As a lifelong resident of Alabama, my wish is to improve the lives of our citizens and help our state move forward into the future while preserving our heritage, our culture, and our traditions. While I myself have spent much of my life in public service as a lay preacher, a community leader, and an advocate for those in need, my own family history includes numerous forebears who nobly served our state and its people. I’m proud of their achievements, and grateful for their fine example of public service.
HOLMES FAMILY PUBLIC SERVICE
My great-great-grandfather was Dr. Thomas Galphin Holmes of Tensaw, Baldwin County – 1780-1852 – Physician at Tensaw, Baldwin County for 40+ years; Assistant Surgeon, Creek Indian War and War of 1812, 1812-1814; and survivor of Fort Mims Massacre, Tensaw, Baldwin County, August 30, 1813.
My great-great-uncle was Dr. Origen Sibley Holmes of Tensaw, Baldwin County – 1840-1892 – Physician at Tensaw for 30 years; State Representative, Alabama Legislature, 1872+.
My great-uncle was Dr. Hilary Herbert Holmes of Tensaw and Daphne, Baldwin County – 1882-1936 – Educator; Principal, Geneva County High School, Geneva, Alabama, 1913; State Senator, Alabama Legislature, 1914+; President, Daphne State Normal School, 1915+, Daphne, Baldwin County.
My second cousin was Dr. Origen Sibley Holmes II of Tensaw and Foley, Baldwin County – 1873-1936 – Physician at Tensaw and Foley; Founder of first hospital in Baldwin County at Foley; State Representative, Alabama Legislature, 1919+; Mayor of Foley, 1930’s.
My third cousin was Dr. Williams Coghlan Holmes of Tensaw and Foley, Baldwin County – 1901-1961 – Physician at Foley; Naval Officer Physician, World War II; State Senator, Alabama Legislature, about 1936+.
EDUCATION
Licensed Lay Preacher, School for Ministry, Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, Pensacola, FL
Graduate Studies, Public Administration, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Master of Public Administration, Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL
Graduate, Professional Leader in Scouting, National Executive Institute, Boy Scouts of America, Mendham, NJ
Bachelor of Arts, Mobile College (now University of Mobile), Mobile, AL
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Public Policy Advocate, Mobile, 2014-present
The Arc of Alabama, Inc., Montgomery, CEO/Executive Director, 2001-2014
State of Alabama, Montgomery
Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), 1979-2001
Office of Governor Fob James, Jr., Executive Assistant to the Governor, 1995-1996
Office of Governor Fob James, Administrative Assistant to the Governor, 1980-1983
Birmingham Regional Planning Commission, Birmingham
Area Agency on Aging Director, 1975-1979
Nutrition Project Coordinator, 1973-1975
East Alabama Regional Planning Commission, Anniston
Personnel Development Specialist, 1972-1973
Boy Scouts of America, Mobile Area Council, Mobile
District Scout Executive, 1970-1972
Board of School Commissioners of Mobile County, Mobile
Social Studies Teacher, 7 th Grade, Dunbar Junior High School, 1969-1970
Social Studies Teacher, 9 th Grade, Murphy High School, 1968-1969
United States Naval Reserve, Newport, Rhode Island
Officer Candidate Under Instruction, 1968-1968
Honorable Discharge, May 23, 1968.
COMMUNITY & VOLUNTEER SERVICE
- Member, Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities, Montgomery (2010-2018)
- Life Member, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, Kansas City, MO
- Member, Alabama Arise Citizens Policy Project, Montgomery (2013-present)
- Member, Troop 3 Committee, Boy Scouts of America, Our Savior Catholic Church, Mobile (2014-present)
- Member, Cottage Hill Civitan Club, Mobile (2015-present)
- Member, League of Women Voters-Mobile, Mobile (2015-present)
- Member, Board of Directors, Mobile Association for Retarded Citizens (M.A.R.C.), Mobile (2014-2019)
- Member, Mobile County Democratic Executive Committee, (2017-present)
- Member and Board President, The Arc of Mobile County, Inc. Board of Directors, Mobile (2019-present)
- Member, The Arc of Alabama Legislative Affairs Committee, Montgomery (2014-present)
- Member, The Arc of the United States Policy and Positions Committee, Washington, DC (2013-2020)
- Member, Trinity Episcopal Church, Mobile (2014-present)
PERSONAL:
Native of Mobile, Alabama.
Widower.
Father and primary caregiver of son with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
