Foundation

Investing in Baldwin’s Future

The Baldwin Community & Economic Development Foundation is the nonprofit arm of Baldwin Alliance, dedicated to advancing workforce and entrepreneurial initiatives that strengthen Baldwin County’s economy and community.
By aligning education, innovation, and opportunity, the Foundation ensures Baldwin remains a place where businesses and people thrive together.
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Key Initiatives

Driving Growth Through Purpose

The Baldwin Community & Economic Development Foundation invests in programs supporting entrepreneurs and startups with resources, mentorship, and collaboration to bring new ideas to life in Baldwin County.

Hatch Fairhope

Supporting entrepreneurs and startups with resources, mentorship, and collaboration to bring new ideas to life in Baldwin County.

Baldwin Preparatory Academy

Alabama’s first stand-alone, full-time career-tech high school. Baldwin Alliance serves as the industry connector for Baldwin Prep, linking students with career pathways, dual-enrollment opportunities, and employer partnerships to build the workforce of tomorrow.

FAME – Built by Baldwin

A hands-on, earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship program that equips students with advanced manufacturing skills while connecting them directly with employers.

proud member of

The Innovate Alabama Network

As a member of the Innovate Alabama Network, the Baldwin Community & Economic Development Foundation collaborates with partners across the state to accelerate innovation and grow Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

A circular logo with the outline of Alabama above the words Innovate Alabama in bold text, surrounded by a blue ring that reads Innovate Alabama Network repeatedly, representing the Baldwin Community & Economic Development Foundation.

Foundation Board

Our Foundation board brings together community leaders and business professionals dedicated to Baldwin County’s long-term prosperity.

A middle-aged man with short gray hair smiles, wearing a gray suit, light blue shirt, and red tie, standing outdoors in front of a blurred building representing the Baldwin Community & Economic Development Foundation.

Jason Padgett

CEO, North Baldwin Utilities

A man in a dark suit and patterned tie stands outdoors, smiling at the camera. Behind him are a brick building and trees, highlighting his connection to the Baldwin Community & Economic Development Foundation.

Ormand Thompson

President, Thomas Hospital

Middle-aged man with short brown hair wearing a white and light blue checkered button-up shirt, sitting indoors against a blurred background.

Bill Mitchell

Principal & Owner, Stuart Construction

A man with short brown hair wearing a gray zip-up sweater over a plaid shirt smiles while standing in a modern, softly lit office space with wood and metal accents, representing the Baldwin Alliance Board of Directors.

Jerod Pilot

Pilot Capital

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Lee Lawson

President & CEO, Baldwin Alliance.

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About Baldwin Alliance

Baldwin Alliance is a coalition of public and private leaders working together to drive sustainable economic growth in Baldwin County.