Board of Directors

Sandra Tormoen, President
Sandy was born in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. Her father served in the United States Air Force, and Sandy moved around the country, to Europe, and then back to Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery during her childhood. She attended the University of Alabama for her undergraduate degree and James Madison University in Virginia for graduate school. Her professional experience includes leadership roles in IT, Strategic Planning, HR, Regional Outreach, and Community Development with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Sandy moved to Fairhope in 2020 and was thrilled to find an active and engaged community. The Trailblazers' mission aligns with her interest in fostering a safe, accessible environment so that people of all ages and abilities can be active in their community.

Joan Sulzmann, Vice President
Joan has been a resident of Baldwin County for almost twenty-six years. Originally from New Jersey, she received her AAS in Human Resources, BSW in Social Work, and MSW in Administration Policy and Planning. She brings many years of experience to the board in Nonprofit Administration, Grant Management and Capital Campaign oversight gained from a multitude of roles she has performed both during her professional career and after her retirement.

Fran Hollinger, Treasurer
Fran is a business co-owner and a practicing attorney. She is a resident of Fairhope and in addition to the positions noted also brings experience in real estate sales, rental and development and timber farm management.

Lynn Ruehl, Secretary

Lynn is originally from Ohio where she received her BA in French and English from Miami University. She spent her professional career as a federal civil service employee in both Quality Assurance and Contract Administration within the Defense Contract Management Agency. She has served as secretary for other nonprofits and has many years of experience in contract administration.

Stephanie Harrison

Stephanie is the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Innovation at Gulf Shores City Schools. She is an avid runner and helped implement the daily walk-and-roll-to-school program at Gulf Shores Elementary and Middle schools, as well as numerous other innovative health-related student activities.

Michelle Melton 
Michelle is a native of Newport Beach, California, and grew up in Opelika, Alabama. She attended St. Andrews Presbyterian College and Denver Sturm College of Law, earning a JD with an emphasis in natural resources and land use. Michelle serves as a City Planner for the City of Fairhope. She has a personal and professional passion for the great outdoors, and she and her dog, Lodi, enjoy hiking, kayaking, and sailing. You’re likely to see them on the EST.

Charlene Lee, Director of the Walking School Bus
Charlene is a native of Albany, Georgia, and a graduate of Auburn University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Health and Recreation. Later, Charlene earned a master’s degree in Sports Psychology from the United States Sports Academy. Charlene is the founder, leader, and champion for the Walking School Bus (WSB). Under her care, participation has grown each year exponentially. The WSB celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2023 as the only daily Walking School Bus in the State of Alabama. She also championed the construction of the Fairhope Community Park and was the City of Fairhope Volunteer of the Year in 2017. Charlene enjoys walking, cycling, hiking, reading, and kayaking.

Molly Spain, Past President
Molly is a native Alabamian and a University of Mobile alum. Her professional background is in fundraising, and she has managed campaigns for several nonprofit organizations. Molly is a runner and cyclist and met her now-husband, Keith, while biking the roads of Mobile during college. In addition to her work with Baldwin County Trailblazers (BCT), she and her two young boys are daily walkers with the Walking School Bus Program. Molly joined the Board to help pass on the values of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to the next generation.

PAST PRESIDENTS

1996, Jim Gambill. 1997, Stanley Anderson. 1998, Ben Meisler. 1999-2001, Rufus Bethea. 2002-2003, Julie Bagwell. 2004, Rebecca Byrne. 2005, Richard Horne. 2006-2008, Terry Redfearn. 2009-2010, Walter Ernest. 2011-2013, Mike Henriksen. 2013 – 2014, Valery Wiseman DeLaney Smith. 2015 – 2018, Molly M. Peterson. 2019-2021, Jennifer Vestal. 2021 Jeremy Portillo. 2021-2024 Molly Spain.