MEET DOROTHY HAVENS

Dorothy has more than 35 years of progressive experience in sales, company management, advertising, marketing, event planning, human resources, operations and financial management. Havens has led organizations through start-up, survival, turnaround and growth modes as a business owner and running locally owned companies, corporations and non-profits.

 

In August 2015, she answered God’s call to make a difference for kids as the Director of Workforce Development for KTECH, joining Lee Marshall and the Kids to Love Foundation. KTECH is a workforce training initiative of the Kids to Love Foundation. The training provided by KTECH helps the under served population attain the necessary skills in Mechatronics. These skills are used in the advanced manufacturing industry.

 

Dorothy was the co-founder and owner of Tech Stars Inc., which opened in Madison, AL in 2012. She served as President and General Manager of this start-up new local business, which she created as a one-of-a-kind concept of computer retail, repair, and recycling for a greener planet. She developed the business plan, branding and financial direction. Providing minimal investment with partner, Tech Stars showed a profit after one year. In December 2015, she sold the business to pursue her dream of making a difference for young people.

 

Havens’ experience in manufacturing came when she held the position of Chief Operating Officer for US Diagnostics, a Huntsville, Alabamabased company. She directed the overall strategic and financial direction of the company, which is a worldwide provider of on-site drug screens and one of the largest privately owned distributors in the country. Recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in America for years 2008, 2010 and 2011.

 

Havens held the position as Executive Director of the Alabama Constitution Village Foundation, a 501C-3 organization, where she led the organization in raising funds to support the Early Works Museum Complex. Through implementing four financially successful community events annually, in nine years she generated over $4.3 million in gross revenue. She joined the Foundation in 2001 after 18 years at WAFF Television. 

 

Havens joined WAFF Television, an NBC affiliate, in 1983. Among her significant positions, Havens served as the Vice-President and General Manager, General Sales Manager, Local Sales Manager and Account Executive. During her time at WAFF, Havens increased revenue 78 percent, garnered top revenue market share of five stations in 1999 and 2000, spearheaded the directives for an award-winning news operation and managed a $6.8 million operational budget.

 

Havens, a community leader, has served as the President of the Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville and was recognized as Rotarian of the Year in 1996. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Christian Women’s Job Corps, the Crestwood Medical Center Women’s Advisory Council, WEDC, and the Women’s Business Council. She is a small group leader and involved with a startup women’s ministry at Ford’s Chapel. Havens is a graduate of the Leadership Huntsville/Madison County Class 16. 

 

A native of Huntsville, AL., Havens earned a B.A. degree from Auburn University. She is married to her best friend, Calvin, with two grown sons, Nicholas and Caleb, and one daughter-in-law, Bethany. She enjoys traveling, reading and jogging with her golden retriever, Sophie.