Campaign Leadership

2011 Campaign Chair - Robert B. Aland

Robert Aland is a Birmingham native and attended Indian Springs School.  He completed his undergraduate degree and his MBA at Vanderbilt University.  After working in the family clothing business, Aland’s Department Stores, Robert went into banking, spending most of his career at National Bank of Commerce /First American Bank.  He now is Birmingham Market President of National Bank of Commerce (formerly Red Mountain Bank).  In addition to his United Way involvement, Robert is active in many community organizations, including Operation New Birmingham, Emmet O’Neal Library, Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, and Glenwood, Inc.  Robert is married to the former Kelly O’Connor of Louisville, Kentucky, and they have one daughter, Regan O’Connor Aland. 

 

 

 

2011 Pacesetter Chair - Craft O'Neal

Craft O'Neal , Chairman and grandson of company founder Kirkman O'Neal, was born and raised in the steel business in Birmingham, Alabama. Following graduation from Baylor School in Chattanooga, he earned a B.A. degree from Birmingham-Southern College, where he majored in business and economics.

 

In 1984, he began his career at O'Neal as a member of the Birmingham District's Inside Sales Department. From there, Craft moved to the Atlanta District, and during the next five years worked as Inside Sales Representative, Outside Sales Representative, and Assistant District Manager. In 1990 he was appointed District Manager of the Houston District, followed by being named District Manager of O'Neal-Birmingham, the company's oldest, largest, and most complex operation. In 1995, Craft was promoted to Vice President, Birmingham District, then Senior Vice President of the Southern Region in 2000. In 2003, he took on still more responsibilities with a promotion to Senior Vice President of Sales, Purchasing, and Product Development. In December 2004, Craft succeeded his father Emmet O'Neal as Chairman.

 

Craft serves on the boards of the Birmingham Zoo, Children’s Hospital, Birmingham Business Alliance, and the Emmet O’Neal Library Foundation. He is a member of the Monday Morning Quarterback Club and Rotary Club of Birmingham.