STAFF

Lee Lawson has served as the President and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance since 2012. The Alliance leads all economic development efforts for one of the fastest-growing Counties in the U.S., Baldwin County, AL. Those efforts include marketing the county to corporate decision-makers, aligning its workforce development efforts, and working with existing businesses and industries to help catalyze their growth. 

Before accepting the position at the Alliance, Lee worked as an economic development representative for PowerSouth Energy Cooperative from 2008-2012. During his time at PowerSouth, Lawson managed PowerSouth’s domestic and foreign economic development efforts for its 39 County Alabama service territory. Lawson has also held positions with the Jefferson County Economic and Industrial Development Authority in Birmingham and the Madison Chamber of Commerce in Madison, Alabama. 

Lawson is a native of Montgomery, Alabama, and a 2003 graduate of Troy University, where he lettered in Men’s Basketball and received a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and public relations. Lawson resides in Montrose with his wife, Regan Ware Lawson of Mobile, and is the father of son Knox and daughters Greer, Libby, and Ann Garrett. 

 Lee Johnson is the Executive Vice President of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. In this role, Lee manages the organization and leads economic development efforts for the organization and community. 

Johnson previously served as Senior Manager of Field Operations for Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in Nashville, Tennessee. He managed TVA’s 15 Regional Development Consultants and 6 Technical Services Specialists/Engineers while working to help attract and retain jobs and investment across the seven-state TVA region. Lee has also served in previous roles at TVA and the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. Since returning to the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance in 2021, Lee has leveraged his experience to identify economic development opportunities for Baldwin County to help grow the local economy and quality of life. One of those opportunities is the location of Novelis in Baldwin County, which represents over 1,000 jobs and a $4.1 billion investment. 

Lee received his bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi and currently resides in Fairhope, AL. 

When Lee is not supporting the organization and economic development for Baldwin County, he enjoys golf, fishing, exercising, and spending time with his wife, Amber, and daughter, Max. 

Karen Glover has been the BCEDA’s Operations Manager since June 2000. She manages everything from human resources to finances to office management.

Before joining the team over twenty years ago, Karen worked in the lending department at Colonial Bank in Foley, AL.

She received her degree in Marketing from the University of South Alabama. She has been a Baldwin County native since 1994, and she and her husband, Mark, currently live in Daphne, where they have a daughter and twin boys.

McCall Lugo has been the Economic Development Manager at the BCEDA since August 2022. McCall oversees talent retention and is the muscle behind the new arm of the BCEDA, Belong in Baldwin. With a background in marketing and business development, McCall’s expertise in economic development helps shape the voice of the BCEDA.

Prior to working for the BCEDA, McCall was the Marketing Associate for Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Old Edwards Club, and GlenCove in Highlands, NC, and the event promotion and marketing director for the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce.

McCall graduated from Troy University with a degree in Design, Technology, and Industry. She now resides in Daphne, AL, with her husband, Christopher, and their three dogs, Kida, Hamilton, and Chip.

Madison Burkhardt is the Marketing Coordinator for the BCEDA. She joined the team in March of 2023 and manages social media, digital marketing, print collateral, web design, and external communications. With a background in real estate marketing, Madison’s expertise benefits Baldwin County’s industry recruitment efforts.

Before joining the team, Madison was the Marketing Consultant at Stirling, where she marketed commercial and industrial properties for the Alabama, Florida, and Baton Rouge offices. Her responsibilities included managing online property listings and producing marketing materials such as site selection tours, property flyers, and videos.

Madison graduated from the University of Mobile with a degree in Fine Arts specializing in Graphic Design. She lives in Daphne, AL, with her husband, Jacob, and their cat, Dee-Dee.

Ashton Feaster is the BCEDA’s economic development specialist. He joined the team in May 2024 and handles research and data to support project activity.

Before joining the team full-time, Ashton was an Economic Development Intern with the BCEDA. During his five-month internship, he was valuable to the team and was brought on to the staff when he finished his degree.

Ashton graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in Finance. He resides in Gulf Shores, AL, with his dog, Milo, and loves going to the beach in his free time.

Kristie Pybus has been the BCEDA’s Executive Assistant since April of 2024. She provides high-level support to the CEO and VP while ensuring the day-to-day office activity is streamlined. She is behind the scenes, keeping the BCEDA engine running smoothly.

Before joining our team, she was a nurse at Mobile Infirmary for ten years and did administrative work.

Kristie received her nursing degree from George C. Wallace Community College in Dothan, AL. She resides in Daphne, AL, with her husband, James, and they have four daughters and seven grandchildren.

Christina Hellmich has been the Industry Engagement Director at Baldwin Preparatory Academy since February 2024. She is the bridge between industry leaders and the school.

In this position, Christina collaborates with industry partners who provide funding and assist in cultivating the curriculum and tools for Baldwin Prep and its students to prepare future generations for careers in Baldwin County.

Before joining the BCEDA team, Christina was the Director of Workforce Development at the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. In this position, she managed ongoing workforce development initiatives such as the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership program.