Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores’ Gary Ellis has been tapped to be a board member of the Parkinson Association of Alabama as the group seeks to expand its geographic reach and footprint in South Alabama.

Now retired, Ellis was the founder of Compass Media a company specializing in meeting media needs for the local hospitality industry.

The Parkinson Association of Alabama (PAA) had their annual board meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15 and honored existing board members, appointed new ones and  exiting board members were thanked for their service.

The PAA Board of Directors is charged with 100 percent participation in guiding the non-profit organization’s strategy and plan to deliver its mission: Improving the quality of life for patients, caregivers, and families affected by Parkinson’s throughout the state of Alabama.

In addition to Mr. Ellis, four other candidates were presented as nominees and approved to serve as Board members on behalf of the PAA.

In addition to electing and placing new board members, officers and executive committee members were also named. Brian Corbett will serve a second-year term as President of the PAA. Ed Finch will serve as Vice President and Joe Hawley as treasurer.

Additionally, Jamie Laney was inducted as an Emeritus Director with the Parkinson Association of Alabama based on her distinguished service. She has been a board member since 2014 and served as President of the board for five years. She has also served on the Executive, Mission, and Governance Committees to which she chaired.