MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kate Norris
President
Coming Soon.

Lynn Hughes
Board Member

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, born and raised in Foley and a proud graduate of Foley High School. With more than 25 years of experience in public education, Jennifer retired from Baldwin County Public Schools in 2024 after serving in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, school counselor, district-level data and assessment professional, and Federal Programs Supervisor. She currently serves as a Lead Evaluator with Cognia, supporting schools and educational systems through accreditation and continuous improvement efforts.
Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, a master’s degree in Community Counseling, and an Educational Leadership Certificate from the University of South Alabama, as well as an Educational Specialist degree in Counselor Education from The University of Alabama.
Deeply connected to the community that helped shape her, Jennifer is proud to serve on the South Baldwin Literacy Council Board of Directors. She also serves as President of the University of Alabama Alumni & Friends Baldwin County Chapter. Her career in education has reinforced her belief that literacy is foundational to opportunity, independence, and lifelong success. Through her service with the Literacy Council, Jennifer is grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting education and helping individuals and families in the community she has always called home.
Jennifer and her husband, Michael, make their home in Baldwin County. Together, they 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
Sydney is a Baldwin County native who joined the Board of Directors in early 2024. She
served as an Officer in the Navy for six years, including Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Following her service, she started a government construction company nine years ago that currently works on federal installations throughout the U.S. Sydney originally learned about the South Baldwin Literacy Council at a chamber event in 2023. After hearing about the staggering statistics, she reached out to Mitchell Lee and asked how I could help. Within 6 months, she had joined the Board of Directors to support and steer the organization to ensure we address our current literacy crisis however possible.

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
Alex is a lifelong resident of Baldwin County growing up in Summerdale. He graduated from Robertsdale High School and holds a Batchelor's in Finance from University of Alabama. Alex has spent his business career in banking where he currently serves as a Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking for SouthState Bank. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for SBLC, Alex also serves on the Eco Center Board, Sout Baldwin Chamber Board, and South Baldwin Chamber Executive Board. Alex also works with SBLC to offer Financial Literacy classes and lessons to kids and adults. Alex is married to Krischelle and together they have 4 young boys and are currently living in Summerdale where he grew up.
