Candidate

Personal Experience

The youngest of four brothers, I moved to Sheffield in 1985. My father, The Rev. Charles E. Van Devender, Jr., served as the minister of First Presbyterian Church Sheffield, while my mother, Lynda W. Van Devender, dedicated her career to shaping young minds as a teacher in the Sheffield City School system. Later, she would also teach the Adult Basic Ed courses (GED) at Northwest Shoals Community College.

I graduated from Sheffield High School in 1988 and enlisted in the United States Army as an Infantryman, serving as an M-60 gunner from 1988 to 1992. My military service took me across the world, from Ft. Ord, California, to Camp Howze, South Korea, and Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. I deployed to Operation Just Cause in Panama, taking part in the mission to capture Manuel Noriega earning the Combat Infantryman Badge. Additionally, I served three tours along the Korean Demilitarized Zone, with two of those assignments placing me in the Joint Security Area (Panmunjom) as an Army Attaché.

After my time in the military, I returned to Alabama and built a career in technology, business development, sales and marketing always keeping my roots in Sheffield. I’m an avid outdoorsman, spending several days a month from September through March in the woods. I also have a passion for disc golf and currently serve as a board member of the Singing River Disc Golf League, working to grow and promote the sport in our region.

I’ve been married for 20 years to my wife, Elizabeth, a talented graphic designer and marketing specialist currently working in the agricultural industry. Additional to my two grown and married children, our son, Emerson, will be a senior at Sheffield High School for the 2025-2026 school year. Together, we also now have the joy of being grandparents. Our family remains deeply connected to the Shoals, reinforcing my dedication to making Sheffield a place where families and businesses can thrive.

Professional Experience

Owner / Business Process Consultant & Digital Developer
What?Now Interactive | 2001 – Present

• Developed and implemented advanced systems automation solutions to streamline complex data flows and processes, delivering increased efficiency and cost savings for clients.
• Successfully identified and resolved bottlenecks across various industries, including technology and public services, with a focus on enhancing accessibility and functionality for end-users.
• Provided ongoing consultation and technical support, adapting solutions to meet evolving business needs and ensuring optimal functionality in high-demand environments.

Outside Sales and Marketing Consultant
Various Clients | 2003 – 2019

• Provided strategic marketing and business development consulting, specializing in the identification of growth opportunities through targeted sales efforts and process improvements.
• Leveraged data analytics and process mapping to maximize resource allocation, improve client acquisition rates, and support business scalability.
• Delivered tailored sales strategies, resulting in increased brand visibility and customer loyalty across diverse market sectors.

Organizations & Memberships

I am actively involved in several organizations dedicated to serving Sheffield and the greater Shoals community. As a board member of both the **Kiwanis Club of Sheffield** and the **Sheffield Education Foundation**, I work to support local youth programs, education initiatives, and community service efforts. I am also a proud sponsor of the **100 Club of the Shoals**, which provides financial assistance to families of first responders who are injured or killed in the line of duty. My passion for growing recreational opportunities in our area led me to serve as an **ambassador for the Singing River Disc Golf League**, promoting the sport and helping develop new courses. Additionally, I previously served as **President of the Sheffield Touchdown Club**, supporting our local high school football team and ensuring our athletes have the resources they need to succeed. These roles reflect my deep commitment to improving Sheffield and strengthening the bonds of our community.

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