Meet the Board

  • Rob Grady

    President

    18 Under 31, Class of 2024

    Rob graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and a minor in the Computer-Based Honors Program. Through the Accelerated Master’s Program and the STEM Path to the MBA, he earned a Master of Science in civil engineering and a Master of Business Administration in 2017. While in Tuscaloosa, Rob was involved in many organizations, including the Honors College, Capstone Men and Women, the Blackburn Institute, Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, the Student Government Association, and numerous honor societies: Cardinal Key, Blue Key, Omicron Delta Kappa, Order of Omega and Jason’s Senior Men’s Honorary.

    Rob moved to Charlotte in 2020 and began getting involved in the community. He currently sits on the board for the local chapter of his fraternity and the board of a young professionals group. He also serves as the lead mentor at Myers Park High School through ACE Mentor of Greater Charlotte.

    Rob is excited to return for his second term as president to continue growing BamaCharlotte and connecting with alumni, family, and fans in the Queen City.

  • Meagan Wilson

    Vice President

    18 Under 31, Class of 2025

    Meagan graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in marketing, a minor in advertising, and a specialization in digital and social media through the Accelerated Master’s Program. While in Tuscaloosa, Meagan was involved in and held executive positions in several organizations, including Alpha Kappa Psi, Tide Talks and First Fellows. She also interned with several sports organizations during her time as a student, including Alabama Athletics, Stabler Sports—an NFL agency—FOX Sports and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

    Meagan moved to Charlotte at the end of 2021 and currently works in partnership marketing at NASCAR, the country's No. 1 motorsports league. She also sits on the young professionals' board for Carolina Youth Coalition, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping underprivileged, high-achieving Charlotte-area youth get to and through college. Meagan is also a social media consultant for Downtown and Mane in Tuscaloosa.

  • Bella Thoren

    Secretary

    Bella graduated from The University of Alabama in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in telecommunications and film and in 2022 with a Juris Doctor from The University of Alabama School of Law. While an undergraduate student, Bella was a member of Delta Gamma, inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society, worked for Crimson Tide Productions and the SEC Network, and started the Druid City Girls Media Camp. During law school, she served as president of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society and chairperson of the Career Services Office Board.

    Bella moved to Charlotte after law school and now works as an attorney at a boutique employment and litigation firm. She is a member of the Charlotte Hospitality House Young Professionals. When not at work, Bella enjoys traveling, reading, exploring Charlotte, and—most importantly—cheering for the Tide!

  • Alex Brehm

    Treasurer

    Alex graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in management information systems and 2021 with a Master of Science in business analytics. While at The University of Alabama, he was involved in and held leadership roles with several organizations, including Alpha Kappa Psi, Al’s Pals, the Alabama Information Management Society, and the Huxford Symphony Orchestra.

    Alex moved to Charlotte in 2024 to join Ally Financial as a data scientist. When not at work, you can find Alex enjoying Tide sports or traveling with his wife—whom he met at UA.

  • Kait O'Donnell

    Membership Chair

    Kait graduated from The University of Alabama in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in business management and public relations. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she moved to Charlotte in July 2024 to begin her role in operations management at Bank of America. She also serves as the co-lead for the Business Acumen and Networking committee for her development program at BofA.

    While on campus, Kait served as the vice president of administration for her sorority and was a member of Order of Omega and SHRM. Some of her favorite memories from UA include getting involved in Greek life, traveling to away football games, and working on campus as an athletic tutor. Roll Tide!

  • Reale Snorton

    Scholarship Chair

    Reale graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Spanish language and literature, a Bachelor of Science in marketing, and a Master of Science in marketing.

    A proud Midwest native, Reale was born and raised in Wisconsin before attending UA. She was a high school business teacher for many years before moving to Charlotte, where she now works to support new teachers across the U.S.

    She loves all things Marvel and anime and can often be found at CLT, boarding a flight to her next adventure—she’s always ready to travel.

  • Frances Buntain

    Events Chair

    Frances is a proud graduate of The University of Alabama, earning both a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and a Master of Business Administration.

    While at the Capstone, Frances held numerous leadership roles, including president of GLOBE UA and president of the Coordinating Council for Honor Societies. She was a member of several organizations, including the Student Government Association, Blue Key Honor Society, and Omicron Delta Kappa. She was also a member of the Blackburn Institute, where she developed a passion for civic engagement and community impact.

    Now based in Charlotte, Frances works in the energy storage industry and is dedicated to strengthening the local Alabama alumni network. Outside the office, she enjoys walking the Charlotte Rail Trail, traveling, and playing pickleball.

  • Gretchen Johnson

    Marketing + Media Chair

    Gretchen graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in management and marketing, minors in sales, management communications and Spanish, and a concentration in human resources. She then went on to complete her MBA, graduating in 2023.

    While at The University of Alabama, Gretchen was involved in many organizations, including Manderson Women in Business, the MBA Association, the National Black MBA Association, Culverhouse LIFT, and UA SHRM. She also ran an ESL program, helping individuals improve their English skills in the Tuscaloosa community.

    Gretchen returned home to Charlotte after graduating and currently works in franchise business development at Top 2 Bottom Business Solutions. She also sits on the board of the Charlotte Young Professionals Group and leads the first-grade Literacy Picnic for the Fort Mill Rotary Club. She enjoys cooking and baking, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on the Tide.

  • R. Hays Galloway

    Young Alumni Chair

    R. Hays Galloway graduated in 2021 with a degree in aerospace engineering. During his time at The University of Alabama, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and participated in the STEM Path to the MBA program.

    After graduating, he pursued a Master of Science in management from Wake Forest University and moved to Charlotte to work for KPMG Advisory.

  • Scott Wiley

    Parent Representative

    Scott is an enthusiastic and dedicated individual serving as a parent representative on the Alumni Board for The University of Alabama's Charlotte Chapter. As a parent representative, Scott brings a unique perspective and a genuine commitment to supporting the university's growth and success. With a child currently enrolled at The University of Alabama, Scott understands the importance of creating a vibrant and inclusive community that nurtures academic excellence, personal growth, and lifelong relationships.

    Scott plans to actively collaborate with fellow board members to develop impactful programs and events to strengthen the bond between parents, the university and its alumni in the Charlotte area. Scott works as a tech startup executive in Charlotte and enjoys tennis, cycling and spending time with his children and four grandchildren.