MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kate Norris
President
Coming Soon.

Lynn Hughes
Board Member
Lynn Hughes has been a DHR provider for 36 years. She opened Home Away From Home in Foley in 2023 and Home Away From Home Too in Robertsdale in 2025. Lynn holds a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has been married for 42 years, has four grown children and nine grandchildren, and enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, and going out to dinner. Lynn and her husband live on a farm in Robertsdale with their horses, cows, chickens, quail, and two dogs, Bella and Pickle.

Mitchell Lee, MSW
Vice President
Mitchell is the previous Executive Director of SBLC and currently is the Vice President of Lee Charities. Lee Charities works to connect and elevate the non-profit network in Baldwin County through insights, leadership and funding. Mitchell serves on multiple boards including, Sea Glass Initiative, Alabama Literacy Alliance, Foley Rotary Club and the Magnolia Springs Public Library. Mitchell and his wife Shea live in Gulf Shores and have three children Mable, Davis and Oliver.

Jennifer Bedgood
Board Member
Jennifer Bedgood is a lifelong Baldwin County native and Foley High School graduate with more than 25 years of experience in public education. She retired from Baldwin County Public Schools in 2024 after serving in roles including teacher, school counselor, district data and assessment professional, and Federal Programs Supervisor. She currently serves as a Lead Evaluator with Cognia.
Jennifer holds degrees and certifications in Secondary Education, Community Counseling, Counselor Education, and Educational Leadership. She is proud to serve on the South Baldwin Literacy Council Board of Directors and as President of the University of Alabama Alumni & Friends Baldwin County Chapter.
Jennifer and her husband, Michael, live in Baldwin County and have four children and two grandsons.

Samantha Lewellen
Secretary
Samantha is a lifelong resident of Baldwin County, where my family’s deep roots and entrepreneurial background instilled in me the importance of giving back. I am committed to continuing that tradition by serving our community through meaningful connections, skilled networking, and volunteerism.
In addition to my role on the South Baldwin Literacy Council Board, I work full time with Live Oak Insurance Agency LLC – and co-founded The H.O.P.E. Impact Team, a nonprofit collaboration and mentoring group through the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.
I have been married to my husband, Glenn Lewellen, since 2010, and we are blessed with two daughters. My eldest daughter benefited greatly from Literacy Council tutoring from second through fifth grade, giving me firsthand insight into the powerful impact of these programs. I am dedicated to ensuring every family in Baldwin County has access to the same resources that helped my child succeed.

Sydney Cody
Board Member
I hold a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I am passionate about providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children can learn and grow.

Sarah Ann Wells
Treasurer
Sarah-Ann is a retired finance executive with an extensive background in accounting leadership for major manufacturing firms. After relocating to Foley with her husband, Leo, she dedicated her expertise to the South Baldwin Literacy Council, where she served as a youth tutor and a “Friend of SBLC.” Now a member of the Board of Directors, Sarah-Ann serves as Treasurer, applying her high-level financial acumen to support the organization’s growth and long-term stability.
Her commitment to service also extends to her work with the American Red Cross and Knots of Love, where she supports cancer patients and infants in NICU care.

Alex Sweeney
Board Member
