Faces of Mountain Brook: Margaret Porter

Margaret Porter’s list of accomplishments in Mountain Brook could fill an entire book. Although many people know her as the first female mayor of the city, taking office in 1996, her resume extends far beyond just that title.

After developing the Crestline Tot Lot at age 27, Porter served as vice chairman of the Steering Committee that developed the Athletic Complex at the High School. She was a Park Board member for nine years, and as Park Board Chairman she advocated for the establishment of the park and recreation department for the city.

Porter served on City Council from 1984-1996 and was the Council liaison to the Board of Education those years. She was elected mayor after her stint as city council pro tem and city council president.

“I loved my years of service to the City of Mountain Brook because I am a community builder at heart,” Porter said. “It gives me great pleasure to build public-private partnerships and to network individuals who have the knowledge, skills and passion to enhance the quality of life in our community. We are blessed with many strong institutions and programs in Mountain Brook, and it is the responsibility of our generation to protect and enhance them for future generations.”

Outside of Mountain Brook, Porter has another extensive list of accomplishments, including being chairman of the board of McWane Science Center for five years, during which time $43 million was raised to make it a reality. She has served as president of the Junior League of Birmingham, board chairman of the Literacy Council of Central Alabama, and board chairman of Children’s of Alabama from 2002-2003. She is currently on executive committee for Children’s.

Porter served as co-chair of UAB’s Comprehensive Campaign that raised $389 million from 1999-2003, on the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham for nine years, and on the Russell Corporation Board of Directors for nine years as the chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee. The Mountain Brook native is also a graduate of Leadership Birmingham and Leadership Alabama.