Southern Region
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
- Texas
Greetings from the “He Ain’t Heavy” Region
It is a profound honor to step into the role of your President for the 2026–2028 term. A-PLUS, and specifically our Southern Region, thrives because of your dedication, unique perspectives, and shared passion for our mission. As we enter this vibrant new chapter, my primary focus is to strengthen our foundation and build an even more inclusive, dynamic region.
To achieve this vision, we need your voices and your energy. I encourage everyone to dive into active participation this year—whether by joining a new committee, sharing your expertise at an upcoming event, or simply attending regular monthly meetings and training sessions. Your engagement is the lifeblood and sustainability of our success; every contribution you make creates a powerful, lasting impact.
Growth is vital for our future, and building our membership is a collective journey. I invite each of you to act as an ambassador for your respective chapter by personally inviting friends, colleagues, and peers to experience what A-PLUS has to offer. By doing so, you will help us bring in fresh ideas and expand our collective impact, creating a welcoming space where new members instantly feel valued and inspired.
All roads lead to Nashville, Tennessee, where our 37th Annual Southern Region Conference will be hosted at the Cambria Hotel Nashville Airport. Our theme, “Reaching Back to Move Forward,” reflects the challenges-turned-opportunities that the founders of this amazing organization endured. Their resilience provided—and continues to provide—limitless possibilities, turning hopes and dreams into reality. Thursday, October 8, will be a travel day. The conference will begin on Friday, October 9, and conclude on Saturday, October 10. Sunday will be a travel day back home, but not before we close out our time together with a powerful praise and worship service. Reserve your room now, and keep an eye out for the complete registration packet coming soon.
Southern Region, I want us to Reach Back and get revitalized. I want us to Reach Back and reunite with former members, bringing them back into active engagement. I want us to Reach Back and bring in new members who will become the lifeline and lifeblood of A-PLUS. Once that Reaching Back is in full motion, I want us to Move Forward like never before.
We do not just need momentum; we need that impetus Greg Gray spoke about a few years back. We need that true impetus—the ultimate driving force, energy, and motivation—that will keep A-PLUS moving and thriving for many years ahead. With our 1/2 Price Membership Drive coming up in July and August, I am challenging every single member to Reach Back and move at least one returning or new member forward. We can do this, Southern Region!
Thank you for your continued dedication, your trust, and your passion. I am incredibly excited to work alongside each of you to grow our numbers, deepen our engagement, and achieve remarkable milestones together over the next two years.
Warmest regards,
Betty Collins
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SOUTHERN REGION EXECUTIVE BOARD
Betty Collins, A-PLUS Southern Region President
Tina Foster, A-PLUS Southern Region Vice President
Frederick Johnson, A-PLUS Southern Region Director
Abigail Jones, A-PLUS Southern Region Secretary
Luretha Slaton, A-PLUS Southern Region Treasurer
Belinda Keller-Simms, A-PLUS Southern Region Sergeant at Arms
Barbara Dillard, A-PLUS Southern Region Parliamentarian
Antionette Lewis, A-PLUS Southern Region Vice President of Retirees
2022-2024 Chapter Presidents
James Hill (Atlanta)
Brittany Jackson (Florida Coastal)
James Jones (Houston)
Deidra Doyle (Mississippi)
Celestine Jackson (New Orleans)
Jaquan Carter (Monroe)
Brenda Bell (Montgomery)
Antionette Lewis (Nashville)
Trenna Moore (Memphis)
Keith Collier (Tampa)
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