Kenneth Boswell/Leadership Alabama

As mayor for almost 10 years, Kenneth Boswell’s intense focus has been on improving, growing and securing a brighter future for Enterprise. Now, the mayor will broaden his view to become a leader with ideas and a plan of action to help move the entire state forward as well.

Because of the “vision” of success for his community and his state, Boswell has been selected to participate in Leadership Alabama, a statewide non-profit organization designed to help prepare future leaders by arming them with knowledge about key issues.

 “I’m extremely honored and humbled to be able to participate in Leadership Alabama,” Boswell said after he was notified recently of his selection. “As mayor, my priority will always be Enterprise, but at the same time, we know that a healthy and growing Alabama is good for our city and for our citizens individually.

Boswell, who despite a national economic downturn led Enterprise through a period of extraordinary growth that earned it the title as “Alabama’s Boomtown,” is one of 60 participants from throughout the state. Participants are selected by the Leadership Alabama Board of Directors based on their leadership ability, career accomplishments, volunteer activities, contributions to their community, and insight for effective guidance.

Leadership Alabama program managers said the members of Class 2012 are from all segments of society, including business, labor and agriculture, but they “share a vision of what Alabama can and must be as we move into the 21^st Century, and they share the ability to lead our state to that visionary future.”

The purpose of the program is to provide the network necessary to activate the accomplished citizens who will fill leadership roles in the future, Leadership Alabama’s mission explains. Over the course of nine months, through four issues-oriented forums and visits to communities across the state, class members will gain a more in-depth understanding of problems and priorities facing the state, including budget challenges and education reform.

Boswell is privileged to be considered a local leader whose input could have a positive impact on the state.

“I’m grateful to be given a chance to be a part of a group of people looking for solutions to the challenges that will define our state in the future,” Boswell said. “As Leadership Alabama emphasizes, we have to overcome obstacles and prepare Alabama to excel through progressive planning and implementation of good, solid policies and programs.”

That job, he agreed with Leadership Alabama managers, is the responsibility not only of today’s leaders, but those of the future who have a personal commitment to help shape the future.

A native of Coffee County and a successful Enterprise businessman, Boswell believes his record as mayor shows his commitment to the community. A proponent of comprehensive planning, he’s led the city in developing programs and implementing projects such as the Enterprise Recreational Complex construction, new Senior Citizens Center and Civic Center construction, a major expansion and rehabilitation of the city’s water system, a comprehensive sewer system upgrade, downtown sidewalk and lighting revitalization, $8.5 million in street resurfacing and the successful securing of a favorable bond rating for the city

Under Boswell’s leadership, the city recruited a leading automotive supplier that employs 250 people and established an innovative biodiesel facility. He’s managed more than $34 million in state and federal grants and was nationally recognized for his handling of the aftermath of the 2007 tornado that killed nine people and damaged or destroyed 600 homes and two schools.

Recipient of the National Phoenix Award for Public Service from the Small Business Administration in 2008 and a former Enterprise Man of the Year, Boswell actively serves on many local boards and organizations, including the Friends of Fort Rucker, Enterprise Airport Authority, the Southeast Alabama Gas District Board of Directors.

His commitment to the state is also evident in his service to many state boards and organizations. He was recently appointed to the Alabama Military Stability Foundation. He also was one of only five mayors invited to participate in the Design Alabama Community Program, a statewide partner of the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

He has also served on the Governor’s Biofuels Committee, the Advisory Council on Juvenile Justice and the Economic and Community Affairs Urban Housing Committee.

“I’m an Alabamian through and through,” Boswell said. “I love this community and I love this state and I want to see both be the best they can be. I’m looking forward to participating in Leadership Alabama so I can be better prepared to work for a better tomorrow in Enterprise and our state.”