By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer  

COLUMBIANA – The Shelby County Board of Education swore in their newest member, Billy Holiday, to serve the remainder of the term of the late Brian Boatman at a BOE meeting on Thursday, Sept. 5.

Originally a Hueytown native, Holiday has over 18 years of experiences as a facilities and purchasing manager for both Vulcan Steel and American Metal Group in Sylacauga.

In addition, Holiday also served as the operations manager at Controlled Maintenance Systems in Birmingham and is the former owner and operator of Home Plate Diner in Hueytown.

Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks believes that Holiday’s experience in workforce development will be an asset to the Shelby County Board of Education.

“I think Billy is going to be a wonderful addition to the board,” Brooks said. “He is practical, trustworthy and a proven leader. He understands the vast economic differences that exist throughout our county and the school district’s efforts to support every community so that our students can be successful.”

Holiday first became acquainted with the Shelby County BOE through volunteering with his wife, Leslie, at his children’s school in the Chelsea school zone. He served as the president of the Chelsea High School Athletic Booster Club for 10 years where he led efforts to build a visitor’s football locker room and public restrooms on the Chelsea High School campus.

Holiday’s appointment comes after the untimely passing of Brian Boatman in early August. The SCBOE selected Holiday to serve for the remaining four years of Boatman’s six-year term. The position will go back up for election in 2028.

Those interested in more information about the Shelby County Board of Education can visit Shelbyed.k12.al.us/page/board.