STAFF
John Joseph IV
Executive Director
John Joseph IV is the Executive Director of The E-Center business incubator, which has been ranked #1 overall among Alabama business incubators for both the number of companies incubated and graduated.
He is a National Truman Scholar who has been named a “Mover and Shaper” by the statewide Business Alabama magazine, Decatur- Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year, and a recipient of the Rotary Club of Decatur’s District Vocational Service Award. John is a graduate of the Alabama Leadership Initiative and a member of the 2024-2025 Leadership Alabama Class
He was awarded an academic scholarship to the University of Mississippi, where he served as student body president and was inducted into the University Hall of Fame. John received a fellowship to the Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center in Colorado and worked for the American Youth Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. He attended law school at The University of Alabama, earned his law degree and license, and later completed the Birmingham Venture Club’s Entrepreneur Accelerator Program, which led to various startup roles.
John also serves as a co-chair of the Entrepreneurship Pillar of Launch 2035, a regional organization promoting joint collaboration between North Alabama counties. He serves on various boards, including: Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority, Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, Decatur-Morgan CEO, GeneCapture Inc. at Hudson Alpha in Huntsville, and a Nashville company in the healthcare space. Prior board roles include The Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts and the Kiwansis Club of Decatur.
John is a member of Huntsville’s Committee of 100. His presentations include the national TVA Economic Development Forum, the national Chamber of Commerce Convention (ACCE), Fortune 500 companies, and the Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit. He has written a book, contributed to another, and had his writing included in a national Kauffman Foundation publication.
John and his wife, Annah, live in Decatur, Alabama, with their two children, a cat, a spoiled puppy, and two chickens.
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 as the President of the Habitat for Humanity of Morgan County, the Women’s Chamber, the United Way, and the Spirit of America board.
She is married to Barry and has 2 adult children, 4 grandchildren, 3 Yorkies, a German Sheppard, 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 serve as the Office Manager at The E-Center, where I support daily operations and help entrepreneurs access the resources they need to grow their businesses. I hold an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Cybersecurity.
I am also the founder of Redeemed Digital Studios, where I design and develop digital tools and applications that support small businesses and community initiatives, including projects that serve the North Alabama startup community. I am passionate about using technology and creativity to help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.
Tucker Peete
marketing & recruitment
Tucker Peete is the E-Center’s Marketing Coordinator and additionally oversees Marketing and Recruitment for the Best and Brightest Initiative. A native of Decatur, Tucker recently moved back to Decatur with his dog, Ringo.
Tucker graduated from The University of Alabama with a B.S. in Marketing and a Sales Certification. He’s worked in various sales and leadership roles in Dallas, TX, and Birmingham, AL, before pursuing a career in marketing and recruitment.
In his free time, you can find him watching any sports available, on the golf course, or spending time with family and friends.
Jennifer Spiller
Public Relations & Events
Jennifer Spiller is the Public Relations and Events Coordinator for the Best & Brightest Initiative. With more than twenty years of experience in Decatur’s restaurant industry, she has developed a strong appreciation for the vital role small businesses play in the growth and sustainability of the local economy, and is enthusiastic about her work with B&B.
Jennifer holds a degree in social work from the University of North Alabama. She enjoys the creative process and loves learning new crafting techniques, including painting, paper crafting, and fiber art. She is especially passionate about painting the landscapes of Alabama and its surrounding areas. Her other interests include cooking, reading, and trying new recipes, as well as spending time with her pup, Daisy. She also values continuing her faith journey and can often be found on one of the area’s many nature trails, taking photographs or simply enjoying the outdoors.
Jennifer believes the Best & Brightest Initiative is an important part of ensuring the continued growth and success of the community, and she feels fortunate to be involved with such an exceptional group of young leaders.