The Alabama Exchangite
More than 600 members have served Alabama communities as members of
the Alabama District Exchange Clubs.
The 105th Annual Alabama District Exchange Clubs Convention, held at the Collegedale Church of Christ in Troy, AL, June 13-14, 2026, was a remarkable event filled with fun, fellowship, and excitement! President and Sheriff Derrick Cunningham led the convention with high energy, inspiration, and fun!
Attendees enjoyed engaging activities (including a tour of the Troy University campus led by Troy member Jerry Beckett), made heartwarming connections, all while celebrating the spirit of Exchange. Youth participation was a highlight, showcasing the bright future of community. Together, we created unforgettable memories and strengthened our bonds and our clubs through education and sharing programs and ideas with Exchange Club members and guests. A silent auction and convention T-shirts were a plus!
Paul Greatsinger, NEC Region 12 VP and member of the Exchange Club of Stamford, CT, provided an update on NEC and educated us in creative ways to use AI/Gemini/ChatGPT to increase membership, promote Exchange to others, and organize administrative aspects of clubs. Paul also conducted new officer and board member installation, and was thanked with an Alabama Eagle, made from Alabama clay. Our robost youth oratory contest and awards program were inspiring, as were the messages from Court of Honor inductee, Troy Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, and ONUG speaker 2025-2026 NEC President-Elect Fussell Hughes, who educated us about God and country.
Congratulations to new 2026-2027 ADEC Officers and Division Directors: President-Gene Hicks, President-Elect Neil Breiner, Immediate Past-President-Derrick Cunningham, Treasurer-John Schoen, and Secretary-Maureen Murphy. 2025-2026 Division Directors are: Carolyn Chandler, Lisa deShazo, Dana Travis, Donna Jones, and Kathryn Bryant. Thank you to our Region 9 VP George "Gem" Mann, who provided leadership and advice to all members and our ADEC Board!
Troy member and leader Jerry Beckett was awarded the 2025-2026 Exchange Club Member of the Year, the Exchange Club of Jacksonville received the Most Outstanding Club Membership Growth Award, Carolyn Chandler of the Exchange Club of Florence, received the Best Scrapbook Award for Clubs with 40+ members, the Exchange Club of Mobile won the Best Scrapbook Award for clubs with under 40 members, and Isaac Forbes of the Exchange Club of Montgomery received the ADEC President's Award for outstanding service.
The Youth of the Award and A.C.E. awards were given and two outstanding high school seniors were awarded tops in the Youth Oratory Contest.
All attendees and guests enjoyed the 105th ADEC Convention and many look forward to the NEC national convention in Omaho, NE, July 9-11, 2026!
ADEC Convention begins. and youth
oratory contest awardee below .
ONUG Breakfast
ADEC members and friends
gather for pre-convention
dinner at The Half Shell in
Troy, AL.
Maureen Murphy, ADEC Sec., presents President Derrick Cunningham with gift from the ADEC Board for his service as ADEC President from 2024-2026.
Div. Director Donna Jones
presents A.C.E. Awardee
video and check.
NEC Region 12 VP Paul Greatsinger leads ADEC Training. on using AI for our clubs. What great information he shared with us!
Silent Auction item-Anyone for pina coladas?
2026-2027 ADEC Officer Induction ceremony conducted by
Paul Greatsinger, NEC Region 12 VP.
ADEC President Derrick Cunningham (left) presents the 2025-2026 Exchange Club Member of the Year Award to Jerry Beckett of the Exchange Club of Troy, while ADEC Awards Chair and ADEC Treasurer John Schoen assists.
ADEC President Derrick
Cunningham opens convention and
leads business meeting.
NEC National Convention
July 9-11, 2026
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