STAFF
John Joseph IV
Executive Director
The E-Center’s Executive Director, John, grew up in small business, stocking shelves in his grandfather’s grocery store. Since then, he has been an executive, consultant, or board member for numerous startups and other emerging companies. John has been named a “Mover and Shaper” in Alabama by the statewide business magazine and Business Alabama. He has also been selected the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year.
John proposed and received support for The Best and Brightest Initiative, the first comprehensive incentive package in the nation for STEM young professionals, which is cited as a national best practice in the talent recruitment industry.
He served as student body president of his high school and college, where he received an academic scholarship and was named a national Truman Scholar before being inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame.
John worked in Colorado and Washington DC, later earning his law degree and license and
He serves on Boards of Directors for the Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts, Decatur Heritage Christian Academy, and a Nashville company in the healthcare space.
His presentations include the national Chamber of Commerce Convention (ACCE), national TVA Economic Development Forum, Fortune 500 companies, and the Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit.
John enjoys spending time with family and good friends, competing athletically, and building an occasional fire. He and his patient wife, Annah, live in Decatur, Alabama, his hometown, with their two children, a cat, and a puppy.
Donna Whitten
Director of Operations
Donna Whitten serves as the Director of Operations of The E-Center.
She has over 30 years of proven success in management, program development and training.
Moving away at 19, she travelled extensively and settled for a while in Las Vegas, NV. She earned a Computer Science degree from UNLV.
Since moving back to Decatur in 1996, her community involvement has included serving on the Women’s Chamber board, the United Way board, the Spirit of America board and she was the Past President of Habitat for Humanity-Morgan County Board.
She is married to Barry and has 2 adult children, 2 Yorkies, a German Sheppard puppy and she loves to watch Alabama Football.
Schedule your appointment with Donna: https://calendly.com/donna-ecenter
Deedee Berry
Office Manager
My name is Deedee Berry, and I am pursuing my dream of obtaining a computer science degree. As a creative, outgoing, and family-oriented person, I am passionate about living life fully and embracing new experiences. My enthusiasm and dedication drive me to excel in my studies and personal endeavors, always striving for excellence and innovation.
Sydney Taylor
marketing & recruitment
Sydney Taylor is the E-Centers Marketing Coordinator and over Marketing and Recruitment for the Best and Brightest Initiative. A native of Decatur, Sydney recently moved back to Decatur from Nashville, TN with her husband, Mike, four young children, and dog Millie.
Sydney spent 9 years working in healthcare management and sales, where she found her love of community and communication. She then went on to pursue a career in Marketing, which lead her back to Decatur, AL and The E-Center.