ēCO Credit Union has a strong commitment to the communities where our members live, work, and play. We are excited to continue the #eCOmmunity program in 2021. We are proud to recognize those who go above and beyond for their community through the #eCOmmunity initiative.
Each month, members of the community who embody the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” are nominated by ēCO employees to be “Credit Unioned.”
Ana Spratlin, Alabaster Branch Manager, nominated Dr. Lewis Brooks to be “Credit Unioned” because of his heart for others. She said, “Dr. Brooks embraces our philosophy of ‘People Helping People’ by going above and beyond for the community, especially for the faculty, staff, and students in Shelby County Schools. He is a strong leader and a source of stability in the lives of others.”
Dr. Brooks and his wife have been members of ēCO Credit Union since 1991. Dr. Brooks has worked in education in Alabama for 31 years. He was elected Superintendent of Shelby County Schools in 2018 and took office in 2019. Before becoming Superintendent, Dr. Brooks served in many capacities, including teacher, principal, Elementary District Coordinator, Middle School District Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent of Administration, and Deputy Superintendent.
Cindy Warner, Public Relations Supervisor for Shelby County Schools, said, “Dr. Brooks is the definition of a ‘servant leader.’ He is always putting the needs of others first, especially our students and staff. He genuinely cares for others, and it shows in how he interacts and treats others-always respectful, always thoughtful, always kind, and always giving. He has been described by many as a ‘gentle giant’ in reference to his large stature but gentle demeanor, and I would say it is pretty fitting. He is a visible presence in our schools, at events, and in the community. He has developed relationships with students, not because it is expected of him, but just because that is who he is and what he does. He loves kids, and they love him!”
The Alabaster Branch staff said that when Dr. Brooks visits the branch he is
always joyful and kind. “He just radiates positivity and kindness when he walks through the door,” said Spratlin. “I nominated Dr. Brooks to be “Credit Unioned” because I know he works hard to ensure that the students, faculty, and staff of Shelby County Schools are taken care of, encouraged, and loved. I am sure he has a lot on his plate, but he always takes the time to visit with each of us at the Alabaster Branch when he comes by. He works so hard and goes beyond his duty as the Shelby County Schools Superintendent to invest in the lives of others and he deserves to be recognized for all of the good that he does for those around him.”
Besides his work as Superintendent of Shelby County Schools, Dr. Brooks also spends time mentoring and supporting young people; many return to the field of education, especially in Shelby County Schools, because of his leadership and guidance. Dr. Brooks also serves on many committees in the Shelby County community, including the DAY Program Board of Directors, a program for at-risk youth, and the Educational Leadership Advisory Committee at the University of Montevallo. He also served on the personnel committee at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church and the University of Montevallo National Alumni Board, of which he served as the Vice President of Awards and Recognition. He currently serves as an adjunct professor for Samford University.
Along with his service to the community, Dr. Brooks is the recipient of the University of Montevallo’s
“Distinguished Alumni Award” and “Outstanding Alumnus Award,” the Alabama Association of Prevention and Support Services “Sue B. Adams Leadership Award,” the Samford University “Learning For Life Award,” Samford University’s “Orlean Beeson School of Education Featured Alumnus Award,” the Phi Delta Kappa Education Sorority "2020 Educator of the Year," and most recently, the recipient of the National School Public Relations Association’s “Superintendents to Watch Award,” which is given to superintendents with less than 5 years of experience that are viewed as emerging leaders in education.
Shelley Davis, the Administrative Secretary for Shelby County Schools, said, “Dr. Brooks’ leadership is what makes him an asset to Shelby County Schools. I have known him for over 20 years; his heart for people and kids is unchanged. He forms genuine connections with employees and students that make them feel appreciated, loved, and valued. He can influence those around him in such a way that it builds them up and encourages them to be better in any situation. His strong leadership has sustained Shelby County Schools over this very challenging school year.”
ēCO Credit Union employees surprised Dr. Lewis Brooks with coffee and doughnuts for him and his staff on Monday, February 22nd at the Shelby County Board of Education Central Office in Columbiana, Alabama.
“This is certainly a blessing to be recognized by the staff at ēCO,” said Dr. Brooks. “I think it is critically important to be someone that gives back to the community in any way that you can and to be recognized for it is a great honor. When you have a great circle, it is easy to do things because of their support. I am blessed to have my wife and my mom that support me the most. I can’t leave out my two sons, who even though they are older, support me as well. Cindy Warner, who gets the title of ‘work wife,’ and Shelley Davis, my assistant, are also important to me and very supportive.”
ēCO Credit Union is proud to call Dr. Lewis Brooks and his wife, Resia, members, and we are grateful for his servant leadership, dedication, and commitment to the community.
“Dr. Brooks is such a light and an asset to this community,” said Ana Spratlin. “He is thoughtful and giving, and I appreciate all that he does for others. He is truly the definition of the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People’.”
“Thank you so much to ēCO Credit Union, certainly from a personal standpoint and a professional standpoint,” said Dr. Brooks. “You guys have been so supportive of me and Shelby County Schools, and I am grateful for the partnership and look forward to what the future holds.”
Thank you, Dr. Brooks, for the influence, kindness, leadership, and positivity that you spread within the community!
