Advisory Council
According to the Older Americans Act, the Area Agency on Aging shall establish an Advisory Council. The Council shall carry out advisory functions that further the agency’s mission of developing and coordinating community-based systems of services for all older persons in the planning and service area.
Council Members
Tonia Bell
Montgomery County
Tonia Bell began her social work career in August 1993 and began her career as a social worker with the Alabama Department of Human Resources in January 1996. While employed with the Alabama Department of Human Resources, Mrs. Bell has worked in the areas of Family and Children Services, Data Analysis and Adult Protective Services. Mrs. Bell was promoted to her current position as the State Director for APS in January 2024. In addition, she served as the Deputy Director for APS for 6 years and APS Program Manager for 8 years. Prior to employment with the Alabama Department of Human Resources, she worked for the Alabama Department of Public Health for two years as a Public Health Social Worker in Choctaw and Marengo Counties and as the Director of Social Services at the Care Center of Opelika and Woodley Manor Nursing home located in Montgomery, AL. She received a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1993 from Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL, and a Master of Social Work degree in 2001 from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. Mrs. Bell is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Throughout her career, Mrs. Bell has served on several APS community as well as national boards and committees to represent the interests of vulnerable adults in Alabama.
Mr. William Betts
Planning Committee Chair
Montgomery County
LaCheryl Cillie
Montgomery County
Hertisene Crenshaw
Membership Committee
Chair Elmore County
Dr. Saundra Winston Gwinn
Montgomery County
Saundra Gwinn is a retired administrator with Montgomery Public Schools, and the Alabama State Department of Education, where she managed Federal Programs. Following her retirement, she worked with professional development with Alabama State University, including supervising and mentoring prospective school administrators; she also worked as a consultant with Head Start. For the past 15 years, she has served as Administrative Assistant at Beulah Baptist Church, as well as a poll worker. She enjoys volunteering in various community organizations, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Harold Hammond
Autauga County
Native of Randolph County Alabama. I graduated from Handley High School in Roanoke in 1959. Graduated University of North Alabama with BS degree in 1971 and received a Master of Public Administration degree from Auburn University in 1976. Appointed State Highway Patrol Cadet with the Department of Public Safety in 1959 and served in several assignments with that department until retirement in 1991 after 32 years of state service. After state retirement, accepted position as a Regional Vice President for the American Association of Motor Vehicles in 1991 and retired from that position in 2005. Currently, I am active in my church and several local civic and community organizations in Prattville. Widowed in 2022 and a resident of Prattville since 1972 in Autauga County.
Eugene Johnson
Montgomery County
Karen Johnson-Richards
Montgomery County
Kimberly Lawler
Council Secretary
Montgomery County
Meet Kimberly Catherine Lawler, a tenacious force hailing from the bustling streets of Rochester, New York. The proud daughter of Artis and Laura Kendrick; daughter-in-law of Johnny C. and Rosie Lawler. Kimberly finds her greatest joys in the bond of marriage to Charles and the cherished presence of her beloved son Joseph. Armed with the knowledge and wisdom gained from being a Tuskegee University Graduate. She is the Senior Advantage / Volunteer Coordinator at Baptist South Hospital.
ElWanda Penn
Council Chair
Elmore County
Kelyne Mitchell Provitt
Montgomery County
Kelyne, a retired educator, spent 39 years in one of the greatest professions that exist. Working in elementary and secondary education, she had the opportunity to interact and develop supportive relationships with students, colleagues and parents. She was able to facilitate effective learning, academic progress and a climate of inclusion in the school community as a teacher and Special Education Facilitator. She currently spends time as a member of the volunteer community at Baptist Medical Center South and for various nonprofit organizations. Loving to share the gospel of the living Christ through personal interactions, including God’s blessings in her life, she is a member of the Southside Church of Christ, where she serves with and/or leads ministries that enhance the spiritual lives of the children, young adults and the seasoned members. Married to Michael, she is the mother of 2 adult children, Kyla and Chip, 4 grands of the heart and 1 grand-dog. “I will always be thankful to God for his many blessings, His name will be forever praised!”
Doris Walker Pugh
Montgomery County
I am married to Indavis Pugh, and we have resided in Montgomery, Alabama for the past 16 years. I am a member of the Historic Beulah Baptist Church. At Beulah, I serve as the Health and Welfare Ministry Chairperson, Acting Sunday School Superintendent, choir member, and Sunday School teacher. I am a member of the Montgomery (AL) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I currently serve on the Budget and Finance Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee. I am a 1982 graduate of Fort Valley State University (formerly College), Fort Valley, Georgia, where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. I have studied Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Georgia College and State University. I spent four years as a parole officer for the State of Georgia. I am a retired civil service employee after working for the United States Air Force as a Contracting Officer for 24 years. I volunteer as much as I can with my affiliated organizations and with others when requested. Montgomery County.
Faye Rayford-Outsey MS, RN
Montgomery County
Retired Nurse-Educator
Reverend Robert Shuford
Elmore County
Lynn White
Montgomery County
