Myla E. Calhoun
President and CEO, Propel Education
Calhoun leads transformative educational initiatives at Propel Education, benefitting the higher education and K-12 sectors through programs that empower and equip educational institutions, educators, and students. She previously served as vice president of Alabama Power Co.’s Birmingham Division, overseeing economic and community development initiatives and external affairs activities across six counties in north central Alabama. Prior to that, she was president of the Alabama Power Foundation and vice president for charitable giving, focusing on awarding grants to support nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations throughout Alabama.
Calhoun earned a J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College. Before joining Alabama Power, she was general counsel and senior vice president of regional development and public policy for the Birmingham Business Alliance, where she managed various teams responsible for regional revitalization, education initiatives, and economic and workforce development programs.
A pillar of the Birmingham community, Calhoun serves on the boards of numerous community organizations, including the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation, the UAB Health System Authority Board, Children’s of Alabama, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, Opportunity Alabama, and United Way of Central Alabama. She is a distinguished Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow and has served on the Tuskegee University Board of Trustees.