham in January 2008. He is a licensed social worker at Hillcroft Hospital and owner of HCR Health and Wellness. Leonard graduated with a BA from the University of Hawaii-West Oahu and the University Of Alabama School Of Social Work with a MSW. He is retired from the United States Navy as a Senior Chief.
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Nancy Wasson Director	I grew up in Seattle, WA, and then lived for more than 20 years in Mississippi. During that time I earned my M.Ed. in Counseling and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Mississippi State University in 1994 I moved to Birmingham and worked with adolescents for two years at Gateway Residential Treatment Center. I left Gateway in 1996 to start my own counseling practice in the Pinson area. One of the greatest joys of my life was meeting my soul mate Lee Hefner at Unity of Birmingham. We were married three years later. In 2004, Lee and I moved to Hoover and started our own home based publishing and consulting business together, designed to help couples create healthy relationships. In addition to Co-authoring two books with Lee and writing numerous articles, I provide phone coaching to individuals and couples worldwide. It was an unexpected blessing to discover Unity of Birmingham and to feel so at home. From the moment I stepped into the sanctuary on Sunday morning, I felt so much love and peace. It touched my heart deeply, as did the wonderful community of growing, supportive, positive members. I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve and give back to the church that has made such a profound difference in my life.