MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Area Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of two distinguished community leaders, Olivier Charles and Marietta Urquhart, to its board of directors. Their leadership and expertise will support the Foundation’s mission to drive economic and community development initiatives that enhance the region’s quality of life.

“The Chamber Foundation plays a critical role in shaping the future of Mobile, and we are honored to welcome Olivier and Marietta to our board,” said Bradley Byrne, president and CEO of the Mobile Chamber. “Their experience and dedication to this community will help guide our efforts in strengthening Mobile’s economy and fostering opportunity for all.”

New Board Members

Olivier Charles – Bishop State Community College

A Mobile native, Olivier Charles serves as the president of Bishop State Community College, bringing extensive leadership experience in higher education. Charles earned his bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s degree in college student development from the University of West Alabama.

With a career spanning recruitment, advising, admissions, athletics, financial aid and marketing, Charles has held leadership roles at the University of West Alabama, Auburn University at Montgomery and Enterprise State Community College.

 

Marietta Urquhart – White-Spunner Realty

With more than 22 years of experience in commercial real estate, Marietta Urquhart is a licensed realtor specializing in commercial sales and leasing at White-Spunner Realty. She has dedicated decades to leadership roles in Mobile’s civic and business community as well as service to the State of Alabama.

Urquhart serves as a trustee emerita of the University of Alabama System after completing 20 years of service. She currently serves on the executive board of the Community Foundation of South Alabama, Vice-Chair of the Board of the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, Chair of the board of Governors for the University Club in Tuscaloosa, and board member for the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.

The Mobile Area Chamber Foundation, in partnership with local stakeholders, leads economic and community development initiatives to capitalize on regional assets and drive sustainable growth.

2025 Mobile Area Chamber Foundation Board of Directors

• Frank Lott, Chairman – Heritage Homes

• Robert Baker – Hancock Whitney Bank

• Olivier Charles – Bishop State Community College

• Liz Freeman – Long’s Human Resources Services

• George Hunter – Spire Energy

• Chris Lee – The J.L. Bedsole Foundation

• Eliska Morgan – Thompson Engineering

• Patrick Murphy – Alabama Power Company

• Marietta Urquhart – White-Spunner Realty

• James Watkins – Maynard Cooper & Gale PC

• Contina Woods – Regions Bank

Ex-officio members:

• Bradley Byrne – Mobile Chamber

• Michi Lunceford – Mobile Chamber

About the Mobile Area Chamber Foundation and the Mobile Chamber:

The Mobile Area Chamber Foundation is the non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that partners with the Mobile Chamber sharing expertise, resources and staff to convene, lead and fund strategic economic and community development initiatives. The Mobile Chamber is a private business organization with more than 1,700 members and the economic developer for the City of Mobile and Mobile County. The Mobile Chamber provides members with networking, marketing and professional development opportunities while also expanding jobs in the area, developing the local workforce, advocating for legislative priorities and offering resources to help small businesses grow.