Three outstanding Pike Road residents were nominated for the prestigious YMCA of Greater Montgomery 2024 Person of the Year Award. Each nominee has demonstrated exceptional dedication to serving their community and making a positive impact on the lives of others. Here is a closer look at each nominee:
Jennifer Atkins
Mrs. Atkins is a licensed real estate broker and land developer based in Alabama, known for her dedication to her community and active involvement in various volunteer roles. With 31 years of marriage to Todd Atkins and twin 24-year-old children, she places a strong emphasis on supporting children and individuals with disabilities. Jennifer is deeply committed to promoting the YMCA and raising awareness about its impact on the River Region.
In her volunteer roles, Mrs. Atkins has served on the Wilson YMCA board for five years, holding leadership positions such as Chairman of the Board and Annual Campaign Chair. She played a key role in establishing and fostering collaboration within the Wilson YMCA Board of Directors. Beyond the YMCA, she has been involved with the March of Dimes board, Camp Smile-a-Mile, and other community initiatives focused on providing financial support to children in need. Currently, she is a member of the Pike Road Kiwanis Club and serves on the board of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Foundation.
Professionally, Mrs. Atkins is the broker in charge of her real estate company, overseeing agents and daily operations. She is also actively engaged in land development projects with The Waters and other developments, collaborating closely with builders and municipalities. Her background in commercial marketing brings valuable experience to her YMCA work, emphasizing the importance of publicity and community engagement.
Mrs. Atkins community involvement extends to her church affiliations, having served at Frazer Church for 30 years and currently attending Church of the Highlands, where she actively participates in annual Serve Day events. She lives by the motto, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted,” embodying her belief in making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Eris Beasley
Ms. Beasley is a devoted community leader known for her unwavering commitment to guiding and supporting troubled youth and families, serving as a counselor and role model. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she has organized youth initiatives, coached YMCA sports teams, and earned the endearing title of “Team Grandma” for her continuous encouragement. Eris actively volunteers at the Hillwood and Westminster YMCA branches, assisting with youth activities and events, and holds positions on PTA boards at local elementary and middle schools. In addition to her involvement with the YMCA, she presides as the President of the Montgomery chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and serves on the Midtown YMCA Sports Committee.
Ms. Beasley played a pivotal role in fundraising for the historically significant Claude C. Brown YMCA in Selma, a facility with deep roots in the African American community. Her professional background includes counseling roles at Montgomery Mental Retardation Services and the C.I.T.Y. program, as well as serving as a Behavior Director at the Montgomery Job Corps Center. Since 2008, she has been an integral part of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, where she also served as a Case Officer with the Helping Montgomery Families Initiative, collaborating with local schools to address suspensions. Eris currently holds the position of program director for the Helping Montgomery Families Initiative and is a proud member of the Leadership Montgomery Class of 2006.
Outside of her professional and community engagements, Eris remains an active member of the United Lutheran Church, contributing her time to the church’s historical board and volunteering for COVID-19 relief efforts aimed at supporting older adults in the community.
Chris Carver
Mr. Carver is a dedicated individual who has made significant contributions to the YMCA and his church, focusing primarily on youth development. At the YMCA, he leads a youth swimming program, actively teaching and motivating young swimmers. In 2022, Chris played a pivotal role in establishing a new church and later became an ordained Presbyterian minister in 2024. With over two decades of experience, he preaches and educates through Sunday School, emphasizing the importance of youth’s comprehension of Christianity and God’s grace. Chris has previously served as a youth minister and spearheaded the formation of a new youth group within his church to foster joy in biblical understanding. He has also supported college students in organizing summer programs for children within the church community.
Professionally, Chris holds positions as Executive VP and Partner at CorpFinancial and previously served as Senior VP at River Bank & Trust until early 2024. Additionally, he is the Associate Pastor at Reformation Presbyterian Church, having previously held roles as Ruling Elder and Deacon Chairman at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church. An alumnus of Auburn University, Chris holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and a graduate degree in Banking, Corporate Finance, and Securities Law.
Chris’s leadership extends beyond his professional and church roles, as he serves as Treasurer of the Alabama Law Foundation, Chairman of the River Region United Way, and a member of Leadership Montgomery Class XXXIV, showcasing over a decade of leadership experience and a commitment to community service.
Each of these nominees embody the core values of the YMCA, demonstrating a strong commitment to community engagement and youth empowerment. They also represents the best of Pike Road and the spirit of service that defines the YMCA’s mission in building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.
2024 Person of the Year Award
Early this month, the YMCA of Greater Montgomery announced Hank Hutchinson as the recipient of the 2024 Person of the Year Award. This prestigious honor recognizes Hank’s decades of dedicated service to the youth of Montgomery and his lasting impact on the community through his work with the YMCA, local sports programs, and beyond. Click here, to learn more about the The YMCA of Greater Montgomery 2024 Person of the Year Award.
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