Montgomery – The Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) is pleased to welcome Dr. Richard Bailey, Colonel Alan Miller, and Dr. Mara Kozelsky as the newest members of the commission.

Representing the Alabama Historical Association for the commission, Dr. Richard Bailey, a native of Montgomery, is an author and local historian specializing in African American history and the Reconstruction Era. Dr. Bailey attended Booker T. Washington High School and earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Alabama State University. He also has a master’s degree from Atlanta University and a PhD from Kansas State University. Dr. Bailey has devoted much of his career to advocating for civil rights awareness and educating people on the rich history in Montgomery.

Representing Troy University for the commission, Colonel Alan Miller currently serves as the president and CEO of American Village, a campus in Montevallo designed to be a classroom, stage, and museum teaching of America’s founding. Colonel Miller previously served as Chief Assistant District Attorney for the Eighteenth Circuit District Attorney’s Office in Columbiana. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law and currently serves in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

Representing the University of South Alabama for the commission, Dr. Mara Kozelsky is a historian, preservationist, and a professor of history at the University of South Alabama. Dr. Kozelsky was instrumental with the creation of the City of Fairhope’s Historic Preservation Commission where she serves as interim chair. Her extensive research and publications with a focus on Alabama history as well as Russian and Eastern European history.

“The Alabama Historical Commission benefits from the diverse knowledge and experience of its appointed members who represent constituent institutions from across Alabama,” said Chairman of the Alabama Historical Commission Eddie Griffith. “We are pleased to announce the appointment of these three new distinguished Alabamians who will guide the commission with their expertise.”

“Our commissioners provide essential support for our mission to preserve our state’s valuable historic resources through our various programs,” said AHC Executive Director Lisa D. Jones. “These new members will continue to strengthen the commission and our staff looks forward to working with them on future historic preservation projects.”

The Alabama Historical Commission is the state agency charged with safeguarding Alabama’s historic buildings and sites. Created by an act of the state legislature in 1966, it consists of 21 members who represent a broad cross section of Alabamians.