Meet Our Flock
OUR STAFF
Chris Sykes
Executive Director
“Originally from Tennessee, I migrated to Alabama after serving five years in the United States Marine Corps. I’m an alumnus of UAB (Go Blazers!), where I received a Bachelor & Master of Arts in Communication and a Master of Public Administration. With a passion for all things public sector, I’ve had the privilege of working for several nonprofit organizations in the Birmingham area with the goal of changing the world one nonprofit at a time. Outside of the Alabama Wildlife Center, I can be found hiking, enjoying local food and drink, or performing and watching live music.“
Jordan Giddens
Director of Development
“An Alabama native, left a 10+ year career in Alabama state politics to join the team at AWC. I received a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Public Administration from UAB, and am in the dissertation phase of a Joint Ph.D. in Public Administration and Public Policy at Tennessee State University. I currently serve on multiple Alumni Boards at UAB (Young Alumni Council, MPA Board of Directors, and UHP Alumni Board) and Altamont (Young Alumni Chair, Executive Committee Member, Alumni Board Member). In my free time, I am usually traveling, kayaking, or exploring a local thrift store.”
Kylie Brown
Operations Coordinator
Kylie is a senior at UAB double majoring in Biology and Psychology with a minor in Chemistry. Her passion for animals began early, volunteering at 14 and working in veterinary clinics since 16. She now fosters animals for the Humane Society, often caring for those with medical or behavioral challenges, experiences that continue to inspire her goal of becoming an exotic veterinarian. Outside of school and animal care, Kylie loves travel and adventure, having lived in several countries and tried activities ranging from bungee jumping to snorkeling and free diving. When she’s home, she enjoys spending time with friends and her two cats and two snakes.
Viktoria Partain
Education Director
“I’ve been working with non-releasable birds of prey for about four years now and am extremely lucky to be working my dream job and able to educate the public about the importance of our native birds. Outside of work I enjoy hiking and karaoke!”
Announcing in Nov. 2026
Clinic Director
We are exacted to announce our new clinic director in November 2026!
Carleen Phillips
Community Outreach Coordinator
“I have been a volunteer with the Alabama Wildlife Center since 2016, starting as a caretaker for Tree Top, then moving to the education program for two years. A two-time songbird intern, I became the songbird coordinator in 2022 and began as the first-ever Community Outreach Coordinator in 2026. I am a mother of three who enjoys photography, writing, and being outdoors.”
Elise Hansen
Raptor Coordinator
“I’ve gone to Oak Mountain and the Wildlife Center since I was little, and I’ve always known that my career would involve animals. I interned in the songbird nursery summer 2022, and returned to the clinic after graduating from Whittier College with a B.A. in both Environmental Science and French in 2023. Outside of work, I like to make art and music, play video games, and spend time with my dog, Ruby.”
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Freddy Rubio
Board President
The Rubio Law Firm
Sarah Mayfield
Vice President
Nathan & Nathan P.C.
Alliemarie Humphries
Secretary
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Scotty Colson
City of Birmingham (retired)
Richard Esposito
Southern Company
Mike Fliegel
City of Birmingham (retired)
Adil Khoso
Alabama Court of Civil Appeals
Joe Limbaugh
Motion Industries (retired)
Mike McDevitt
Children’s of Alabama (retired)
Christopher Nicholson
Regions Bank
Anna Weaver
Oak Mountain High School (retired)
Danielle Yourgules
Through These Frames