Birmingham Board
Meet our Birmingham Board Members:
Carlton B. Rushin
Pictured: Carlton Rushin (left) & family.
Carlton is a lifelong resident of Birmingham, a dedicated community servant, respected business owner, and natural leader. He is known not only for his commitment to service, but also for being a wonderful person whose compassion and integrity inspire those around him.
His involvement in the pro-life movement began in 2001, shortly after he and his wife, Kristin, became foster parents. Together, they cared for numerous foster children and ultimately adopted their two children, Caleb and Grace.
Carlton has been actively involved with CEC for Life, volunteering alongside longtime Birmingham pro-life advocate Fr. Terry Gensemer, and has participated in numerous pro-life initiatives over the years. His commitment to life and service extends to his entire family—Carlton serves as one of our drivers, Grace volunteers as a Client Advocate, and Caleb contributes to the annual fundraiser.
The Rushin family worships at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, a strong supporter of the pro-life mission through Anglicans for Life. Carlton believes Life On Wheels Alabama is one of the most powerful tools available to offer women a first glimpse of the precious life growing within them, to surround them with love, encouragement, and prayer, and to provide support for a healthy pregnancy
David Cost
David and his wife, Dianne, were born and raised in Mississippi. They moved to Birmingham in 1983 on a job transfer
and have lived in the area since then. They have 2 children and 6 grandchildren. David attained a degree in Industrial Engineering from Mississippi State University. His work experience included Wurlitzer Piano Co., Cornwall Corporation, and he retired from United Parcel Service after 29 years.
They have attended Shades Mountain Baptist Church since moving to Birmingham. He teaches a Senior Adult Sunday School class and heads up the carpentry section of the Shades Handy Man ministry.He has served on a Pastor Search prayer committee and Senior Adult Counsel. After driving the churchvan for many years, he drove the Life On Wheels unit in Birmingham for 3 years. David loves the Lordand believes that all life is a gift from God from the very moment of conception and is to be protected.Abortion should only be considered when the life of the mom is in jeopardy. To David, to be involved insaving babies and sharing the Gospel is a great honor and privilege.
Rhett Howell
Rhett Howell, a native of Trussville, Alabama, proudly serves as the President of the Board for Life on Wheels. A graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School, Rhett continued his education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he laid the foundation for a career centered on service and leadership.
Rhett has deep roots in his hometown, having previously worked at First Methodist Church in Trussville. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of Operations Outside Sales at Southern Wire Enterprises, where he brings integrity, dedication, and excellence to his role.
Alongside his loving wife—who once volunteered with Life on Wheels—and their beautiful daughter, Rhett is committed to living out his faith. As a family, they are passionate about serving the Lord and supporting the pro-life mission. His leadership at Life on Wheels reflects his heart for ministry and his unwavering commitment to protecting life and supporting families in need.
Leaman Griffin
Leaman Griffin III was born in Florida and grew up in a small town in Kentucky. Most of his professional career has been centered around Industrial Automation and Robotics Programming. Currently he oversees Hardware Quality testing for a large Consumer Electronics company. He resides in Birmingham, AL with his wife Lindsey of 18 years, and his three children. Growing up in a Christ centered home, Leaman is a believer in Life and the importance of it. He serves in his community through various volunteer roles including 2 seasons as a volunteer high school wrestling coach, children’s ministry at his church, as well as leading Marriage groups and Men’s ministries. He is also a published Author. He is excited to walk alongside Life on Wheels and be able to bring action and enthusiasm towards this impactful mission.
Mary Ann Friday
Mary Ann Friday was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama where her parents pushed her in a stroller every year in pro life marches. She clearly recalls making the March for Life an annual activity throughout the years as she grew through elementary, junior, and high school years. Mary Ann enjoyed inviting girlfriends to tag along and join her family at the rallies that would gather downtown in Brother Bryan Park. Through her parent’s foundational faith, example, love, and passion for the prolife movement, her love for prolife grew into her own deep personal conviction.
She graduated from Auburn University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Upon college graduation she accepted a full-time position as a youth minister back at her home church she grew up in, Briarwood Presbyterian Church serving the middle school girls for over five years. She lives in Hoover and works today in a local dental practice as a dental assistant. She joined Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church in 2022 and loves being involved in her Lifegroup, volunteering at the youth house, singing in choir and occasionally on praise team, and their missions department!
Mary Ann has a deep desire to watch others fall in love with Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and is a big advocate in the power of prayer! Her faith is what fuels her joy and she deeply desires to fall more in love with His Lordship in her life with every breath she takes.
In 2022 she and her father first saw the life on wheels imaging bus. Both she and her dad now are involved in this wonderful ministry!
It is a blessing to serve on the Life on Wheels Board!