Huntsville, Alabama, February 13, 2026
David King has officially joined the Huntsville Advisory Board of Horizon Bank, bringing nearly four decades of experience in leadership and strategic oversight. This appointment highlights the commitment of the private sector to Huntsville’s economic development and community engagement. As the city continues to grow, King’s leadership role will enhance local financial strategies while supporting business initiatives vital for sustained economic growth. The advisory board aims to strengthen community partnerships, ensuring that Huntsville remains a prominent hub for innovation and development.
Huntsville Welcomes David King to Horizon Bank’s Advisory Board
A seasoned professional joins local leadership, highlighting private sector commitment to Huntsville’s economic vitality and community engagement.
Huntsville, Alabama, a city renowned for its robust economic expansion and innovative spirit, continues to attract top-tier talent and foster environments conducive to growth. The recent announcement of David King joining the Huntsville Advisory Board of Horizon Bank underscores the city’s appeal and the private sector’s dedication to its ongoing prosperity. Such appointments reflect a strategic alignment between experienced leadership and local financial institutions, aiming to further propel Huntsville’s dynamic economic landscape. The city’s economic success, with significant growth in job creation and private investment, is a testament to the collaborative efforts of its entrepreneurs and a business-friendly climate.
The addition of accomplished individuals to key advisory roles is a positive indicator for Huntsville AL business development. It emphasizes a belief in the power of local insight and strategic guidance to navigate economic opportunities and challenges. This commitment to leveraging expert knowledge in financial services is crucial for supporting the diverse needs of Huntsville small business owners and larger enterprises alike, contributing to sustained Huntsville economic growth.
A Distinguished Addition to Horizon Bank’s Advisory Board
On February 12, 2026, First Horizon Bank announced that David King has joined its Huntsville Advisory Board. This new board is specifically designed to bolster strategic planning, foster business development, and deepen community involvement throughout Huntsville and the broader North Alabama market. King brings a wealth of experience, spanning nearly four decades in senior operating roles, encompassing corporate governance, strategic oversight, risk management, and executive leadership.
His extensive background includes serving as Chairman of the Board of Applied Aerospace & Defense, as well as being a board member, advisor, and consultant to numerous companies and organizations across the aerospace, defense, innovation, and engineering sectors. Notably, King previously held positions as President of the Dynetics Group at Leidos and CEO of Dynetics, where he spearheaded significant growth, culminating in its acquisition by Leidos. Earlier in his career, King dedicated 25 years to NASA, retiring as Center Director of the Marshall Space Flight Center, and is a former Space Shuttle Launch Director. He is an AIAA Fellow and has received numerous national honors for his leadership and service, including the National Space Trophy for his leadership following the Columbia Accident. King holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in business administration.
The Purpose and Impact of Advisory Boards
Advisory boards, such as the one at Horizon Bank in Huntsville, play a pivotal role in guiding financial institutions. They serve as an invaluable resource by uniting respected local leaders who collaborate to advance the city’s business environment and strengthen community partnerships. These boards offer strategic input, fresh insights, and unbiased advice, helping to refine strategies and challenge assumptions without holding direct fiduciary responsibilities. This consultative role allows experienced professionals to influence a company’s direction and strategy without the direct responsibility and liability associated with formal board decisions.
The Huntsville Advisory Board for First Horizon Bank is chaired by Ginger Harper, a veteran banking executive recognized for her philanthropic and community efforts, with Eric Sanders, Executive Vice President and Huntsville Market President, serving as an Executive Board Member. The initial board members were announced on October 15, 2025, with plans to continue adding members in 2026 and beyond to ensure broad and diverse representation.
Horizon Bank’s Commitment to the Huntsville Community
First Horizon Bank’s establishment of the Huntsville Advisory Board is part of its broader commitment to community engagement and strategic investment in the regions it serves. Financial institutions play a critical role in local economies by providing capital and financial services essential for businesses to thrive. Horizon Bank has actively supported the local community, for instance, by presenting the Huntsville Museum of Art’s 2024 exhibition, “Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass”.
Beyond specific sponsorships, banks like First Horizon demonstrate their commitment through community development loans and investments, as well as associate volunteer programs. In 2023, First Horizon associates provided approximately 27,000 hours of volunteer service, and the First Horizon Foundation awarded $1.6 million in grants to 160 nonprofits across its footprint. This dedication highlights the significant impact private financial institutions can have on fostering local well-being and economic opportunity. Horizon Bank is committed to strengthening communities by encouraging associates to invest time, talent, and professional expertise in nonprofit organizations.
Huntsville’s Enduring Economic Momentum
Huntsville’s trajectory as a hub for innovation and economic growth remains strong, making it an attractive location for both established businesses and new ventures. The city has experienced unprecedented economic growth, with the state reporting a total capital investment of $14.6 billion across 234 projects, creating nearly 9,400 new job opportunities in 2025. This includes a notable $6 billion investment by Eli Lilly in a pharmaceutical facility in Huntsville. Huntsville’s dynamic job market, affordable housing, and tech-forward economy consistently rank it among the most attractive destinations nationwide. The city’s population grew over 2% from 2019 to 2020, one of the highest growth rates in the country. By July 1, 2025, Huntsville’s population rose to an estimated 249,102, a 15.9% surge since the 2020 Census, making it one of the top 20 fastest-growing U.S. cities with populations over 100,000.
This expansion is not merely rapid, but also strategic, characterized by intentional growth and forward-looking infrastructure investments. The presence of entities like Cummings Research Park, the second-largest research park in the U.S. with over 320 companies, and operations of 47 Fortune 500 companies underscore Huntsville’s robust economic ecosystem. The entrepreneurial spirit of Alabama AL entrepreneurs and the resilience of Huntsville small business owners are central to this success, supported by an environment that encourages innovation and private investment with limited regulation.
Fostering a Future of Achievement and Growth
The integration of experienced leaders like David King into the local financial advisory landscape is a critical element in sustaining Huntsville’s positive economic trajectory. By providing strategic counsel and fostering deeper connections within the community, such individuals help ensure that financial institutions remain responsive to the needs of a growing and evolving market. This collaborative approach, combining private sector expertise with local community insights, is instrumental in reinforcing Huntsville’s position as a leading center for innovation and economic opportunity.
As Huntsville continues to solidify its role as a key driver of economic prosperity, the contributions of local leaders and financial institutions are more important than ever. Engaging with and supporting Huntsville AL business initiatives and understanding the role of private investment are essential for all residents to contribute to the city’s vibrant future. Stay informed about local business developments and support institutions that invest in our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of Horizon Bank’s Huntsville Advisory Board?
- The Huntsville Advisory Board of First Horizon Bank is designed to support strategic planning, business development, and deepen community involvement throughout Huntsville and the North Alabama market.
- Who recently joined Horizon Bank’s Huntsville Advisory Board?
- David King joined the Huntsville Advisory Board of Horizon Bank on February 12, 2026.
- What is David King’s professional background?
- David King has nearly four decades of experience in senior operating roles, encompassing corporate governance, strategic oversight, risk management, and executive leadership. He is the Chairman of the Board of Applied Aerospace & Defense, and previously served as President of the Dynetics Group at Leidos and CEO of Dynetics. He also spent 25 years with NASA, retiring as Center Director of the Marshall Space Flight Center, and is a former Space Shuttle Launch Director.
- What is Huntsville’s current economic growth status?
- Huntsville has experienced unprecedented economic growth, with the state reporting a total capital investment of $14.6 billion across 234 projects, creating nearly 9,400 new job opportunities in 2025. Huntsville’s population grew over 2% from 2019 to 2020, one of the highest growth rates in the country, fueled by companies adding new jobs and opportunities to the local community.
- How does Horizon Bank engage with the Huntsville community?
- First Horizon Bank is committed to community engagement and strategic investment. They actively support local initiatives, such as presenting the Huntsville Museum of Art’s 2024 exhibition, “Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass.” Horizon Bank also encourages associates to invest their time, talent, and professional expertise in nonprofit organizations, and the First Horizon Foundation has awarded grants to nonprofits.
Key Features: David King Joining Horizon Bank’s Huntsville Advisory Board
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Appointment | David King joined the Huntsville Advisory Board of Horizon Bank. |
| Appointment Date | February 12, 2026. |
| Announcing Entity | First Horizon Bank. |
| Board Purpose | To support strategic planning, business development, and deepen community involvement throughout Huntsville and the North Alabama market. |
| David King’s Experience | Nearly four decades in senior operating roles, including corporate governance, strategic oversight, risk management, executive leadership, Chairman of Applied Aerospace & Defense, former CEO of Dynetics, and former Center Director of NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. |
| Huntsville Economic Context | Unprecedented economic growth, $14.6 billion capital investment, 9,400 new jobs in 2025, and a growing population. |
| Bank’s Community Involvement | Presents Huntsville Museum of Art’s 2024 exhibition; committed to community development loans, investments, and associate volunteer programs; First Horizon Foundation awarded $1.6 million in grants in 2024. |
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Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
