Calling all Crimson Tide alumni: the Butler County Chapter of The University of Alabama Alumni Association will hold its annual chapter meeting on Thursday, Oct. 20 at Cambrian Ridge.

“We have a wonderful evening planned and encourage all county Alabama alumni to be on the lookout for their reservation forms in the mail,” Sue Arnold, president of the local chapter, said.

Crimson Pride Hour kicks off at 6 p.m. with dinner and the program slated to begin at 7 p.m.

Johnny Williams, senior associate athletics director of external operations at UA, is slated to speak that evening.

“National Alumni President Judson Wells of Mobile will also be on hand to give an update on all the new things happening in the alumni association and at the Capstone.

Wells’ father is Greenville native Jack Wells,” Arnold said.

Williams joined Alabama’s athletic department in October 2004 in his current position. Williams’ responsibilities include oversight of Tide Pride, Marketing and Promotions, Media Relations and the Ticket Office.

He joined the Tide after serving as athletics director at Troy University for the past 11 years.

Under Williams’ watch at Troy, the athletic department moved to Division 1-A, completing a change from Division II in all sports.

In January 2002, Williams was honored for his progressive leadership by all the All-American Football Foundation with its prestigious Gen. Robert Neyland Athletics Director Award.

He began his athletic career at Troy as a graduate assistant football coach under Rick Rhoades.

During his coaching tenure with the Trojans, Williams also held several administrative positions within the department. In 1986 and 1987, he coordinated the football program’s marketing and development efforts as a special assistant to the athletic director, along with his coaching duties.

In 1988, Williams coordinated travel and ticket sales.

Prior to his tenure at Troy, Williams was the head coach and athletics director at Pickens County High School in Reform, Ala., in 1984. He also served as an assistant coach at his alma mater, the University of North Alabama, from 1979-1983.

A 1980 UNA graduate, Williams was a four-year defensive starter for the Lions, earning “Defensive Lineman of the year” honors in 1978. He was selected to the “UNA Team of the Decade” for the 1970s.

Williams is married to the former Robin Libby of Huntsville. The couple has two sons, Andrew and David.

Current alumni chapter officers are Sue Arnold, president; Fay Poole, vice-president; Elizabeth Matthews, secretary-treasurer; Marianne Russell, student recruitment coordinator; MacDonald Russell, Bama Fever Boss, and Vivian McGowin and Susie Snow, scholarship co-chairs.

“Anyone who doesn’t receive a form and wants to attend can make a reservation by contacting me at 301-7514 or Fay Poole at 382-7800. $20 covers both dinner and dues. Roll Tide!” Arnold said.