The Alabama Partnership for Children Board of Directors accepted the retirement notice of Executive Director, Gail Piggott, and named Michelle Raybon as her successor. Raybon has been with the agency for nearly 20 years with the T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) Early Childhood® Alabama program. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University in Family and Child Development with a concentration in Infant and Toddler Development and her Master of Education degree from the University of West Alabama in Student Affairs in Higher Education. In December 2024, she is anticipated to graduate with her Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Non-Profit Administration from the University of West Alabama.
Gail retires as executive director with 20+ years service to the agency. She began her career as a teacher, and this year marks her 50th year of working with children and families in some capacity. Piggott shared, “Being able to promote from within the agency will ensure a smooth transition as the agency begins a new year with new leadership. Michelle is a senior staff person who has managed a complex scholarship program for many years and has proven to be a capable and effective leader. We are fortunate to have her move into this position”.
Board Chair, retired Judge Trippy McGuire, expressed his appreciation to Gail Piggott and the confidence the board has in Michelle Raybon. “Gail became our Executive Director very early on after the Alabama Partnership for Children came into existence. Since that time, she has expertly steered us into an organization that is truly making a difference in the lives of Alabama’s children. She is a tireless, well known and highly respected child advocate-truly a giant in that area. I have always referred to her as the “matriarch of the APC,” for without her leadership, we would not be where we are today. She has been a visionary who knows how to get things done. We will always be grateful for her years of service.”
As for incoming Executive Director Michelle Raybon, McGuire said “The board has proudly watched Michelle’s efficiency and leadership over the years, as our Director over the very successful T.E.A.C.H. program. Just like Gail, Michelle enjoys a national reputation that is well deserved. She is knowledgeable and has a good grasp over the workings of the APC. She is passionate about our work and the board has complete confidence in her abilities. We feel very fortunate to have one of her character and standing to take Gail’s place.”