Symphony of Elements

Board Members + Chairpersons

The Symphony of Elements board brings together decades of leadership across engineering, finance, education, government, and community affairs.

Dr. Doug Rigney / Board Member + PR Chairperson

Dr. Doug Rigney has built a distinguished career bridging engineering, education, and institutional leadership. A former Professor of Biomedical and Materials Engineering at UAB, he went on to serve as Vice President for Student Affairs, Vice President for Information Technology, and ultimately Chief Information Officer at Samford University.

Allen Bolton / Finance Chairperson

Allen Bolton brings extensive experience in financial administration and research management to the Symphony of Elements board. His career at UAB includes serving as Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, Senior Associate Dean for Finance at the School of Medicine, and leadership roles at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. He has also served as Interim Executive Vice President at Southern Research and Interim Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance at the University of Tennessee.

Martin (Marty) Connors / Governmental Affairs Chairperson

A seasoned civic leader and strategist, Marty Connors has been a fixture in Birmingham's public and community life for decades. As a former Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, President of the Board of the Birmingham International Center, and founder of M.J. Connors Consulting, he brings deep knowledge of governmental affairs and community engagement to the Foundation's work.

John Cassimus / Board Member + Fundraising Chairperson

John Cassimus combines a background in Materials Science and Engineering from UAB with a lifetime of entrepreneurship and civic investment in Birmingham. A former plant manager in the telecommunications industry and owner of the historic Peanut Depot building on Morris Avenue — a family legacy dating back to 1907 — he brings both scientific grounding and deep community roots to his role on the board.

Dr. Brian Pillay / Composite Materials Chairperson

Dr. Brian Pillay is one of Birmingham's leading voices in advanced materials research and engineering education. Since joining UAB in 2003, he has served as a Professor of Engineering, Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Director of the Manufacturing Processing and Advanced Development (MPAD) Center.