Gomez Named 2022 United Way Of West Alabama Campaign Chair

Tuscaloosa AL

26 May, 2022

1:45 PM

Description

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa County business owner, philanthropist and restauranteur Jheovanny Gomez have been named the 2022 United Way of West Alabama (UWWA) campaign chair. Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts. UWWA said on Thursday that the campaign chair is tasked with setting the annual campaign goal, in addition to helping identify new funding sources and building relationships with community leaders and corporate donors to garner financial support for UWWA's 26 partner agencies across the area. UWWA President and CEO Jackie Wuska said Gomez represents an outstanding example of giving back to the community, as the campaign will raise funds to support services that reach a quarter of the population in the area. "Jheovanny is always looking for ways he can make a difference. Just last week he was instrumental in a service industry bill that passed in our state and was signed into law by Governor Ivey," she said, referring to the recent bill that lowered the age of alcohol servers in restaurants from 19 to 18. "When he sees a need or a way to make things better, he makes it happen." Gomez — a native of Columbia — first moved to Tuscaloosa in May 1999 to study English at the ELI (English Language Institute) at the University of Alabama. He would go on to become one of the most respected business leaders in all of Alabama after opening the very first first Jalapeños Mexican Grill in downtown Tuscaloosa in 2001. He would then be he offered the opportunity to become a co-owner, which grew into Jalapeños presently having three locations in Tuscaloosa and Northport. Monique Scott, UWWA campaign director, said Gomez leads by action and there is much excitement around what he will bring to the table as campaign chair. "He always brings a positive energy wherever he goes, and you know his heart is in the right place, which makes it impossible for people to say no to him," she said. "His generous spirit is contagious." 2022-23 UWWA Campaign Cabinet Jheovanny Gomez — Jalapeños Mexican Grill Bert Sims — Way, Ray, Shelton, & Co. Bobby Bragg — JamisonMoneyFarmer, P.C. Brenda Ryan — Community Volunteer Brian Groeschell — SmartBank Bryan Winter — Winter McFarland, LLC. Caroline Strawbridge — University of Alabama Channing Marlowe — Shelton State Community College Chris Gunter — Buffalo Rock Daniel Bradshaw — Tuscaloosa Association of Realtors David Olive — Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Deidra Diaz — University of Alabama Dr. Amy Jones — University of West Alabama Dr. Chester Boston, Jr. —Community Volunteer Dr. Derrick Gilmore — Stillman College Dr. Kristin Reed — University General Dentistry Dr. Paul Diaz — Riverview Dental Designs Glenda Webb — City of Northport Harrison Taylor — Community Volunteer Joseph Marchant — Bibb County Medical Center Ken Gaddy — Community Volunteer Kip Tyner — City of Tuscaloosa Lee Henderson — Self-Employed Lydia Avant — Tuscaloosa City Schools Martin Colvin — BankFirst Mary Bess Paluzzi — Community Volunteer Max Karrh —Bryant Bank Michele Coley — Michele Coley Allstate Mollie Rowe — Eutaw Housing Authority Nikki Ray — Eat My Beats Patrick Hamner — Bryant Bank Rhett Cooper — Peoples Bank of Greensboro Ryan Stallings — Alabama ONE Credit Union Sandra Hall Ray — Community Volunteer Shelley Jones — Community Volunteer Stacey Ashe — Robertson Banking Company Tanya Winstead — The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Terri Brewer — Tuscaloosa County Schools Tripp Powell — Self-Employed Whitni Molden — Hotel Capstone Zach Wolfe — Tuscaloosa County Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at [email protected]