GetSmart

I grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida. I spent my teens in the ’80s, when my only aspiration was to be a big-haired guitar player. I joined the US Army shortly after graduating high school to be a guitar playing soldier, obviously giving up the big hair part of my dream for a while. I served in Desert Storm with the 3rd Armored Division Band where I traveled with our unit’s rock band all over Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait, playing for the troops and whoever else wanted to hear covers of everything from Jimmy Buffet to Jimi Hendrix.

Following my discharge from the Army, my wife, two-year-old son and I moved to Tallahassee, Florida, so I could take advantage of the GI bill and attend Florida State University. After nearly 10 years, two more children, a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, a PhD in Molecular Biophysics, and a stint in a postdoctoral position studying mechanisms of macromolecular assembly and biophysical interactions, I learned of an opportunity to work with NASA. How could I pass that up, a chance to work with NASA, at its birth place, no less? So I moved to Huntsville to work on a contract supporting research efforts in macromolecular assembly and nanotechnology at Marshall Space Flight Center. That was more than seven years ago. What an incredibly fortunate move that was for me and my family.

Professionally, Huntsville offers opportunities to engineers and scientists that I can say with certainty can’t be found anywhere else and as such supports an amazingly diverse technical community. Indeed, where else could you find yourself pumping gas next to a world-class propulsion engineer and across from internationally renowned geneticist, a situation where the small talk at the pump can actually involve plausible solutions to the high gas prices?

The quality of life is also very good. Huntsville is a wonderful place to raise a family. There are remarkable schools, great outdoor activities, and numerous cultural and social opportunities, all in the beautiful setting of the Tennessee Valley.

I’m now the vice president of the materials division at AZ Technology, a small business that provides engineering and scientific support for NASA and the Department of Defense and has a thriving commercial business producing materials and hardware originally developed largely in support of these government agencies. I’m fortunate to get to work with an incredible group of scientists and engineers and to be an active member of a great community. Maybe best of all is that I still find many opportunities to get out and play my guitar, to pursue my old dreams. And can grow my hair out if I want.

Viictor Hugo said, “Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” I believe that this is true and that you should laugh and smile as much as possible. My career and where I have chosen to live were largely determined by what makes me happy. I am a research scientist in the X-ray Astronomy group at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center developing high-energy instrumentation. I am married with a curious-minded 1-year-old son, and my husband and I are expecting our second child in April.

I grew up in Houston with a passion for travel, adventure and the idea that every place you visit contains new experiences waiting to be discovered. After graduating from high school, I set off for New Mexico Tech located in the small town of Socorro. Four years later I had earned a B.S. in Astrophysics and a love for green chile. Following this, I worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for a year before starting graduate school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. After earning an M.S. in Astronomy, I set my sights on a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

UAHuntsville was an obvious choice for graduate school since I knew that I would be able to obtain my Ph.D. while working with highly accredited NASA scientists in the field of high-energy astrophysics. The choice of accepting a civil servant position in Huntsville after obtaining my Ph.D., to continue the work I had started, was an easy choice to make. The people I work with are highly motivated, incredible individuals and the flexible work environment is ideal. I am able to have a both a family and a great career, a benefit I hold dear.

Living in Huntsville has not only allowed me this balance of family and career, it has also provided other exciting opportunities. Because of its unique location in Northern Alabama, I am able to go hiking in the Smoky Mountains and scuba diving in the Gulf of Mexico. Because of the relatively low cost of living, I can afford to travel to more distant locales such as South Africa and India. Each year, as Huntsville grows, so does the level of diversity and the number of opportunities, making it more and more attractive as time goes by.

I grew up in Fayette, Alabama. It is a small, quaint town where everyone knows everyone. After high school, I moved away to attend the University of North Alabama and graduated with a Nursing Degree.

While in undergrad, I would come to Huntsville to visit friends and go out on the town. During my many visits, I kept noticing the growth and diversity the city offered. So after graduation, I packed my bags and moved. Considering I did not have a job and only enough money to survive for two months, my parents thought: Are you crazy? Needless to say, I found a great job and have been living here for the last 10 years.

After working at Huntsville Hospital as a Trauma Nurse for several years, I decided to continue my education. I pursued and finished a Masters from University of Alabama in Birmingham in Health Systems Quality and Outcomes. And two years later, I attended graduate school again at UAB and received a Masters of Science in Health Systems Administration. I currently work in administration at Huntsville Hospital focusing on business development and strategic planning. Being such a large and cutting-edge facility, the hospital has given me many opportunities and experiences not available in other places.

My wife and I love Huntsville because there are so many unique opportunities. It is very easy to meet new people, become involved in community service, church activities and politics and enjoy a social life. I currently serve on the boards/advisory councils of the Community Free Clinic, EmYrge Council, First Fridays Huntsville, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, and North Alabama African American Chamber of Commerce. I am also active in Committee of 100, Downtown 47, 100 Black Men of America and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

For fun, the wife and I enjoy fine dining, plays, shopping, outdoor life and raising a two year old. The area’s affordable cost of living, low crime rate and school systems make it appealing to a wide range of individuals. We’ve come a long way in 10 years, and the future is very bright!

I am a native of Huntsville! I graduated from Lee High School, moved away for college, and swore I would never return, citing that Huntsville was boring. I have lived other places, but I moved back to Huntsville three years ago and have been surprised at the growth and development in the area. I really enjoy all that Huntsville offers; it has come along way in the last 15 years, and I am excited to see what the NEXT 15 will bring!

I am a scientist at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Unlike most of Huntsville's Cummings Research Park, my work does not involve a direct tie to the aerospace or defense industries. My career is focused in the fields of molecular biology and genetics. We know the order of the 3 billion bases that make up the human genome, but much of the functionality remains cryptic; my work involves experimentation that aims to annotate the human genome, elucidate biochemical pathways, develop functional assays, and sequence genomes on a personal level.

I came back to Huntsville specifically to work for HudsonAlpha – the founders made me an offer I could not refuse! The vision, mission, and goals of HudsonAlpha are revolutionary not only to this community but to the world – when I was given the opportunity to be part of something so amazing from the inception, I capitalized on it immediately.

Huntsville needs the economic diversity that HudsonAlpha provides. Our campus in CRP is prepared for rapid growth with a large track of land for biotechnology, keeping all of the biotechnology resources in close proximity to one another; it's critical for the flow of ideas, collaborative work and advancing the field in Huntsville. Also, Huntsville is centrally located for collaborative work across the southeastern USA.

Huntsville offers a great blend of bigger city life and small town charm with its array of local shops, dining establishments, and friendly neighborhoods. Huntsville offers great outdoor amenities including a dog park, miles of beautiful nature trails for biking and hiking, and quick and easy access to the river and nearby lakes.

I really enjoy all that Huntsville offers; it has come along way in the last 15 years, and I am excited to see what the next 15 will bring!

I grew up in the rural community of Leadmine, West Virginia. I graduated from West Virginia University then earned my master’s degree and PhD from MIT. I am CEO/President and co-founder with my wife, Lisa, of Watring Technologies, Inc. We design and fabricate custom one-off pieces of equipment. Therefore, every job we do, by definition, is unique.

We relocated from Kennedy Space Center in the late 80s. Lisa and I fell in love with the friendliness of Huntsville, but it was also a great choice for us professionally. One of the many reasons Huntsville is a smart choice for our business is that this is a city of knowledge, innovation and development that is conducive to growth.

It’s important for us to be in a location with a skilled and highly productive workforce. An important source of our success is our workforce. Huntsville’s investments in education and training help yield talented employees, and its environment attracts knowledgeable workers from other regions who are increasingly relocating to Huntsville.

Within our community, there are sound working relationships between the city, schools, business and Government sectors. Huntsville is, indeed, business friendly. This innovation of connectivity contributes to Huntsville’s vibrant business growth.

The current physical renewal – building of industrial parks, increased retail centers, downtown revitalization and other changes in the physical environment – attract attention national and international. We view the physical renewal as a sign of a healthy economy to continue the expansion of our business. Furthermore the strategic location of Huntsville is ideal. Businesses in Huntsville are linked to the global economy.

Huntsville offers the unique atmosphere of larger city offerings in a small town. Huntsville’s culture and ethnic diversity generate the creativity that makes Huntsville attractive to visitors, inhabitants and others. As Huntsville continues to grow, the growth rate enhances the economic well being and overall structure of the community. The residents of Huntsville take great pride in being a part of the community. The overall best benefit of living in Huntsville is the quality of life. This is a safe place to raise children, and we’re blessed to have state of the art medical care.

I was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and grew up in Washington, DC. While working for Bechtel Power, I was asked to transfer to Huntsville to assist Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in getting cost and schedule success for restart. Since then I have founded WILL Technology, Inc. (WTI) and am the President / CEO. WTI is a professional services company providing support to both Government clients and selected commercial market sectors. One distinction that makes working in Huntsville/Madison County unique is that I have the opportunity to collaborate with industry pacesetters. Continual collaboration with industry leaders to offer 21st century technology solutions is the distinctive insignia of my work.

What I love about Huntsville are the people. They are, hands down, the most accommodating of any place I have ever been (although I am a die-hard University of Tennessee fan). They understand the importance of globalization and how it impacts the local economy. I am able to intuitively transact my business endeavors with knowledgeable commercial customers and governmental suppliers who are abreast of current trends in the world-wide market economy, technology solutions both domestic and foreign, and issues of diversity that impact the workforce.

Huntsville exudes cosmopolitan flair wrapped in “down home decency.” It is place where strangers still say, “Hello” and neighbors still “keep an eye on things.” The community is smart because it simply makes life enjoyable whether at work or play. Big Spring Park, a picturesque jewel in downtown Huntsville, has afforded my family many hours of amusement and lasting memories with events like Panoply of the Arts, Big Spring Jam, and Movie Night on The Lawn. I have attended Broadway Productions like Stomp and been amazed at the trapeze artistry of renowned circus companies at The Von Braun Center. Local art galleries, like AveragetoArt, have presented occasion for artistic appreciation by taking in the fusion of traditional and modern art. The “Rocket City” scores an A+ because of forward thinking locked arm-in-arm with neighborly kindness.

IAlabama is a changing place! Huntsville and Madison County are leading the way!

Different from a lot of our current residents, I grew up in Madison County. Both of my parents graduated from Alabama A&M University in the 1950s. For 40 some odd years, I have had a front-row seat to witness the explosive growth and opportunities that have taken place here.

As an engineer from Georgia Tech, I have obviously found fertile ground here, where innovation and problem solving are held in high esteem. A surprising and most refreshing thing is that, by and large, not only the companies that call Huntsville home but the people and the community reflect and cherish those characteristics as well.

As a business owner, it is a distinct advantage to be a part of a community that celebrates entrepreneurial spirit and achievement. It has been essential to our viability, which has extended from my father and his partners starting Triana Industries, Inc. in 1972 to today.

Triana Metal Fabrication is the business we currently have locally. We have 30 associates working here in Madison County. We design and manufacture custom racking and logistics products as well as perform tool-sharpening services primarily targeting the automotive and industrial markets. We are actively pursuing opportunities with the military and aerospace industries in the aforementioned areas as well as assembly and engineering services.

To see the area transform from a sleepy town to a city with an eclectic edge has been quite a ride. We enjoy all the enhancements that add to the quality of life – museums, chic retail spots, great dining options, outdoor activities, etc. The most remarkable thing is not that the landscape has so drastically changed but in the midst of that change how more paths of opportunity have opened for all.

All of that said, to think we have truly just begun really creates anticipation of what is yet to come. It is very exciting to be here on the cusp of a community coming into full bloom! Moreover to be a part of the fabric that is ushering in that transformation is very fulfilling in its own right. I am proud to call Huntsville home.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Malone

I am a geneticist who recently moved from Atlanta to Huntsville. In Atlanta I was a faculty member at Emory, taught in the medical school and ran a DNA research lab. Atlanta was a nice place to live, but I often spent up to two hours each day sitting in traffic between home and work. Many mornings I was up and out of the house before my children awoke, and often I’d get home with only enough time to eat dinner and put them to bed. When I was given the opportunity to work for a biotech company in Huntsville, I looked at it pretty critically and was surprised with what I discovered – a thriving, highly educated place to live with all the amenities of a metropolis, tucked into a mid-sized city.

Fast forward 18 months – my family and I love being in Huntsville. We’re very happy with the schools, our kids are engaged in soccer and cheerleading, and they enjoy playing with friends outside in the neighborhood. We can walk to a brand-new grocery store, pizzeria and ice-cream shop (temptation abounds!) and have begun to forge strong friendships with both co-workers and our neighbors. And the icing on the cake is my 15- to 20-minute commute to a job that engages my mind and helps me improve the lives of those around me.

I’ve found Huntsville to be a friendly, innovative and energetic community that values life-long education and strikes a balance between work and play. Moving here was a smart decision and our family has no regrets.

I moved to Huntsville six years ago after getting my MBA from Webster University in South Carolina. My husband and I were expecting our first child, and he was offered a coaching position with Alabama A&M University. My first thought was, “No way!” But after doing some research on education, crime, housing, churches – the things of most concern to parents – I found that Huntsville was far more than I had envisioned. I am a native Alabamian, but Huntsville was unlike any other place in the state.

In addition to allowing me to thrive in my career and offering a quality Christian education for my daughter, Huntsville has provided multiple opportunities for civic involvement. Despite being a newcomer, I serve on boards for the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, Girls, Inc., the American Heart Association, and the Chamber of Commerce. I am active with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Committee of 100 Young Professionals, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. I am most proud of the fact that Huntsville is a community where “young professionals” have a voice and can make a difference. Because of this, I discovered my passion for issues that impact education and economic development.

I am a Department of the Army civilian with 21 years of service. I periodically monitored the civilian personnel website for other jobs, though never seriously considered leaving the Fort Monroe, VA area. Leaving an installation that is right on the Chesapeake Bay, with all the benefits of living by the beach? Well it would take a great job in a great location to motivate me to move.

Browsing through the personnel website, I noticed numerous jobs at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Alabama? Why would I move there? I had never even driven through the state. Why would I leave this great area of Virginia for Alabama?

Well, curiosity got the best of me. I started asking around at work about Huntsville. Military, retired military and other civilians told me great and wonderful things about Huntsville. I “Googled” Huntsville and found the Chamber of Commerce website containing the community information packet for government personnel moving to Huntsville. What a great source of information! Imagine my surprise as I read through the packet: one out of three employed persons residing in Huntsville work in professional, scientific or technical services; 21 percent of the population over the age of 25 has a bachelor’s degree, with impressive statistics on residents possessing masters and doctorate degrees. Reading further on the cost of living and the price of homes made Huntsville even more appealing. I could actually afford to buy a nice home, especially considering the low property tax rate. Even though I do not have school age children, the statistics on the schools were very impressive. The large population of educated residents demands the best of schools for their children.

As I continued to read through the packet, my mind was made up. I applied for and accepted a position with U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command at Redstone Arsenal. After my first house hunting trip in Huntsville, I was even more certain of my decision. What a great city! Everyone I met was very friendly and enthusiastic about living in Huntsville. While eating lunch alone one afternoon, a lady approached me and asked me to join her and her sister, so I wouldn’t have to eat alone. What a fun lunch! I learned even more about the area. I found it easy to find my way around, thinking “YES, no more traffic!” I toured the city and found numerous cultural activities – the symphony, museums, botanical gardens, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, theaters, etc. I knew I had made the right decision. I have made the move to Huntsville, and have convinced several of my friends in Virginia to consider Redstone Arsenal when looking for another position. To them and others in the DC area, I say, ’Bama or Bust!.

When I decided to relocate with my position from Virginia to Alabama, I got a lot of reactions: “You’re going where?” “Can they make you do that?” The reality is a vibrant, urban city with quality of life to spare. In Virginia, I faced declining home value, increasing commute headaches, and shrinking time with my family. In Huntsville, I have a commute time of 20 minutes (25 in rush hour), lower taxes (and no tax on military retirement), and more accessible activities than in the NCR. I also spend more time with my family than I do in my carpool, and I have twice the house for less than what I sold my home in Virginia.

Sure, there were some glitches with the move and some hiccups at work, but MDA-South is working very hard to correct problems, and the people in Huntsville are very friendly. Huntsville is preparing now with road improvements and other infrastructure upgrades, not waiting until the BRAC folks arrive.

Would I do it again, knowing what I know now? Yes, indeed.