The Alabama Association of School Boards honored its 2022 All-State School Board Award recipients during the association’s Annual Convention, which was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Birmingham Dec. 1-3. The honorees were Brenda Guilford of the Dothan City Board of Education, Derek Henderson of the Alabaster City Board of Education, Aubrey Miller of the Shelby County Board of Education and Joseph Pettway of the Wilcox County Board of Education.  

AASB began its All-State School Board Member recognition program in 1992 to recognize up to five of Alabama’s most outstanding past or present school board members. The Award is the highest honor the association bestows to recognize exemplary boardmanship. The 2022 recipients were celebrated Dec. 2 during an awards luncheon featuring Alabama 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year Reggie White as speaker.  

“This year’s honorees represent the very highest ideals of excellence in school board leadership” said AASB Executive Director Sally Smith. “We commend each of these recipients for their example and for their dedicated leadership and advocacy for all of Alabama’s schoolchildren.”   

Brenda Guilford 

Brenda Guilford of the Dothan City school board is a member of the 2022 All-State School Board. Guilford, a committed advocate for early childhood education and the owner and operator of a Dothan-area preparatory school, has served as a member of the Dothan City Board of Education for more than 17 years. She has achieved the master honor roll level in AASB’s School Board Member Academy, earning over 370 training hours throughout school board tenure.  

Guilford’s nominators describe her as an “ultimate professional” who has a keen understanding of the role of the board in policymaking and governance.  

“Every aspect of her job is guarded with professional effort,” said P. Scott Childers, president of the Dothan City Board of Education. “And if it’s not the right decision for our community, schools and students, she will not entertain it.”   

Guilford also maintains a close working relationship with her local elected officials, often lobbying in support of bills to strengthen education and improve the quality of life in the Wiregrass region.  

View Brenda Guilford's Award Video

Derek Henderson 

Derek Henderson, vice president of the Alabaster City Board of Education, is a member of the 2022 All-State School Board. Henderson has served on the Alabaster school board since 2013 and reached master honor status in AASB’s School Board Member Academy, earning over 400 training hours.

A retired insurance professional, Henderson is a trustee on the Alabama Trust for Boards of Education, and his experience in insurance and underwriting has provided valuable insight for the Alabaster school system. His nominators describe him as “a calm and wise voice for the board” in making policy that is always based on what’s best for students. 

Henderson, a dedicated mentor to young men in the school system, is highly respected both for his passion for schools and his leadership in the community. 

“Derek understands complex environments and how critical it is to work together,” said Alabaster Mayor Scott Brakefield. “His experience in facilitating discussions and promoting teamwork is outstanding.”  

View Derek Henderson's Award Video

Aubrey Miller 

Aubrey Miller, a member of the Shelby County Board of Education from 2010 to 2022, is a 2022 All-State School Board Award recipient. Miller has served on several AASB committees and reached level three in AASB’s School Board Member Academy, earning over 275 training hours.

A church pastor who is active in numerous community and nonprofit organizations, Miller’s colleagues on the board describe him as a selfless leader who puts the interests of his school district, its employees and students at the forefront.  

Ten of Miller’s 12 years on the board were spent providing steady leadership in the role of board president. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Miller was credited with helping to guide the school system through the health crisis with the primary focus of making sure students were safe, healthy and able to attend school face to face.  

“Mr. Miller is a calming presence and has the ability to deescalate difficult issues and listen to the concerns of our constituents,” said Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks.  

View Aubrey Miller's Award Video

Joseph Pettway 

Joseph Pettway of the Wilcox County Board of Education is a member of the 2022 All-State School Board. Pettway has served on the Wilcox County school board for 18 years, holding leadership roles as vice president and president.  He has achieved the master honor roll distinction in AASB’s School Board Member Academy, earning more than 400 training hours and attending more than 90 conferences throughout his tenure.  

A former coach, teacher and principal, Pettway is respected among his colleagues on the board for the wealth of educational experiences he brings to the board table. Pettway, who serves as chair of the deacon board at his church, is active in the Wilcox County community, supporting and participating in local school events, speaking to classes, mentoring students, taking part in community clean-up days and delivering food to those in need.  

Pettway’s nominators credit him with getting the public – especially parents – involved in school activities.

“He takes time to listen to the parents as well as students,” said Wilcox County Schools Superintendent Dr. André Saulsberry. “He tries to instill in the parents the importance of supporting your school system and he is always an advocate for the system.”  

View Joseph Pettway's Award Video