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PAGE 5 May 2026 E-Edition
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has announced that State Department of Revenue (ADOR) Commissioner Vernon Barnett is retiring. Governor Ivey has selected Mary Martin Mitchell, senior attorney within the Department, to assume the role. “Vernon has been an outstanding member of the Ivey Administration from the beginning and has served the people of our state faithfully. When I took office in 2017, I promised the people of Alabama I would leave this state better than we found it. Vernon’s leadership and impactful improvements made at Revenue are certainly no exception to that effort. I am truly grateful for all he has done for our state and know he will have great success in his next chapter,” said Governor Ivey. “Mary Martin has been a driving force behind the Department of Revenue’s success, and I am excited for her to step up as Commissioner. She has impressive institutional knowledge that will serve us well not only over the next eight months, but also into the next Administration.” Commissioner Barnett joined the Ivey Administration the month after Governor Ivey took office in 2017. The governor credits Commissioner Barnett with effectively running this major state agency that interfaces with every taxpaying Alabamian. She also commends him for navigating complex tax policy issues, administering the Simplified Sellers Use Tax, instituting new programs like the CHOOSE Act and helping guide her to provide responsible tax relief to the people of Alabama, most recently with the overtime tax and the grocery tax pause. “It has been the honor and the pleasure of a lifetime to have served the people of Alabama in the Ivey Administration these past nine years as Commissioner of Revenue. I want to thank Governor Ivey for placing her confidence in me and for her unwavering support and guidance,” said Commissioner Barnett. “I have learned so much from her and treasure the time I have spent in her Cabinet. I am deeply blessed to have served with so many remarkable colleagues during this time. To each of them who have so enriched my life I say thank you. I leave confident that our state and our Department of Revenue are in good hands, and the best is yet to come.” Mitchell will take the helm May 1. She currently serves as General Counsel at the ADOR. Mitchell has extensive experience in tax policy, legislation, administrative law and complex litigation, making her an optimal choice to step into the role after Commissioner Barnett. Since joining the ADOR in 2013, Mitchell has risen through the ranks, building strong relationships with the Legislature and has become a key partner to the Governor’s Office. “I am honored to be appointed Commissioner and grateful to Governor Ivey for her trust placed in me to lead the Alabama Department of Revenue,” said Mitchell. “It is a privilege to serve Alabama taxpayers, and I am committed to providing clear guidance and consistent application of the tax laws to support the state’s continued growth. I look forward to building on the positive momentum of the past nine years with integrity and transparency.” Prior to joining the Department, Mitchell served as a staff attorney with the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. After graduating from The UA School of Law, she began her legal career with a private law firm in Huntsville. The governor looks forward to having Mitchell serve in her Cabinet through the remainder of the quadrennium and to continue building on the progress made at the Department for a strong finish. State of Alabama Revenue Commissioner Vernon Barnett to Retire
Gadsden State’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter recently attended the Catalyst conference in Baltimore, Maryland. Competing among more than 1,300 chapters from around the world, the chapter earned a place in the Top 100 Chapters internationally. In addition to the prestigious recognition, the chapter’s Honors in Action project received exceptional distinction, ranking among the Top 50 Most Distinguished Projects, a milestone achievement, and the first time the chapter has earned this honor. Individual students were also recognized for their outstanding contributions and academic excellence. Felicia Hunter and Shelby McGinnis were celebrated in the Parade of Scholars as Coca-Cola Scholarship recipients, highlighting their dedication and achievement. Additionally, Vanessa Cochran, alongside Melissa Davis, were honored on stage as part of the Chapter Advisor Team Award, recognizing their leadership, mentorship, and commitment to student success. Submitted Photo
Submitted Photo
members Sylvania High School Class of 2026 Holli Michelle Helms Holden Connor Henegar Thomas Kyle Hester Gadsden State Community College’s Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) Chapter has earned national recognition as a Top Performing Chapter for 2026 following a comprehensive quality assurance review conducted by FAME USA. The distinction includes both Quality Assurance Accreditation and designation as a Top Performing Chapter, with accreditation extended for five years in recognition of the program’s strength and sustainability. According to FAME USA leadership, the Gadsden State chapter demonstrated outstanding communication, thorough preparation and a high level of execution throughout the review process. The chapter was also recognized for multiple best practices, several of which are being considered for implementation across the national FAME network.
The the Sylvania High School Class of 2026 Include: Mara Bellamy Anderson of
Alexander Thorr Clifton Trent Thomas Cole Brycen Bradley Cook Aleena Grace Corbin Jayden Daniel Cortina Clayton Hearshel Dalton Slade Matthew Davis Addison Mae Dawson
Mario Daniel Lorenzo Lopez Annalicia Rose Luckey Caleb Matthew Luckey Andrea Diego Martin Maria Elena Martinez Elijah Reece Mattox Kimberly Tatiana Fernandez Richard Allen Meyers III Travis Ethian Lane Owens Samantha Ruby Ragsdale Brandi Alexis Rainer Hayden Luke Roden Creed Rylan Shankles Ariel Diane Shepherd Cadence Bethany Sinns
Kaitlyn Taylor Smith Anayeli Solis Alvarez Weston Trey Stone Tyler Keith Tidmore
Layla Marie Hicks Ethan Thomas Hill
Conner Joe Andrade Eduardo Andres Cano Valentin Avalos Dakota Grant Barnard Jamie Dewayne Baxter Ethan Connor Beason Ella Faith Bell
Kassie Cheyanne Townson Shannah Alexis Trammell Eli Manley Trotman Edwin Guadalupe Valdez Jackson Evan Weathington Benjamen Wade Wells Jamison Claire Williams Sarah-Ann Elizabeth Wood
Brinlee Reece Holcomb Jaiden Alexa Holcomb Caitlin Shae Holderfield Ernesto Guzman Huerta Naomi Elizabeth Jackson Rodrigo Yurem Javier Franco Wynston Bryce Keith Alaina Jade King Cooper Harris Kirby Charles Seth William Ledford
German Samuel Antonio Diego Braelynn Creedance Ferguson Mylee Jade Furgerson David Ryan Godwin Taven Blaze Goza
Gracie Mills Black Brodie Lee Blevins Johanna Elizabeth Bryant Andric Mercedes Canales Reyes
Photo & Names Courtesy of Sylvania High School
Sarah Katherine Graham James Edward Harriod
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