Gomez Named 2022 United Way Of West Alabama Campaign Chair

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa County business owner, philanthropist and restauranteur Jheovanny Gomez have been named the 2022 United Way of West Alabama (UWWA) campaign chair.

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UWWA said on Thursday that the campaign chair is tasked with setting the annual campaign goal, in addition to helping identify new funding sources and building relationships with community leaders and corporate donors to garner financial support for UWWA’s 26 partner agencies across the area.

UWWA President and CEO Jackie Wuska said Gomez represents an outstanding example of giving back to the community, as the campaign will raise funds to support services that reach a quarter of the population in the area.

“Jheovanny is always looking for ways he can make a difference. Just last week he was instrumental in a service industry bill that passed in our state and was signed into law by Governor Ivey," she said, referring to the recent bill that lowered the age of alcohol servers in restaurants from 19 to 18. "When he sees a need or a way to make things better, he makes it happen.”

Gomez — a native of Columbia — first moved to Tuscaloosa in May 1999 to study English at the ELI (English Language Institute) at the University of Alabama. He would go on to become one of the most respected business leaders in all of Alabama after opening the very first first Jalapeños Mexican Grill in downtown Tuscaloosa in 2001. He would then be he offered the opportunity to become a co-owner, which grew into Jalapeños presently having three locations in Tuscaloosa and Northport.

Monique Scott, UWWA campaign director, said Gomez leads by action and there is much excitement around what he will bring to the table as campaign chair.

“He always brings a positive energy wherever he goes, and you know his heart is in the right place, which makes it impossible for people to say no to him," she said. "His generous spirit is contagious.”

2022-23 UWWA Campaign Cabinet

Jheovanny Gomez — Jalapeños Mexican Grill

Bert Sims — Way, Ray, Shelton, & Co.

Bobby Bragg — JamisonMoneyFarmer, P.C.

Brenda Ryan — Community Volunteer

Brian Groeschell — SmartBank

Bryan Winter — Winter McFarland, LLC.

Caroline Strawbridge — University of Alabama

Channing Marlowe — Shelton State Community College

Chris Gunter — Buffalo Rock

Daniel Bradshaw — Tuscaloosa Association of Realtors

David Olive — Mercedes-Benz U.S. International

Deidra Diaz — University of Alabama

Dr. Amy Jones — University of West Alabama

Dr. Chester Boston, Jr. —Community Volunteer

Dr. Derrick Gilmore — Stillman College

Dr. Kristin Reed — University General Dentistry

Dr. Paul Diaz — Riverview Dental Designs

Glenda Webb — City of Northport

Harrison Taylor — Community Volunteer

Joseph Marchant — Bibb County Medical Center

Ken Gaddy — Community Volunteer

Kip Tyner — City of Tuscaloosa

Lee Henderson — Self-Employed

Lydia Avant — Tuscaloosa City Schools

Martin Colvin — BankFirst

Mary Bess Paluzzi — Community Volunteer

Max Karrh —Bryant Bank

Michele Coley — Michele Coley Allstate

Mollie Rowe — Eutaw Housing Authority

Nikki Ray — Eat My Beats

Patrick Hamner — Bryant Bank

Rhett Cooper — Peoples Bank of Greensboro

Ryan Stallings — Alabama ONE Credit Union

Sandra Hall Ray — Community Volunteer

Shelley Jones — Community Volunteer

Stacey Ashe — Robertson Banking Company

Tanya Winstead — The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

Terri Brewer — Tuscaloosa County Schools

Tripp Powell — Self-Employed

Whitni Molden — Hotel Capstone

Zach Wolfe — Tuscaloosa County

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