Board of Directors
Gloria Owens, Auburn, AL - Gloria Owens is the wife of the late James Owens. They met as students at Auburn University in 1971 and married in 1974. Upon leaving Auburn University in 1972, she attended Midwest Business College, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and graduated in 1973 with a degree in Business Administration. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Miles College in 1979. She the received an MBA in Business Administration from Samford University in 1983. Gloria’s professional positions include Business Administration, Bookkeeping, Accounting and Management from 1973-2005. She worked at Miles College in several capacities including Junior Accountant and Senior Accountant in Business Management. She also worked for the Birmingham City Board of Education as a Senior Accountant, Tuskegee University as a Senior Accountant, Controller for the Interim VP of Business Affairs as well as CV Holdings, serving as Payroll/Benefits Administrator. She is a proud member of the Eta Nu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She currently lives in Auburn, Alabama with her three daughters, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Barbara Wallace Edwards, Birmingham, AL (not pictured)
Barbara Wallace Edwards, a native of Mobile, Alabama, received her early education in the Mobile County School System. Upon graduating with honors, she attended Auburn University, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting/Business Management. After receiving her degree, she relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, and began her career as an Area Sales Manager/Assistant Merchandise Buyer for the Pizitz Department Stores. After several years in this field, Barbara began her career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, first as a Customer Service Representative. She was soon promoted to the initial Management Candidate Program within the company and, after six months, was again promoted to a management position within the company. She quickly advanced to various upper-level management positions across various departments and divisions within Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, and Cahaba GBA. After 29 years with the company and serving as an Executive/Project Director of Cahaba GBA, she retired and began to focus her full attention on volunteer work with community and civic organizations and at Auburn University.
Throughout her collegiate and work career, Barbara stood out as a leader, serving in various leadership roles in the Leadership Development Association (President, Vice President, Secretary, the National Management Association (National Director), Auburn Alumni Association (Board of Directors), New Pilgrim Baptist Church (Deaconess, Trustee, and Choir), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Upsilon Chapter (President, Treasurer), Auburn University Program Council, Tigers Spikettes Track Team Host, Children’s Village, Inc. (Board of Directors), Wenonah Mentoring Program, and many, many more. Throughout the years, Barbara has been able to utilize and refine her exceptional organizational, interpersonal, problem-solving, workplace solutions, and strategic planning skills. In September 2017, she joined Smith & Associates Enterprises, where she plans to continue utilizing these skills, all while assisting our clients in achieving their optimum goals and objectives. uthoritm8݄NS.
Roger Mitchell, Auburn, AL - Roger Mitchell is a former teammate and close friend of James Owens. He is an Aerospace Engineering graduate of Auburn in 1974. Roger accepted an early retirement from Champion Home Builders in 2010 and relocated back to Alabama. He also enjoyed seven years as a Financial Advisor 1987-93, earning his Certified Financial Planner in 1993 while raising his daughters in Eufaula, Al.
Roger enjoys Auburn athletics, golf, hunting, and outdoor sports. He resides in Auburn with his wife Donna.