Governor Bentley Appoints Four to State Agricultural Center Board

MONTGOMERY— Governor Robert Bentley has appointed four members to the Alabama Agricultural Center Board.

The Governor appointed Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner John McMillan as board chairman. Other appointees include:  Stan McDonald of Athens, Dr. Billy Powell of Montgomery, Julian Smith of Birmingham and Becky Vasko of Silverhill.

“The four appointed bring a wealth of experience to the Alabama Agricultural Center Board,” said Governor Bentley. “I know they will serve the board well and I appreciate their willingness to serve on this important board.”

The Agricultural Center Board manages and controls any structure, facility or coliseum constructed by the Alabama Building Commission as an agricultural center for the purpose of housing fat livestock shows, agricultural and industrial displays and other exhibits.

Stan McDonald is an attorney in Huntsville and Limestone County farmer. In 1981, he graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and received a law degree from Thomas Good Jones School of Law in Montgomery is 1994. He and his wife, Missy, are active in their Athens community and are the parents of seven children.

Dr. Billy Powell is Executive Vice President of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. He grew up on a cattle and timber farm in Leroy before attending Auburn University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Ph.D in Animal Science. He and his wife, Beth, reside in Montgomery and have three children and six grandchildren.

Julian Smith is retired from Alabama Power Company where he worked for 34 years.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Military Institute in 1971. He is active in numerous professional and community organizations. Julian is married to Donna Charles Dearman has one son and three grandchildren.

Becky Vasko is a Baldwin County peanut farmer and former agribusiness owner. She is married with three children and four grandchildren.

“The state Agricultural Center Board faces a number of challenges and I appreciate Governor Bentley’s efforts to bring together such an excellent and capable group,” Commissioner McMillan said.

The appointments are effective immediately.