Executive Director

Michael Pierce

Michael E. Pierce is a 1991 graduate of Tulane University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. While at Tulane, he excelled as a student athlete becoming Tulane’s All Purpose Yardage Leader and Pre-Season Street & Smith All-American candidate in 1989 after having graduated from Murphy High School in Mobile Alabama as the All-Time Leading Rusher three years earlier. Pierce was invited to join the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent in 1990. Unfortunately, a lingering knee injury caused his retirement before his NFL career could begin.

Michael is the former Executive Director of the MLK Avenue Redevelopment Corporation (MLKARC). His primary responsibility was to develop and implement a comprehensive community and economic redevelopment program in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue community. Since 1993 MLKARC has invested HUD HOME Funds in excess of $14 million to construct 137 new affordable homes benefiting several hundred Low–Moderate Income Mobilians. MLKARC has also invested $3.4 million to develop commercial retail space on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Broad Street. The retail centers were developed to provide area residents convenient access to goods, services and employment opportunities. Renaissance Plaza on Broad Street was a catalyst for the development of a Dollar Tree Store on an adjacent parcel.

Pierce is also active in civic and community affairs. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Mobile Airport Authority and Infirmary Health System, Member of the Whitney New Markets Advisory Board, Former Co-Chair of Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s Transition Team, Past-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Commonwealth National Bank and the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and Past-President of the Rotary Club of Mobile. He serves on the board of the Mobile Arts & Sports Association, was named Senior Bowl Game Captain for 2018-19 and is chairman of the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame Committee. He has also served on the board of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.

Pierce is married to wife, Daphne; they have two sons, Michael, Jr. and Myles, and two pets Simone and Aspen.