A Hoover resident is working to improve education, health care and living conditions across rural Alabama.

Chad Nichols has been named assistant director of the newly formed Rural Alabama Action Commission. The group focuses on improving the quality of life in some of the state&8217;s most sparsely populated areas.

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley appointed Nichols to the position last week. The group is modeled after the successful Black Belt Action Commission (BBAC).

&8220;Every Alabama county, even Shelby and Jefferson, has rural parts,&8221; said Nichols. &8220;This is a real opportunity to improve the quality of life for many Alabamians.&8221;

Nichols was born and raised in Birmingham where he attended Briarwood Christian School. The 31-year-old earned a bachelor&8217;s degree in finance from Auburn University in 1998. He later earned a master&8217;s degree in business administration from UAB in 2002.

Nichols began working in politics in 2003 as an analyst for the Governor&8217;s Office. He currently coordinates health care programs for the BBAC.

He also serves on the board of directors for Southeastern Diabetes Education Services and on the community advisory board for UAB&8217;s Minority Health and Research Center.

Nichols is a member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood