Della Fancher.
Director of Business Development, Metro Programs
Samford University
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229
E-mail: dfancher@samford.edu
Phone: 205-726-4462
Della is also the owner of
Curves Columbiana and the Founder/ President of Alabama Veterans Memorial, and Aliant Bank Boardmember.
The Alabama Veterans Memorial in Birmingham, Alabama: A memorial,
a place of reflection, a place to educate, and a place that would celebrate
democracy. A place where we can all pause a moment to thank God and those
who served for the peace we enjoy each day. www.alabamaveterans.com
Favorite Quote: "Judge your success by the degree that you're
enjoying peace, health, and love."
Important Facts:
- Founder and President, 1987–2006, Alabama Veteran’s Memorial
- Co-chair, 2006, Progress 280 Task Force
- Compass Bank 22 years, Senior Vice President, 2001
- South Highland Presbyterian Church
- Chair, Dean’s Advisory Committee, 2005, Samford School of Business
- CEO and President, 2001–2003, Founders Trust
- Alumna of the Year, 2003, Samford University School of Business
- President, 2004–2005, Birmingham International Festival
- Citizen of the Year, 2002, Women’s Committee of 100
- Woman of Distinction, 2002, Girl Scouts, Cahaba Council
- Top Ten Women in Business, 2000, Birmingham Business Journal
- Past President, Horizon 280
- Citizens Chair, 2006, Progress 280, Sub-Committee
- President, 1991–2002, Cahaba Heights Citizens’ Association
- Rotary Club of Birmingham, joined in 2003
- MBA and BS, Samford University
- Shades Valley High School, 1966
Family: Della
and her husband Charles Downs just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
Her step-daughter, Holly and family live in Louisiana.
Other current community leadership positions:
• Scenic Alabama, Chair
• UAB Lister Hill Historical Library, Board Member
• Women’s Exchange, Board Member
• Women’s Fund, Board Member
• Southern Women’s Committee of 50, Member
• Momentum – YWCA, Board Member
• Shelby County Historical Society Board of Directors, Member
• Community Grief Committee Board of Directors, Member
• Millbrook Garden Club, Treasurer
• Vestavia Hills Garden Club
Past Community Activities:
• Birmingham International Festival, Immediate Past President
• American Cancer Society, Board Member
• Magic City Arts Connection, President. 2003
• University of Alabama at Birmingham Leadership Council, Member
• American Heart Association, Board Member
• Civitan Regional Blood System – Alabama Division, Board
Member
• Alabama Organ & Tissue Coalition, Board Member
• Birmingham Downtown Business & Professional Women, President
Community Honors:
• Birmingham Business Journal Top 10 Women, 2000
• Girl Scout Woman of Distinction, 2002
• Samford University – School of Business Alumna of the Year,
2003
• Citizen of the Year – Women’s Committee of 100, 2002
