JOIN US! IT’S GOING TO BE A GREAT DAY!
WHEN: Fri. Jan 31st 8:30-4:30
WHERE: First Baptist Church, 2209 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham
COST: $70 includes lunch and meeting materials.
AGENDA FOR THE DAY (Subject to change)
8:00-8:45 Check in-Fellowship (Donuts & Coffee Sponsored by Americans For Prosperity)
8:45-9:00 Welcome
MORNING SESSION (9:00-12:00)
- EF’s 2025 Federal Legislative Agenda: Key Priorities and Emerging Trends”- Kris Ullman
- National Security and Immigration Briefing -Theresa Hubbard
- Understanding the Complexities of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – Emma Waters
- The State Lottery Gamble: Unveiling the Risks and Realities – Rob Kohler
- AL Legislative Bill Updates
- Raising the Medical Age of Consent from 14-18, “What is a Woman” bill, Amending the AL Abstinence Act – Rep. Susan Dubose
- Restoring the Ten Commandments – Rep. Mark Gidley
LUNCH (12:00) Provided by White Wings Catering
AFTERNOON SESSION (12:45-4:30)
- “The Crisis of AL Pharmacies: Exploring the Causes and Solutions” – Rep. Phillip Rigsby
- Innovation Districts: A Global Agenda – Ann Eubank
- A Healthy Option: A proposal to Increase Health Cover in AL – John Allen Nichols
- Exposing the Dangers of “Legal” THC (Delta 8 & 10) – Doug Simon
- Why AL Should Allow Gold as Legal Tender & Why We Must Ban De-Banking – Andrew Sorrell
- Abortion Pills by Mail: Navigating the Challenges and Solutions – Eric Johnston
- The Harmful to Minors Act: Safeguarding Youth from Obscenity” – Rep. Arnold Mooney
- Protecting Minors online – Melea Stephens
SPEAKER BIOS
CHRISTINE CARR
Christine Carr is a Board Certified Nurse Anesthetist from the Birmingham area. Specializing in various forms of anesthesia and pain management, Ms. Carr has practiced in trauma, neurosurgery, orthopedics, vascular and general surgery. She has also been a guest lecturer at the graduate and doctorate level at UAB and Samford University, teaching on biochemistry and pathophysiology of various organ systems.
Since 1996, Christine also volunteered her time teaching nutrition education to parents, contributing articles to parent magazines, and becoming a regular nutrition, health, and faith commentator on a major Christian radio station in Birmingham.
While in anesthesia residency, Christine studied the Central Cholinergic System as it pertains to Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Anticholinergic Syndrome, post anesthesia recovery.
Her extensive background in anesthesia, pain management, and medical care of patients, coupled with a lifelong passion for healthy children led her into educating others about the harms of marijuana and deceitful practices of the cannabis industry.
SUSAN DUBOSE
Susan DuBose is a state representative for Alabama House District 45 representing Leeds, Irondale, Hoover and Chelsea.
She has been a champion for protecting women, educational freedom, pro family values, parents’ rights and protecting minors in areas ranging from pornography to obscene and inappropriate library books.
She has received the Defender of Freedom award from the Alabama Republican Party, Government Advocate of the Year Award from Republican Women, Alabama Legislative Champion Award from the Alabama Policy Institute and was named a Champion Woman by Independent Women’s Forum. This past year she has held the position of Fellow with The Club for Growth, studying with leaders nationwide to advance issues regarding limited government and free enterprise. state representative for Alabama House District 45 representing Leeds, Irondale, Hoover and Chelsea.
She has been a champion for protecting women, educational freedom, pro family values, parents’ rights and protecting minors in areas ranging from pornography to obscene and inappropriate library books.
She has received the Defender of Freedom award from the Alabama Republican Party, Government Advocate of the Year Award from Republican Women, Alabama Legislative Champion Award from the Alabama Policy Institute and was named a Champion Woman by Independent Women’s Forum. This past year she has held the position of Fellow with The Club for Growth, studying with leaders nationwide to advance issues regarding limited government and free enterprise.
ANN EUBANK
Ann Eubank grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and now lives in Hoover. She retired to become a full-time citizen advocate after witnessing what her grandson was being taught in school. She began working in the Stop Common Core movement which placed her in the position to address other national conservative issues, such as UN Agenda 21, 2030 and 2050 and the Globalist takeover of America.
Ann Eubank is the Chair of the Alabama Legislative Watchdogs. A group of citizen lobbyists from all over the state of Alabama who give in-depth analysis about legislation being put forth and passed, what it means and how it impacts citizens. She is an occasional Radio Host on WYDE and IC Radio in North Alabama. Her memberships and affiliations include Member of Mom’s for Liberty, is Co-Chair of the Alabama Conservative Coalition, Heritage Action Sentinel since 2010, Member of the National and Alabama Women for Trump. member of the Stop Common Core Alabama Task Force, Member of the Alabamians United for Excellence in Education Taskforce, was a Policy advisor for Tim James 2022 campaign for Governor of Alabama, is a coordinator of the Alabama Opt-Out movement, Southeastern Cruz Crew for the Ted Cruz presidential campaign in 2016. Cruz Delegate in Cleveland, Ohio at the Republican National Convention, Congressman Mo Brooks 2018 and 2022 Senate Campaign Steering Committee,
In 2015 Ballotpedia identified Ann Eubank as a “top influencer by state.”, named Alabama Today’s 20 Alabamians who belong on any “Most Influential” list in 2015. She appeared in the documentary movie “Revelation – Dawn of a Global Government” where she discussed how Common Core indoctrination would turn our children into “Good Little Socialists.”
BECKY GERRITSON
Becky is the Executive Director of Alabama Eagle Forum. She began her journey in conservative grassroots politics when she and her husband founded the Wetumpka TEA Party in 2009, which quickly grew to be the largest and most active TEA Party in Alabama. In June 2013, she garnered national attention after delivering her impassioned congressional testimony about IRS abuses of the Wetumpka TEA Party.
Becky has served as the Alabama State coordinator for Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness (FLAG) and was the National Grassroots Coordinator for Grassroots for Victory USA-National Tour. She’s a member of the Stop Common Core Task Force in Alabama and was a state leader for ParentalRights.org. In 2012 she traveled the country as a media correspondent with B!G Voices Media. In 2016, her desire to serve the citizens of Alabama prompted her to run for U.S. Congress in Alabama’s Second District.
Becky’s high-powered energy and activism has been lauded by national conservative figures including Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, Fox Business’ Stuart Varney and others. She was listed in AL.com’s 20 Most Influential List in 2015, received Heritage Action Sentinel’s Firewall for Freedom Award (2016), was on Yellowhammer’s Power and Influence List (2017), and was named in AL Today’s 32 Powerful and Influential Alabamians to know (2021).
Becky’s desire for freedom is fueled by her faith in God and love for her family. She and Eric have been married for 32 years. Their daughter and son-n-law have given them 5 precious grandsons.
MARK GIDLEY
Mark resides in Hokes Bluff, Alabama, and is a lifelong resident of Etowah County. He is a graduate of Hokes Bluff High School, and holds a Master’s Degree from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, Tn. Mark currently serves as the Pastor of Faith Worship Center, located in Glencoe, Al. Mark Spent 21 Years in the Insurance Industry in both sales and management, winning numerous sales awards and named twice as Life Underwriter of the Year. Mark has served as the President of the Glencoe Ministerial Association, Leader of the Regional Leadership Alliance (RLA), a group of ministers and business leaders in the Gadsden Area. Mark has previously served as a board member for the Etowah Pregnancy Testing Center, and a board member for ALCAP (Alabama Citizens Action Program). Mark is currently an Executive Member of the Etowah County Republican Party.
Mark is married to the former Kathy Chapman of Hokes Bluff. They have two daughters, Leah Gidley Smith (Alan) and Rachel Gidley Helms (Randy), four grandchildren, Caleb and Cooper Smith and Annaliese and Timothy Helms. Both of Mark’s daughters are employees of the Etowah County School System. His son-in-law Alan Smith is a Vice President at Gadsden State Community College and son-in-law Randy Helms serves as Associate Pastor at Gadsden Christian Fellowship.
Mark Currently serves as the State Representative for District 29 which covers areas in both Etowah and Calhoun Counties.
THERESA HUBBARD
Commander Theresa Hubbard (ret) served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve for 28 years. Commander Hubbard’s experience in Naval Coastal Warfare began when she was first assigned to a Coast Guard Port Security Unit in 1998. She participated in “Link Seas 2000” at Setubal, Portugal and “Foal Eagle 2000” at Pusan, Korea. This prepared her for the call to duty on 9-11 to provide antiterrorism force protection for Navy vessels in Puget Sound, Washington. She completed a special assignment to the Republic of Georgia (a former Soviet Union Block country) in 2004, to assist the Georgian Coast Guard with modernizing their business practices and procedures. The highlight of her career was her assignment to the Navy Maritime Expedition Security Squadron Ten and an eight month deployment to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, providing antiterrorism port security for Navy vessels and shore side facilities. Commander Hubbard’s final assignment was to the Naval Coastal Riverine Group Two as the Training/Operations Department Head Officer, responsible for the training and readiness for 35 personnel for contingency operations in the continental United States and overseas port security operations.
Commander Hubbard holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College with emphasis on terrorism and Middle Eastern studies and is a graduate of the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Commander Hubbard is a recent widow after 33 years of marriage. She has six children and fourteen grandchildren.
ERIC JOHNSTON
Eric, graduated from Marion Institute (Associate in Science), University of Alabama (Bachelor of Arts), and Cumberland School of Law, Samford University (Doctor of Jurisprudence).
Eric is licensed to practice law in the State of Alabama. Began the private practice of law in Birmingham, Alabama in March 1973. Has practiced in most areas of law in all levels of courts. His practice includes representation of individuals in small businesses, focusing on estate planning, small business, and real estate, including representation of real estate agents and brokers, real estate and development companies, title examinations, closings, and commercial sales and financing. Eric has worked by special appointment as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Alabama. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, various United States District Courts, and the Supreme Court of Alabama.
Is a member of the Alabama Bar Association, Birmingham Bar Association and has served on various Bar committees; has served on the Boards and as counsel to numerous non-profit organizations; is a member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, has served as a Sunday School teacher and on numerous committees, and is a past Deacon and Elder. Eric serves as President of the Southeast Law Institute, a non- profit civil liberties organization.
Eric has been listed as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America and in Who’s Who in American Law. He and his wife Jennifer live in Shelby County and have three grown children and 2 grandchildren .
ROB KOHLER
Rob serves as CEO of TLG Inc. – TexasInfluence.com, which is a consulting and research company located in Austin, Texas. Rob has been involved with gambling in the State of Texas for over 30 years. Rob has leveraged his unique experiences and insight into the gambling industry through his 12 years of employment at the Texas Lottery Commission and serving as a member of its Executive Management Team. Rob’s experiences while serving as the Liaison with GTECH Corporation and as the Contracts & Special Projects Manager for the Texas Lottery, have provided a firm foundation for him to share common sense explanations and presentation of gambling data for the past 20 plus years on current and proposed gambling expansion initiatives.
ARNOLD MOONEY
Arnold Mooney is the Representative for AL House Dist. 43
JOHN ALLEN NICHOLS
John Allen Nichols serves as the Agriculture Counsel for the Alabama Farmers Federation, where he offers legal guidance and education to members. After graduating from Auburn University’s College of Agriculture, John Allen attended law school in Montgomery at Faulkner University’s Jones School of law. He has served the Federation since his gradutaion. John Allen and his wife Lucy live in Selma Alabama, with their son James Henry and daughter Scotti.
PHILLIP RIGSBY
Phillip was elected in 2022 to the Alabama House of Representatives where he serves District 25, which includes Huntsville City, Madison City, Madison County, and Limestone County. He serves on the following House Committees: Health; Constitution, Campaigns, and Bylaws; Small Business and Commerce; Madison County Legislative Committee; and Limestone County Legislative Committee. He is also a member of the Alabama Rural Caucus and the Prayer Caucus.
Notable legislation includes: HB280 (2023) allowing spouses of military families to reciprocate professional licenses to Alabama to get to work easier and faster; HB290 (2023) which allows for the expansion of the pharmacy emergency refill rule to include the a 72-hour supply or the smallest package size, which includes insulin, inhalers, and other important medications; and HB77 (2024) to expand the testing of the Newborn Screening Panel to include more tests in hopes to catch rare diseases earlier so treatment can be started to extend quality of life for our Alabama families.
Phillip Rigsby was born and raised in Huntsville. He graduated from Auburn University where he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Harrison College of Pharmacy. He and his wife, Pamela, have been married for 26 years. Pamela recently returned to teaching special education at Monrovia Middle School. They have two boys, Preston and Parker. Preston works in real estate management and is married to Kensley Christian, their first daughter-in-law. Parker is a junior at Auburn University studying mechanical engineering.
Phillip has worked in a community pharmacy in Madison Country since graduation. He became a small business owner of two local pharmacies, The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, and Huntsville Compounding Pharmacy, in 2015, but had to sell the Medicine Shoppe in 2023 due to low insurance reimbursement, rising drug prices, and increasing fees. When not at the pharmacies, he is busy serving at church or in the community. His family are founding members of Gracious Savior Church where he serves as an elder and gets to preach every other month.
In the community, Phillip has been a member of the Monrovia Volunteer Fire Department since 2003. He is a certified firefighter, EMT, and CPR educator. While he has held several leadership positions in the department, he currently serves as the Chaplain. In the past, he has served as President of both the Auburn University Pharmacy Alumni Association and the Madison County Pharmacy Association. He was PTA President at Monrovia Elementary School and served as Cubmaster for Troop 8 for several years. Phillip enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing golf, fishing, and has been known to DJ a wedding or event when asked
DOUG SIMON
Doug Simonis the Director of Office of Drug Control, Office of Policy & Budget for the Florida Governor’s Office of Drug Control
ANDREW SORRELL
When elected State Auditor, Andrew Sorrell was a thirty-seven-year-old entrepreneur, private pilot, advanced SCUBA diver, Eagle Scout, and former State Representative from House District 3 in Colbert County. After serving one term in the legislature, Andrew decided to run for State Auditor and was elected in November 2022.
Andrew attended Muscle Shoals High School and graduated in 2004. By testing out of many credit hours, taking overloads, and enrolling in summer semesters, Andrew completed his four-year degree in Business Management at the University of North Alabama in less than two years, finishing in July 2006.
Andrew is a successful serial entrepreneur. He started his first company at age sixteen and currently owns part or all of four different Alabama-based businesses, which employ about twenty people. He also owns multiple rental properties, both commercial and residential.
Andrew and his wife Hannah have 2 young daughters, Liberty and Glory.
MELEA STEPHENS
Melea Stephens is a practicing marriage and family therapist and an activist leader against sexual exploitation in her home state of Alabama. She is a board member with the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. After witnessing the detrimental effects of hardcore pornography in the lives of both children and adults she treated, Melea felt a call to raise awareness about the unacknowledged health and societal harms of this illegal material.
Since 2012, Melea has organized several city and statewide events and public awareness campaigns. She frequently partners with anti-trafficking leaders to promote education and meet the needs of survivors of sexual exploitation. Through the help of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation and local leaders, she has been instrumental in the launch of the nation’s first emergency treatment program for pediatric survivors of sex trafficking at UAB Hospital. Melea often speaks publicly on topics such as the public health crisis of pornography and enhancing sexual intimacy within the context of Christian marriage. She was also a key leader in the 2020 passage of the Alabama Resolution to Declare Pornography a Public Health Crisis.
Melea longs to see a day when the evil of sexual exploitation is fully extinguished by a clear majority in society who have grown intolerant of its immense harms and injustices. She believes through continued awareness, education, advocacy, and united activism, that day is close within our grasp.
KRISTEN ULLMAN
Kristen A. Ullman is the president of Eagle Forum. Kris served as Executive Director of Eagle Forum’s D.C. office from 1995-1998. She has served on the Eagle Forum Board of Directors since 2017.
Kris is a graduate of Virginia Tech and earned her law degree from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. Upon completing her studies, she worked as a Program Instructor with The Close Up Foundation before joining Eagle Forum in 1994. After Eagle Forum, Kris served as Legislative Director for Senator John D. Ashcroft (R-MO) and as Deputy Associate Attorney General in the Office of Legal Policy in the U.S. Department of Justice.
Kris left outside employment to be a fulltime homemaker and the mother of three children who are now young adults. During this time, she served in numerous ways with her children’s schools and in Community Bible Study where she served as Associate Teaching Director for the Alexandria, VA class.
Kris has been a regular conservative debater for The Close Up Foundation for over 25 years where she participates in Domestic Issues Debates for high school students. She formerly appeared as a regular commentator on the Thom Hartmann Show on RT-TV.
She and her husband, Chris, live in Alexandria, VA.
EMMA WATERS
Emma Waters is a Senior Research Associate for the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion and Family at The Heritage Foundation. Her work focuses on family, bioethics, and reproductive technology policy.
Waters is a former Visiting Fellow with Independent Women’s Forum and a monthly contributor with World magazine.
Prior to this, she worked as the Coalitions Manager of American Moment and periodically cohosted their podcast, Moment of Truth. Previously, she worked as a Research Intern with the Institute for Family Studies and a Research Consultant for the Realignment Podcast. In 2021, she won the American Enterprise Institutes’ Young Scholars Award where she wrote and published an in-depth paper on child support policy in the state of Tennessee, including qualitative interviews with 25 nonresident fathers.
Her work may be found in First Things, Fox News, Newsweek, World Magazine, RealClear Policy, RealClear Health, The Federalist, the Institute for Family Studies, Problematic Women podcast, The American Conservative, The American Mind, The Daily Signal, Washington Examiner, Washington Times, and more. She graduated Valedictorian of Lee University with a double major in Political Science and Biblical & Theological Studies. You can find her on Twitter @emlwaters.
