The final sales luncheon of United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) Annual Campaign celebrated the dedication and hard work of this year’s class of Loaned Executives (LEs). In keeping with tradition, the recipient of the Crawford T. Johnson Loaned Executive of the Year Award was announced.
This is the highest honor given to a participant in the LE program; and this year’s recipient was DeKayla Johnson of Alabama Power Company.
Named for the founder of the Birmingham Community Chest (the organization that evolved to become United Way of Central Alabama), Jemison Jones, the great-great-great grandson of Mr. Johnson, presented the award.
For DeKayla, that moment marked the culmination of 13 weeks that reshaped both her confidence and her perspective.
“Before the program, I rarely volunteered to speak in front of a crowd. It always made me nervous,” she said. “As the program went on, speaking opportunities came more often, and each one felt a little easier. By the end, I could step into any room and speak confidently.”
Her growth continued beyond public speaking, as collaborating with fellow LEs required her to adapt quickly and build meaningful relationships.
What the Loaned Executive Program Offers
The Loaned Executive program brings together employees from companies across Central Alabama to enlist support for United Way’s Annual Campaign. For 13 weeks, participants receive focused training, work alongside a wide variety of workplace teams and coordinators and engage directly with organizations throughout the region. What they gain – personally and professionally — is often just as significant as the support they provide.
“I realized our work wasn’t just about raising dollars. It was about helping people who may experience major changes from one day to the next,” said DeKayla. “Knowing that I contributed to that effort made me feel part of something bigger.”
Learning to Lead in New Ways
Stepping away from her day-to-day responsibilities as a Project Manager at Alabama Power also clarified how DeKayla defines leadership.
“It showed me that leadership is not about titles. It’s about humility, service and supporting the people around you so they can succeed. Leadership can look like quiet progress and encouragement — not just big accomplishments. You can lead from wherever you are.”
That growth was also clear to her manager at Alabama Power, Linesha Foster, who said the program enhanced skills she already displayed in her work.
“It’s evident she has grown further as a leader. Her increased presence, improved communication and heightened confidence will support smoother coordination, stronger collaboration and more proactive problem-solving.”
Looking back, DeKayla says the experience expanded her understanding of the community she serves.
“I thought I had a good grasp of what was happening outside my own bubble. I quickly realized how much I didn’t know. Seeing what so many people navigate, and how others show up to support them, was eye-opening. It gave me a renewed sense of purpose and made me want to stay involved.”
Recognizing Excellence
United Way of Central Alabama congratulates DeKayla Johnson on earning the Crawford T. Johnson Loaned Executive of the Year and sincerely thanks her for her service.
Also recognized at the final sales luncheon were Team Choice Award recipients, selected by their fellow LEs:
- Katrina Williams, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Blue Team
- Perez Miles, Drummond Company, Blue Team
- Mya Horne, Regions Financial Corporation, Red Team
- Reginald Thomas, Sponsored, Red Team
- Terri Black, Alabama Power Company, Yellow Team
