Shipley To Replace Booker As PARA's PR & Marketing Manager

TUSCALOOSA, AL —Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA) on Tuesday announced Heather Shipley as the agency's new public relations and marketing manager, which following the retirement of Becky Booker after 15 years with PARA.

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“It has been my pleasure to serve alongside PARA’s award-winning team and multidisciplinary teams in our community to deliver the very best in park and recreation programs and services,” Booker said. “I firmly believe that a community hoping for greatness must have great parks, recreation, and art for its people. Team PARA is in a positive position with engaging new leadership, and I am confident about the good work that will continue in the future."

Booker said on Tuesday that she plans to stay in Tuscaloosa following her retirement, while spending more time with family and friends, and with her favorite avocations of art, cooking, and traveling.

Shipley, who has been employed at PARA since Nov. 6, is a former full-time instructor of communications at the University of Alabama in the Culverhouse School of Business Department of Management.

As an instructor, Shipley taught upper-level students personal branding and professional communications. She also previously worked as the marketing director for Bryant Bank and served as an ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

“As a Tuscaloosa resident I have long enjoyed the programs, centers, parks and opportunities PARA provides for our children and local community,” Shipley said. “I now look forward to furthering their mission by continuing to foster partnerships and communications with families and businesses throughout Tuscaloosa County. I’ve jumped right in with the Veterans Day Program and 2023 West Alabama Christmas Parade, and I couldn’t be more excited to once again contribute to our community.”

Shipley is married to Alabama ONE Credit Union Controller Brandon Shipley. The couple has two daughters Brinley, 11, and Blakely, 3.

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