MAYOR’S COLUMN:
Changes in Multicultural Affairs: Kenneth Anderson Succeeds Brenda Martin
By Mayor Tommy Battle, City of Huntsville, Alabama

(Left - Right): Brenda Martin, Director of Multicultural Affairs, is retiring on April 27th. Moving into Martin’s role will be Kenneth Anderson, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences Division at Calhoun Community College

This week our Director of Multicultural Affairs, Brenda Martin, announced she will retire on April 27. Martin has served in the City’s administration for the past 24 years under the tenure of three different mayors—a feat unto its own! A capable leader, strong spokesperson and community advocate, Martin has worked to ensure all citizens and cultures had a voice in municipal government.

Martin has been instrumental in our commitment to listen to our citizens, work with neighborhood associations, and proactively reach out to 142 different cultures in Huntsville. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with her, and on behalf of everyone in City Hall, we wish her the very best in her new adventures.

Martin says she is proud of her work in strengthening community relations within the city. “I strived to serve as a bridge builder in Huntsville and I believe I have been successful because people know I have it in my heart to help,” said Martin. “While I will miss my colleagues, it is time for me to turn the page to a new chapter in my life. One that allows me to balance my passion for servant leadership with my grandson’s soccer games.”

We credit Martin for enhancing the Neighborhood Association program by streamlining its communication process for questions and needs. She created the first Neighborhood Council, comprised of association presidents throughout the city, for greater citizen input on municipal projects and services. Martin established the Mayor’s Hispanic Latino Advisory Committee and her work with the Human Relations Commission was instrumental in making Huntsville part of the National League of Cities Inclusive Communities partnership. She spearheaded numerous cultural activities and events and worked tirelessly to ensure that Huntsville respected diversity and celebrated heritage.

Kenneth Anderson Brings Decades of Experience to City Hall
Moving into Martin’s role will be Kenneth Anderson, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences Division at Calhoun Community College. Anderson is well known throughout the Huntsville community, having enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a mental health professional before transitioning into a career in education. Small business owner, entrepreneur and community organizer, Anderson has spent years acquiring the necessary skills that landed him the new position as Director of Multicultural Affairs.

Brenda brought Kenny to our attention and we could not imagine a person better suited for the role of creating global citizens. We were drawn to Kenny because of his depth of experience and compassion for people and for Huntsville. He is a highly accomplished counselor with three decades of experience in mental health, an educator, successful businessman, and a community servant. We welcome him to our administrative team and look forward to his leadership.

Anderson says he is honored and delighted to join our team and is excited and grateful for this new opportunity to serve. “As I begin this journey, I see it as an extension of the work I have committed my life to for many years now,” said Anderson. “I also recognize that I stand upon the shoulders of a woman who has made incredible contributions to this city. I want to honor her contribution by being the best I can be.”

Anderson will officially assume the duties of Director of Multicultural Affairs on April 29.