Legacy & Leadership

What a humble servant, Mobile, Alabama, has in Sheriff Paul Burch.  You won't want to miss a second of this dynamic conversation with David, a man who truly supports his people, jumps in the field with them, and will fight for them with the facts. Talk about a leader leaving a legacy! Sheriff Paul Burch is a Mobile native and a graduate of B.C. Rain High School. He is married and the proud father of four children. He holds an associate degree in Criminal Justice, a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security, and is a 2014 graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session #258).From 1983 to 1988, Sheriff Burch honorably served in the United States Navy as a Seabee. He began his law enforcement career in 1989 with the Montgomery Police Department and returned home to Mobile in 1990 to join the Mobile Police Department. In 1999, he continued his service to the community by joining the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.Over the course of his thirty-six-year career in law enforcement, Sheriff Burch has served in a variety of roles, including uniformed patrol, general investigations, homicide investigations, and narcotics. His extensive experience reflects a lifelong dedication to serving the citizens of Mobile County with professionalism, integrity, and respect.Before his election as Sheriff of Mobile County in November 2022, Sheriff Burch served in every rank within the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, from Patrol Deputy to Chief Deputy, making him the only sheriff in the agency’s history to have held every rank prior to being elected. This distinction underscores his deep understanding of every facet of the department. He was formally sworn in as Sheriff in January 2023.Sheriff Burch remains actively involved in the community and currently serves on the Child Advocacy Center Board, the Penelope House Board, and the Legislative Committee for the Alabama Sheriffs Association.

In this episode of Legacy and Leadership, David McKeen sits down with Dr. Charles Smith, President of the University of Mobile, for a powerful conversation on calling, courage, and what it really means to lead.Dr. Smith shares his journey from a middle-class upbringing in Montgomery, Alabama, to serving in key leadership roles in theological education and ultimately stepping into his current role as university president. Along the way, he opens up about a surprising truth. He did not always see himself as a leader.Together, David and Dr. Smith explore how leadership is often developed later than we expect and why insecurity and humility can actually shape healthy leaders. They also discuss how fear is not something to avoid, but something to move through. Dr. Smith offers a compelling perspective that leadership is not reserved for a select few, but is a calling for everyone, expressed in different ways across family, community, and career.This episode is a timely encouragement for anyone who feels hesitant to step into leadership. If you have ever doubted your ability to lead, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to take the next faithful step.This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Be sure to tune in for Part 2 coming soon.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Lee Lawson, President and CEO of the Baldwin Alliance, we go deeper into the mindset behind perseverance, doubt, and long-term vision.Lee opens up about growing up in a single-parent household, embracing the underdog mentality, and how that competitive fire carried him through a decade-long pursuit of a transformational economic development win. For 10 years, he faced public skepticism, internal pressure, and repeated “almost” moments—before landing one of the largest investments in Alabama history: a $5 billion project bringing 1,000 jobs at wages well above the county average.In this episode, we explore:• How to handle doubt when the spotlight is on you• What it’s like to chase a 10-year vision while critics question it• The emotional reality of finishing second—again and again• Why big goals require public commitment and private resilience• How success builds momentum for even greater opportunitiesLee also shares what it’s been like to have a front-row seat to explosive growth in Baldwin County—and the responsibility that comes with shaping a community where his own family lives, works, and goes to school.This episode is about staying the course when quitting would be easier—and what happens when perseverance finally pays off.If you care about leadership, growth, and building something that lasts, this conversation will stay with you.

In Part 1 of this episode, we’re joined by Lee Lawson, President and CEO of the Baldwin Alliance, who has led economic development efforts in one of the fastest-growing counties in the country since 2012.From state championship basketball to leading major corporate recruitment and workforce strategy in Baldwin County, Lee shares how competition, coaching, and adversity shaped his leadership style. A pivotal moment in college—when his coach told him, “You’re going to do a lot of good things in life. Basketball’s not one of them.”—redirected his path and ultimately launched a 22-year career in economic development.In this conversation, we cover:• How sports shaped his approach to leadership and teamwork• The importance of knowing your role—and helping others know theirs• How to have hard conversations with stakeholders• Why finishing second can fuel long-term success• The decade-long perseverance behind transformative economic winsThis episode is packed with practical leadership insights, real-world stories, and lessons on winning the long game.Be sure to subscribe and join us for Part 2—you won’t want to miss it.

Join David as he continues his conversation with Keith Glines, the Director of Hatch, who champions innovation across life sciences, emerging technologies, and creative ventures. With 20+ years in technology development and publishing—most notably in medical software—Keith brings deep expertise in building tools that improve lives. He founded and led his own company before stepping into the world of startups, where he has since guided tech teams through scaling, product development, and go-to-market growth. At Hatch, Keith combines his entrepreneurial experience with a passion for ecosystem building, helping founders, researchers, and creatives turn bold ideas into thriving ventures.

Join David as he enjoys a deep conversation with Keith Glines, the Director of Hatch, where he champions innovation across life sciences, emerging technologies, and creative ventures. With 20+ years in technology development and publishing—most notably in medical software—Keith brings deep expertise in building tools that improve lives. He founded and led his own company before stepping into the world of startups, where he has since guided tech teams through scaling, product development, and go-to-market growth. At Hatch, Keith combines his entrepreneurial experience with a passion for ecosystem building, helping founders, researchers, and creatives turn bold ideas into thriving ventures.