Former project manager returns to Baldwin economic alliance

Photo | Courtesy of BASF

BASF, which operates in McIntosh, donated more than $21,000 to the Washington County Public Schools for use in STEM programs.

By Tammy Leytham

Lee Johnson is rejoining the team at the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (BCEDA) as executive vice president of economic development. He previously served as BCEDA project manager, specializing in business development.

In his new role, Johnson will assist in managing the organization and economic development efforts.

“We are excited to have Lee rejoin the team at the Alliance,” Lee Lawson, president and CEO of BCEDA, said. “The experience that he brings with him and his existing knowledge of Baldwin County will greatly increase our capacity at the Alliance. Lee will open new doors for us and allow for new growth opportunities for Baldwin County.”

Johnson said he’s excited for the opportunity to help further the organization and community’s economic development efforts.

“Baldwin County has seen truly impressive growth and I look forward to supporting the organization, partners and the region in continuing this trend,” Johnson said.

He rejoins the Alliance after serving as senior manager of field operations for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in Nashville. Prior to that, he worked as a target market specialist for TVA Economic Development.

Johnson received a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi. He resides in Fairhope with his wife, Amber, and daughter, Max.

For more information about the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, visit baldwineda.com.

BASF donates $21K in STEM grants to Washington County schools

Students in Washington County Public Schools will gain access to more STEM programs, thanks to more than $21,000 donated by BASF.

The company, with a McIntosh facility and corporate offices in Mobile, recently awarded science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) grants to seven science-education programs within Washington County schools to support STEM-related learning for students in grades K-12.

“The education grants represent BASF’s commitment to invest in the next generation of innovators, scientists and engineers,” Marcus Pezent, site director of the BASF location in McIntosh, said. “We hope to encourage and inspire the future leadership of our industry by supporting these STEM initiatives.”

This is the sixth year BASF’s McIntosh facility has invited Washington County schools to submit proposals for specific science education needs.

“These grants allow our teachers to provide hands-on activities that our students enjoy,” Washington County School Superintendent Lisa Connell said. “STEM activities teach critical thinking skills and they encourage teamwork, technology skills, experiments and so many other skills. We are appreciative to BASF for everything they do to support our schools and our students.”

BASF is an international chemical company with more than 110,000 employees worldwide.

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