Southwest Mobile County Chamber honors community leaders at annual gala

The Southwest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards gala, recognizing the University of South Alabama and several local leaders including Elaine Sessions, Captain Ted Johnson, Chrissy Henderson and Stephanie LeGrone.

The Southwest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards gala Friday night to recognize people and organizations that serve the Mobile area. The event honored leaders from education, public safety, nonprofit work and business. The University of South Alabama received the Impact Award; the university was founded in 1963 and serves nearly 14,000 students across more than 115 academic programs. Elaine Sessions was named Citizen of the Year for a long real estate career and sustained volunteer work. Notable awardees: - University of South Alabama — Impact Award; founded in 1963 and serving nearly 14,000 students across more than 115 academic programs. - Elaine Sessions — Citizen of the Year; associate broker with Roberts Brothers Realtors with 48 years in real estate; volunteers at McKemie Place, prepares weekly meals and provides clothing and essentials, mentors in Big Brother/Big Sister and sponsors a school recognition program. - Captain Ted Johnson — Spirit of the Community award; joined the Mobile Police Department in 2006 and has served in the Cyber Intelligence Unit, Real-Time Information Center and Crime Scene Unit; holds degrees in Criminal Justice and Russian Language and a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Alabama and teaches part-time at the university. - Chrissy Henderson — Diplomat of the Year; with Bright Academy since near its 2013 founding and brings more than 25 years of experience in public and private education; serves in strategic and fundraising roles and sits on the Chamber's board. - Stephanie LeGrone — Teacher of the Year; chemistry teacher at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School and formerly K-12 Science Supervisor for Mobile County Public Schools; recently moderated a STEM panel encouraging young women in math and science. Summary: The gala highlighted sustained community service across education, public safety, nonprofits and business. Undetermined at this time.