AASB Honors 2024 All-State School Board Award Winners
All-State School Board Awards Ceremony
13-Dec-2024
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The Alabama Association of School Boards honored its 2024 All-State School Board Award recipients during the association's Annual Convention at The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa Dec. 5-7. The honorees included: Kevin Corcoran of the Gulf Shores City Board of Education; Gwen Harris-Brooks of the Lanett City Board of Education; Ronnie Owens of the Lauderdale County Board of Education; Dr. Greg Price of the Pike County Board of Education; and Dr. Celia Rudolph formerly of the Muscle Shoals City Board of Education.
AASB began its annual 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 2024 recipients were celebrated during a Dec. 6 awards luncheon. Alabama's 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year Deborah Stringfellow served as the featured speaker.
"This year's honorees exemplify transformative school board leadership," said AASB Executive Director Sally Smith. "Their strategic vision and collaborative approach to governance have strengthened their school systems and continues to inspire education leaders across Alabama."
Kevin Corcoran
A real estate broker who is active various community organizations, Corcoran’s nominators describe him as a visionary, strategic and collaborative leader with an inclusive approach to governance.
“Kevin Corcoran stands as a model of ethical leadership, steadfast support for educational policies and advocacy for student success,” said fellow Gulf Shores school board member Kelly Walker. “His contributions have profoundly impacted our school system, leaving a lasting legacy for which our community is immensely grateful. His pivotal role in shaping our city’s school system demonstrates an extraordinary vision for the future of education in our community.”
View Kevin Corcoran's Award Video
Gwen Harris-Brooks
Gwen Harris-Brooks is president of the Lanett City Board of Education. She has served on the Lanett school board for 24 years and reached master honor roll status in AASB’s School Board Member Academy, earning more than 700 training hours.
Harris-Brooks has been an active member of AASB, serving on countless committees and statewide task forces. Her leadership roles in the association include having served as district 4 director, vice president, president and immediate past president.
A local small business owner, Harris-Brooks is well known in the community for her willingness to help others. Those who nominated Harris-Brooks for the award describe her as a person of impeccable character.
“She has been a great asset to our school system,” said fellow Lanett school board member, David Gagnon. “Her leadership and her community involvement have been tremendous.”
View Harris-Brooks’ award video
Ronnie Owens
Ronnie Owens has served on the Lauderdale County Board of Education since 2014 and currently serves as board president. He has achieved master honor roll status in AASB’s School Board Member Academy and earned more than 500 training hours.
Owens served numerous leadership roles in AASB, including district 8 director, president and immediate past president and has been an active member of more than nine different committees.
A veteran educator with more than 50 years of service in the education profession, Owens is well known in the community for the passion and drive he brings for providing all students with a high-quality education.
Colleagues on the Lauderdale County school board and community leaders alike describe Owens as a person who uses facts and data to support his positions while remaining open to hear multiple viewpoints on issues.
“He is passionate about providing the best education that can be offered to his community and is an asset to all organizations he is associated with,” said State Sen. Tim Melson (R-Florence).
View Ronnie Owens' award video
Dr. Greg Price
Dr. Greg Price, a 22-year veteran of the Pike County Board of Education, has achieved master status in AASB’s School Board Member Academy with more than 530 training hours. He has served as AASB’s district 3 director and volunteered for multiple committees, including the Budget & Finance, Board Training Advisory, Equity, Resolutions and Bylaws.
A technology expert and leader in cybersecurity, Price serves as Troy University’s chief information officer. He has strengthened AASB through his guidance and training sessions on emerging technology issues. He also has developed and implemented various cybersecurity initiatives designed to safeguard educational institutions and protect students from online threats.
Those who nominated Price for the award applauded his commitment to child advocacy and community service.
“His unwavering commitment to education, child advocacy and community service embodies the very qualities that this award seeks to recognize,” said Alabama State Rep. Marcus Paramore. “Greg’s efforts have made a significant impact not only locally, but also on a broader scale, setting standards for others to follow.”
Dr. Celia Rudolph
Dr. Celia Rudolph served as a member of the Muscle Shoals City Board of Education from 2014 to 2024. She achieved master level in AASB’s School Board Member Academy, with more than 315 training hours, and served on AASB’s Equity Committee.
A career educator, Rudolph is known throughout her community as a vocal ambassador for public schools and as someone with a deep understanding of today’s educational challenges.
Those who nominated Rudolph for the award praised her commitment to the well-being and success of students, teachers and the community.
“Dr. Rudolph’s advocacy for excellence in public education spans over four decades, reflecting her unwavering dedication to educational advancement,” said Dr. Chad Holden, superintendent of Muscle Shoals City Schools. “Her leadership on the school board was marked by strategic insight, thoughtful decision-making and a profound commitment to maintaining the high standards of our school system.”