PRESIDENT'S BIOGRAPHY

Bobbie Lou Leigh was sworn in as the 17th president of the Alabama Federation of Republican Women (AFRW) on October 28, 2007. Her service to AFRW began in 2002 when she founded the Republican Women of the Shoals and served as its first president. She quickly rose in leadership in AFRW becoming 3rd vice president in 2004, and was promoted to 1st vice president in 2006. She now leads the 1,300-member organization with a goal of attaining 2008 members in 2008.

In addition to her leadership in AFRW, Bobbie Lou served a four-year term as chairman of the Colbert County Republican Party. She has served on the Alabama State Republican Executive Committee, was the Colbert County coordinator for Senator Jeff Sessions' 2002 re-election effort, and represented Alabama in New York as an alternate delegate at the 2004 Republican National Convention.

A life-long resident of Colbert County, Bobbie Lou and her husband, Tim, live in Sheffield. She was a classroom teacher and library media specialist for 32 years prior to her retirement from teaching in 2005. She was recognized as Hatton Elementary School's Teacher of the Year in 1992, received the LAMP Award in 1996 and 2003 for outstanding contributions to Alabama's libraries, and she was AFRW's "My Favorite Teacher" Award recipient in 2005.

She currently serves on the Alabama Public Library Service Board representing the fifth congressional district. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Shoals, and she is a member of Our Lady of the Shoals Catholic Church.

Bobbie Lou is a graduate of Deshler High School, received her Bachelor's degree in 1973 from the University of North Alabama, and received her Master's degree in 1978 from UNA. She and her husband were the joint recipients of the UNA Alumni Association's Public Service Award in 2003. They have two adult children, Anthony and Marianne, both living in Montgomery, and a 107-pound golden retriever child, named Jackson.

She enjoys reading, spending time with her family, supporting Republican candidates, and following the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Publisher's Note: Text published as provided by Alabama FRW.

FEDERATION HISTORY

The Alabama Federation was founded in 1962 and affiliated with the NFRW that same year.
AFRW is organized into seven districts. The mainstays of the organization are campaign activities and educating women to be more politically active. Members organize annual Legislative Days in Montgomery, sponsor campaign seminars, register voters, participate in get-out-the-vote efforts, host receptions for state officials and candidates, hold judicial and legislative forums, as well as many other projects.

Electing Republicans is the most important goal. Other top priorities are reaching out to voters and involving more women in the political process. Each club participates in Caring for America projects such as supporting our military troops overseas, and providing school supplies for indigent children. In addition, members tutor in schools and provide books to schools and libraries through the Mamie Eisenhower Library Project.

Past presidents include:
Virginia Howard, 2006-07
Rhonda Rutledge, 2002-05
Sallie Bryant, 2000-01
Joyce West, 1996-99
Lionel Gustafson, 1994-95
Deanna Cox, 1992-93
Martha Foy, 1986-91
Wren McKemy, 1984-85
Joan Keat, 1980-83
O'Reba Weeks, 1976-79
Olive Spann, 1972-75
Anna Graham, 1970-71
Bobbie Ames, 1968-69
Vera Yeager, 1966-67
Virginia Garratt, 1964-65
Mary Ellen Miller, 1962-63 (founding)

Publisher's Note: Text published as provided by Alabama FRW.

LOCAL CLUBS

Azalea City RW Capitol City RW Cheaha RW Cherokee County RW Cullman County RW DeKalb County RW Eastern Shore RW Greater Birmingham RW Houston County RW

Huntsville Twickenham RW Jackson County RW Knollwood RW Morgan County RW New Horizon RW RW of Coffee County RW of East Alabama RW of Etowah County

RW of Huntsville RW of Madison RW of the Shoals RW of the South South Baldwin RW Tuscaloosa County RW Walker RW Winston County RW