Former Auburn University football coach Joe Whitt and Pearce Catfish Farms founder Fran Pearce have been elected as the newest board members of the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA).

“We are extremely pleased that these two Black Belt enthusiasts are joining the board,” said Thomas Harris, ALBBAA founder and board president. “I have no doubt that the addition of coach Joe Whitt and Mrs. Fran Pearce will enhance our ability to promote the incredible recreational opportunities, as well as the thriving arts scene that can both be found all across the region.”

The ALBBAA is committed to promoting and enhancing outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities in the Black Belt in a manner that provides economic and ecological benefits to the region and its citizens, Harris said.

Whitt played football at Alabama State University, where he earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees. Following a short stint coaching high school football, he joined the staff at Auburn, where he was a part of six Southeastern Conference titles, two undefeated seasons and coached in 20 bowl games before retiring from coaching in 2005. Whitt is a member of the Alabama State University board of trustees and has been inducted into the Blount High School, Lee High School and Mobile Sports Halls of Fame. He received the 2018 Outstanding Achievement Award from the American Football Coaches Association.

“The economic impact related to hunting, fishing, field-trialing and tourism contributes to the Black Belt economy in a major way,” Whitt said. “There is nothing I enjoy more than watching bird dogs work in the areas around Union Springs – the Field Trial Capital of the World –  and I am excited to join the board and help promote this beautiful area of our state to others.”

Pearce is a lifelong resident of Dallas County and an ardent supporter of Selma and the Dallas County area. She is a Selma Charity League sustainer, board member of ArtsRevive and Leadership Selma Dallas County and a graduate of Leadership Alabama. She is the fifth generation of her family to live on the farm in Browns. She and her late husband, David, transitioned their once-thriving cattle farm into one of the first “U.S. Farm Raised Catfish Farms.” Pearce Catfish Farms was recognized as Alabama’s Farm of Distinction in 1994 and is now run by her two sons.

“I am a firm believer that creative thinking and art brings people together, puts life back into historical structures and builds community,” Pearce said. “The greater Selma area, and the Black Belt region as a whole, is full of creative and artistic people that are passionate about their communities. I am looking forward to being a part of this board and continuing to promote the region as a multifaceted destination.”

Whitt and Pearce join board members Thomas Harris, president; Tim Gothard, treasurer; Freddy Padilla, secretary; Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship; and Greenville Mayor Dexter McClendon.

The Black Belt includes the following counties: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox.

For information about the organization, go to www.alabamablackbeltadventures.org.