Company:   Franklin Primary Health Center, Inc. 

Title:   CEO 

Hometown: Monroeville, Alabama  

Who/what inspires you:   Dr. Martin Luther King’s unwavering dedication to social justice and equality and his message of creating positive change inspired me at an early age. Dr. King’s leadership style was rooted in unity.  His example motivates me to respect all staff and all people regardless of their cultural background so we can work together for a common cause and a shared purpose. 

What word would you use to describe yourself?  Compassionate 

Favorite food/restaurant:  Seafood Restaurants 

What is one of your long-term professional goals? I am committed to perpetuating the esteemed legacy of Dr. James Alexander Franklin, who dedicated over six decades to serving our community. My longterm professional goal is to uphold his unwavering commitment to community health and well-being, ensuring that all individuals and families receive the essential care and support they need for generations to come. 

What is your favorite season of the year and why? Christmas brings about a renewed spirit of giving, generosity, hope, and goodwill fostering a sense of community and togetherness.  This is a favorite time because it provides opportunities to engage with the community, strengthen relationships, and create a positive impact on family and community well-being.    

What is your passion?  Caring for people by helping to build compassionate communities where everyone has the opportunity to lead healthy lives, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. 

The last book you read:  Frequency by Robert Morris 

Your greatest indulgence:  I find great joy and fulfillment in savoring travel and precious moments alongside my wife, children, and grandchildren. Fishing excursions with my sons and grandsons, in particular, hold a special place in my heart. 

What talent would you most like to have?  Strong leadership skills that will inspire and guide individuals in my circle of influence toward fulfilling their purpose by setting clear vision, making strategic decisions, and providing wise directions so all of us can make a positive impact in the lives of others. 

What are two of your favorite names?  Daddy and Grandaddy 

Name your favorite writer(s) Zig Ziglar 

What quality do you most like in people?  To fulfill most missions, many qualities are required: 

compassion, teamwork, adaptability, dedication to the mission, empathy, initiative, communication skills, cultural competence, resilience, and professionalism to name a few. However, to select one, compassion is a key quality, as it reflects a deep understanding of the challenges people face and a sincere desire to 

make a positive impact. A compassionate attitude fosters a sense of empathy, leading to a more effective and person-centered approach. 

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?  Superman was the endearing nickname bestowed upon me by my children during their younger years, as they believed I could accomplish anything. 

Best thing about your job: The best thing about this job is that my professional work aligns with fulfilling a higher purpose. My role allows me to lead an organization with a clear mission to contribute to the health and well-being of all individuals and allows me to serve humanity every day.  

Brief company description: Franklin Primary Health Center offers a wide range of healthcare services to meet the community’s diverse needs. These services include pediatrics, OB/GYN, family medicine, internal medicine, geriatrics, rheumatology, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, mammography, school-based health, healthcare for the homeless, nutrition services, behavioral health, social services, substance abuse prevention and treatment, HIV/AIDS services, case management, health education, laboratory, x-ray, and transportation services for the homeless.  

Franklin operates twenty locations across six counties in Alabama, including Mobile, Baldwin, Choctaw, Escambia, Monroe, and Conecuh. The organization operates as a non-profit, federally qualified health center.

Established in 1975 by Dr. Marilyn Aiello and a group of concerned citizens, Franklin Primary Health Center was created to address the need for quality health care in the underserved Davis Avenue community, now known as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue community. The center is named after Dr. James Alexander Franklin, a respected physician, scholar, and humanitarian who dedicated over 60 years of service to his community.