Staci Brown Brooks: A Heart for Alabama
When Staci Brown Brooks reflects on her amazing career, one word keeps popping up: service. And boy, has she served! Her community, our state, and all those organizations she's led have benefited big time.
From newsrooms to corporate suites, Staci's career is all about purpose, teamwork, and giving back. Now, as VP of Charitable Giving at Alabama Power and president of the Alabama Power Foundation, she's helping shape our future by supporting nonprofits and inspiring folks to volunteer.
Leading with Love for Alabama
"Leading this work in the state I love is a true honor," says Staci. "The Alabama Power Foundation takes its responsibility to our state super seriously. Over almost 36 years, we've given nearly $300 million to nonprofits that help veterans, teachers, students, clinics, and so much more!"
From Reporter to Leader
Staci's journey started way before corner offices. After graduating from the University of Alabama in journalism, she became a copy editor at the Detroit Free Press. Then, she came back home, joining The Tuscaloosa News and later The Birmingham News, climbing the ranks to become director of interactive content.
"I've done so many different things, and I see how they all fit together," she says. "I started in journalism, then wondered if my skills could work in corporate life."
That question led her to Alabama Power, where she's spent almost a decade in PR, marketing, digital strategy, and business development. Each role prepared her to lead the company's charitable giving and its foundation.
Impact Through Giving
As president of the Alabama Power Foundation and executive director of the Alabama Business Charitable (ABC) Trust Fund, Staci oversees programs that make a real difference. The foundation has given nearly $300 million in grants, while the ABC Trust has invested $40 million to help low-income families meet basic needs.
But it's not just about money. Staci champions a culture of service at Alabama Power, highlighting the thousands of hours employees and retirees give to local nonprofits.
Inspired by Strong Women
Staci credits her impact to the amazing women in her life. "My mother was my North Star," she shares. "She lived a life of service as a nurse and educator for over 40 years. I miss her every day."
Her 7-year-old daughter also inspires her with her courage and authenticity. "She's bold, fearless, and hilarious in a way I've never been. She's teaching me!"
She also honors her grandmothers, sister, aunts, friends, teachers, and colleagues, saying: "Alabama grows strong, inspiring women." And she's quick to add that her husband is her biggest supporter.
Leadership with Heart
Staci's definition of leadership isn't about titles but about integrity and compassion.
"Care for others more than yourself. Be trustworthy. Know what you know and what you don't," she explains. "These attributes illustrate one's character."
That's why she's a respected leader at Alabama Power and in civic and nonprofit circles. She serves on boards like Vulcan Park and Museum and the YWCA Central Alabama.
Honoring Alabama Roots
A Selma native, Staci stays connected to her roots. She lives in the Birmingham area with her husband and daughter.
The University of Alabama honored her as a "60 for 60" alumna during the 60th anniversary of desegregation. She's also completed leadership programs at Columbia and Harvard.
A Life of Service
Looking back, Staci is most proud of serving her state. "I'm really proud I get to serve through nonprofit partnerships and volunteer service," she says.
Her journey from journalism to corporate leadership shows her versatility and her dedication to lifting others up. Staci Brown Brooks is a true inspiration, a model of integrity, teamwork, and impact.