Our Team

We’re In The Business of Helping You.

Dr. Meghan Venable-Thomas

Director
Community Development

Read Meghan's Bio

Dr. Meghan Venable-Thomas serves as the Director of Community Development for the City of Birmingham, supporting a Birmingham where all communities thrive. Previously, as a Senior Program Director at Enterprise Community Partners, she supported community development organizations across the country in integrating creative and community centered processes for equitable outcomes in affordable housing. With her Doctorate in Public Health from Harvard University and over 15 years of military service her background and training is grounded in increasing health equity in the built environment, creating strategies for community based design, and advancing tools for healing justice. Meghan holds a master’s degree in Public Health Management from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy (USMA).

Cory Stallworth

Senior Deputy Director
Community Development

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Cory Stallworth brings many years of experience to his role as Deputy Director of Housing Programs for the City of Birmingham. In this role Cory leads the City’s housing initiatives, including allocating the City’s HUD grant funding for housing development, managing the City’s housing plan, and cultivating public-private partnerships. With an extensive background in design, construction, and development, Cory uses his skill sets to create sustainable and equitable housing communities. Prior to joining the City of Birmingham, Cory served as the Vice President of Real Estate Development and Capital Improvement for the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District. Cory received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Design at Auburn University and a Master of Engineering degree in Construction Management at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Wendy Hicks

Deputy Director
Grants & Public Services

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Wendy Hicks, Deputy Director of Public Services in the Community Development Department, brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit and government management. Specializing in public policy, she oversees the administration of the city’s Community and Housing Development programs, having previously served in roles such as Grants Administrator and Senior Administrative Analyst. Wendy is a graduate of Jacksonville State University Department of Sociology/Social Work -Bachelors’ and Master of Public Administration. She specializes in nonprofit/government management and public policy.

Kelvin Datcher

Deputy Director Housing &
Senior Advisor to the Mayor

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Kelvin Datcher, Deputy Director of the Housing Division and Advisor to the Mayor, brings a wealth of experience garnered over 30 years. His journey includes serving as the Director of Development for Rev Birmingham, Alabama Director for Bernie Sanders, and Chief of Staff for District 6. Known for his adept negotiation skills and political acumen, Kelvin combines practical experience with a grounded understanding of historical trends. He holds a BA in Political Science from Gettysburg College.

Alice Williams

Deputy Director
Community Resource Services

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Alice Williams is an experienced leader dedicated to serving her community. She has over two decades of experience in developing and accessing community events, neighborhood revitalization, and social change. Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, she received her Bachelor of Science degree from Livingston University and later pursued a Juris Doctorate degree from the Birmingham School of Law. Alice is committed to advocating for underrepresented communities and promoting community health equity.