New appointment underscores company’s commitment to data and analytics

SAN FRANCISCO (BLACK PR WIRE)  – Wells Fargo & Company has announced the appointment of A. Charles Thomas to the role of chief data officer. Thomas will join Wells Fargo from USAA where he served as the chief data and analytics officer. Prior to that, he ran USAA’s Research and Analytics team, the Market Strategy team and the enterprise data warehouse functions. Thomas also served in senior positions at Harte-Hanks Direct Marketing, HP and Reliant Energy.
 In this new role, Thomas will oversee the company’s data strategy, provide enterprise data governance, and determine ways to leverage data for improved risk management and customer experiences. He will join the company in early March and will be based in San Francisco.
 Thomas will report to Kevin Rhein, chief information officer and head of the Technology and Operations Group. The company’s Enterprise Data and Analytics team will report to Thomas.
 “I’m excited to have Charles join the team,” said Rhein. “With more than 15 years of experience in data and analytics he brings an expertise and vision that will help us further our goals of evolving and improving services we have, or developing new ones based on using information in smart ways for our customers benefit.” Jim Smith, who helped to create the Enterprise Data and Analytics group and the Chief Data Officer role, will continue to lead the Digital Channels Group and remains focused the development of digital (online and mobile) solutions that help our customers succeed financially and manage their money anytime, anywhere.

Birmingham, AL  — Thursday, February 20, students in the Academy of Business and Finance at Woodlawn High School enjoyed a visit from Bill Horton, North Central Alabama area president for Regions Bank.

Horton spoke to students about the many opportunities that exist in the banking industry. He also invited them to tour Regions Bank locations in the Greater Birmingham area. The classroom visit and introduction to Regions Bank are part of the Birmingham Education Foundation’s Bridging the Gap program.

“As with many other industries, the banking industry thrives when there is a committed, well-educated and prepared workforce available.  The students at Woodlawn’s Academy of Business and Finance are getting a head start in gaining the knowledge needed to help move our industry forward in the future,” said Horton.

Horton encouraged students to take ownership of their career and to always challenge themselves. When asked about advice for students considering a career in business and finance, Horton said that the foundation for any successful career is to work hard, try to make a difference and good things will come.

As part of the Birmingham Education Foundation’s Bridging the Gap program, students gain access to industries that align with their career interests.

“Our students have very high expectations for themselves, and we want to help them realize their goals,” said J.W. Carpenter, executive director, Birmingham Education Foundation.  “Bridging the Gap is designed to help students appreciate just how many career options they have, and help expand their professional networks, and we can only do that through the support of our community and industry partners.”

To learn more visit edbirmingham.org.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A public hearing regarding the issue of revoking a business license(s) of Good Friends Chinese and Seafood Restaurant, located at 1720 Dennison Avenue, will be held on Monday March 3rd, 2014 at 4 p.m. during the Public Safety Committee Meeting in the council chambers.
According to the police report, witnesses say the owner, Chun Hin Ching, fired a gunshot at a customer who had complained after a dispute over finding a roach in her egg roll. Since this incident on February 6, residents of the West End neighborhood have launched a protest and boycott of the Chinese restaurant.
“It is important that we hear all of the facts and help resolve this issue, our constituents need this opportunity to voice their concerns,” said Councilor Steven Hoyt, Chair of the Public Safety Committee.
Councilwoman Sheila Tyson, who represents District 6 where the incident took place, has been a strong advocate for justice and the conditions of Good Friends restaurant reported.

By: Staff Writer

On February 20, Wenonah High School hosted its annual Unity Breakfast Celebrating Black History. A number of dignitaries and community leaders were in attendance but one of those leaders used the opportunity to issue a challenge to attendees. In response to current events, many of which show that Black youth are facing insurmountable challenges, Birmingham City Councilman Jay Roberson, who represents Birmingham City Council District 7, where the school is located, challenged adults to “stand in the gap” for young Black men and women. “It is time for us to help and support our youth”, said Roberson. “We must stand in the gap to help them achieve their dreams and be successful.
Councilor Roberson invited a student to stand on stage with him as he delivered greetings. The student symbolized all young Black males, many of whom are currently imprisoned, impoverished or dead because of lack of support from their communities. Roberson asked all men, especially several state and local judges who were present to mentor youth and to provide positive feedback and encouragement in order to combat the challenges that many of them face. This is not the first time that Roberson has taken a proactive approach to finding ways to positively influence youth. He currently leads the “100 Days of Nonviolence” campaign, a joint initiative where students and adults come together to help students eradicate violence in their communities.
This local call to action has a national tie. During his latest State of the Union Address President Barack Obama announced that he is developing an initiative which will focus on young men of color. “I’m reaching out to some of America’s leading foundations and corporations on a new initiative to help more young men of color facing tough odds stay on track and reach their full potential,” said Obama. The initiative, which was officially announced on Thursday, is called My Brother’s Keeper. Roberson says he is working to make sure that Birmingham’s youth can receive local support in addition to any national efforts, “we have the opportunity to help children in this city be better and go further and I want to be a part of that movement.”

Our community is facing a frightening crisis involving the health and fitness of our children.  Alabama ranks second in obesity in our country. Our FCCLA Chapter has decided it is time to do something to address this critical issue. We decided on our project, “Team Up for Good Health.”  The program would focus on eleventh and twelfth grade students at Wenonah High School. We wanted to plan and implement a project that would be fun for teenagers and would also address some specific issues that affect their health and wellness. We wanted our classmates to become more physically active and make nutritious food choices.
Chapter members had fun planning the activities. Members served nutritious breakfasts and gave flyers about the benefits of breakfast. We did demonstrations on nutritious snacks and provided students with a snack cookbook. We even gave energy packs to our student athletes. We presented a Power point presentation on the “Choose your Plate” program and gave students handouts to use as guidelines for healthy eating. Chapter members also held a physical fitness session using the Wii exercise program to teach students that fitness could be fun.
“Team Up for Good Health” was a huge success. Students seem to enjoy our presentations and really seemed to learn something. This project was also a great way to get the positive message out about FCCLA and family and consumer sciences. “Team Up for Good Health” was a positive experience for students, teachers, FCCLA members and the community.

LOCAL STUDENTS SPEAK OUT CYBER BULLYING

Everyday millions of people log in to social media networks to share their activities with their friends. They use their cell phones constantly to stay connected with family and friends. But, for many, it means fear, anxiety, and just other people being mean to them. This form of bullying, called cyber bullying is the worst form of bullying because the bully is faceless. Many times you don’t even know who is saying and doing all of the cruel things. What makes it so bad is that it is happening in our own schools and communities.
Takiria Lee and Jade Traylor, senior FCCLA members at Wenonah High School, wanted to address this issue. They decided it was time to speak out against cyber bullying…to reach out to their peers and give them the information they need to address this issue and ensure that they use technology in a safe and responsible way. We wanted teens in our school to know what to do to prevent cyber bullying and to recognize the warning signs of someone that is being victimized.
For these reasons, Takiria and Jade prepared a presentation, through their FCCLA chapter, on the problems teenagers face with cyberbullying. They made this presentation to the Wenonah High School AP classes. In their presentation, they also discussed how involvement in FCCLA, a youth organization that focuses on the family, can help to address this issue. Because of the growing concerns of teenagers concerning cyber bullying and the rising number of suicides caused by cyber bullying, they felt that this was a problem that needed immediate attention. For this reason, they have planned similar presentations with other school and community groups.
Takiria and Jade will also make this presentation at the FCCLA State STAR Events in Montgomery on March 14.

By Eleanor Cox

In conjunction with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities), Carver High School students received valuable financial literacy knowledge through the Career Countdown Project on

February 19-21, in celebrating Career Technical Education  month. This real-world effort developed provoking thought processes when budgeting, making career choices/educat

ional planning, as well unexpected circumstances (life happens).
The follow-up activity generated amazing dialogue. Some students said they have a better understanding of what their parents go through when trying to make ends meet.  One student admitted to becoming homeless twice when making his decisions maneuvering through the Career Countdown maze.  It was the first time many students had ever created a monthly budget. This was a great experience for all students.
Much thanks to Ms. Cynthia Whittaker and the Alabama Cooperative Extension Center.  We also extend appreciation to the many volunteers and Roly Poly who donated lunch for them

A.H. Parker High School celebrated 10 of its top band students on their acceptance and participation in the University of Alabama’s 29th Annual High School Honor Band Festival, the largest group of students to participate in the event since 2006. A total of 11 students were chosen from the historic high school to participate.
The festival consisted of a total of five ensembles: the Festival Wind Ensemble, as well as the Hall, Leyva, Brown and Warren bands.
Parker’s students were represented in four of the five bands. The students traveled with their directors to Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Thursday, February 6th and auditioned for band and chair placements. Throughout the weekend students attended three- hour rehearsals and numerous concerts, including the Spectrum Concert on Friday night that was put on by UA music students. The students concluded the weekend with their ensemble concerts on Sunday, February 9th. Each student received a free t-shirt and an Honor Band pin for their achievements. A.H. Parker High was the only Birmingham City School that had students to participate in the Honor Band Festival.