Porter, Welden inducted into state Academy of Honor

Mountain Brook residents Margaret Porter and Edgar Welden were named to the Alabama Academy of Honor on Oct. 27.

Since 1965 the academy has “honored living Alabamians who have made a significant contribution to the life and times of the state and nation.”

The other four inductees this year were University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban, Apple CEO Tim Cook University of Alabama President Judy Bonner, Big Oak Ranch founder John Croyle, biotech leader Jim Hudson Jr. and U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions.

Porter served as the first female mayor of Mountain Brook, taking office in 1996.

At age 27, she developed the Crestline Tot Lot, and later she 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 before becoming mayor.

Welden and his brother, Charles, grew their property management, mortgage and real estate business into WeldenField in Birmingham. Both have retired and left the business in the hands of their sons.

In 1987, he volunteered for the Alabama Development office under Governor Guy Hunt, and in 1988-89, he was chairman of the Alabama Reunion, a two-year celebration promoting Alabama tourism, heritage and economic development. He is also the former state chairman of the Alabama Republican Party and for 12 years served as one of two state representatives on the Republican National Committee.

Welden has also written books, including Time Out: A Sport’s Fan’s Dream, which documents the year in which he attended 200 sporting events.