TRA Board Member Spotlight: Dylan Carr

Though he grew up in Montgomery, Michael Bird was introduced to Tallassee on family excursions to the Hotel Talisi for Sunday lunch and remembers falling in love with the town’s Mayberry-like charm and laid-back lifestyle. After being offered a job as Southside Middle School Band Director, Michael moved his family to Tallassee and knew he would stay here the rest of his life. His 20 years of service at SMS were followed by 8 years as THS Choral Director, during which time he was heavily involved in the creation and promotion of music education, including the Capital City Classic show choir competition and Tallassee Jazz Festival. In 2024, “Mr. Bird” retired from Tallassee City Schools to become Assistant Professor of Music at Faulkner University in Montgomery. A ready fixture in Tallassee, you have likely encountered Michael in Super Foods (where he has been employed since college), heard his voice as a radio host on WACQ (15 years), or read his weekly column in the Tallassee Tribune (over 20 years). In his free time (!), he has also served our community in various capacities: City Council representative, McCraney Cottle Arts Council member, and now as Tallassee Redevelopment Authority Board member. For many years, Michael has felt we are sitting on a gold mine. Tallassee is halfway between Montgomery and Auburn, close to Lake Martin, and located partly in one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama (Elmore). Our town can boast of a rich history, including being the site of Tukabatchee, capital of the Creek Nation in the 1800s. What Michael feels is Tallassee’s greatest treasure, however, is its picturesque setting on the Tallapoosa River and its two lakes, which have huge potential for recreational development. Michael hopes that his work with the TRA will help promote Tallassee’s assets, highlighting the many retail opportunities available to prospective businesses and drawing visitors from throughout the state and region to our town. Michael and his wife Sena, a professional musician, have seven children and two--soon three!—grandchildren, and are members of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Having lived in Tallassee for over 40 years, Abe Rigsby is deeply rooted in the community he proudly calls home. For the past 21 years, he has served as a Customer Success Manager at Neptune Technology Group, building strong relationships and helping customers succeed. His long-standing commitment to both his profession and his hometown reflects a genuine passion for service and growth. Abe is actively involved in several Tallassee-based organizations, including the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority, Tallassee Kiwanis Club, Tallassee Chamber of Commerce, and Project 4:12 Tallassee. His decision to serve on the TRA Board stems from a lifelong desire to make Tallassee an even better place to live and raise a family. Inspired by the positive momentum in the community, he is especially excited about opportunities to enhance the downtown area and further utilize the Tallapoosa River—one of the city’s greatest treasures. He values Tallassee’s small-town feel and the strong partnership between the school system and the community, which together create a meaningful experience for families. In his spare time, he enjoys supporting his children’s activities and staying active. Abe and his wife, Brooke—who owns Studio B Dance Center—will celebrate 22 years of marriage in June. Together, they have three children: Bryson, Braylon, and Hamilton. In addition to the dance studio, they also own The Corner Room, an event space that serves and supports the Tallassee community.

Auburn University Archives continues its interest in the historic Tallassee Mill as preservation efforts advance at the West Side Mill site and THPS discusses plans.

Support the Tallassee Tigers under the Friday night lights

Leigh Anne Butler, a native of Tallassee and a Tallassee High School graduate, received a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the University of Alabama. While attending college, she was named the top student in Interior Design her senior year and was awarded first place in the American Society of Interior Design state student design competition. She has served on the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce, McCraney-Cottle Arts Council, Tallassee Redevelopment Authority and is an active member of First Methodist Church, Tallassee, where she serves on the Board of Trustees. She and her husband, Michael own and operate Tallassee Times and WTLS radio, the 2025 Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year. WTLS is a former winner of the Alabama Broadcasters Association Station of the Year. Leigh Anne and Michael have three children, Georgia Anne, Jack and Daniel. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, decorating, reading, painting, photography and bird watching.

By Kristina Pendergrass Though he’s only lived in Tallassee for 10 years, Dylan Daniel has already accomplished a great deal to support this town and help foster its economic growth. Originally from Opelika, Dylan found himself seeking spiritual renewal and decided to attend some revival services held by Living Water Worship Center. He quickly fell in love with the congregation and decided to call Tallassee home. He and his wife Haley--a Tallassee native--built upon that idea of revival and renewal, completely renovating a vacant building and turning it into a thriving coffee shop, Restoration 49. Their vision was to create an inviting place for people to hang out and connect, where community-building can take root and flourish. The business has proven so successful, the Daniels have since opened a second location in Wetumpka. But their journey hasn’t been easy. What should have been the most joyful time in any expectant parents’ lives turned to heartache when their son, Samson David, was stillborn at 32 weeks. Through the love of community and the support and strength of their faith, the Daniels resolved to turn their tragedy into hope for others, establishing the Samson Strong Foundation. Along with outpourings of love and prayer, money raised through the Foundation and its annual Samson Strong 5K & Fun Run is used to financially support others in the community who have experienced the loss of a child. Dylan’s business acumen, experience, and drive led to his being asked to serve on the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority’s Board as Vice-Chair. His passion, vision, and love of community led him to accept. He hopes his work with the TRA will see the mill properties and riverfront area developed into a place for Tallassee residents and visitors alike to enjoy. In his spare time, Dylan enjoys restoring old cars behind Restoration 49, and Haley oversees both coffee shops while staying home with their adopted son. They both continue to be active members of Living Water Worship Center.

Explore Tallassee, AL’s Summer 2026 event calendar. Experience performing arts, family programs, and new culinary openings driving our community engine forward.

Tallassee celebrates America 250

Celebrate the US 250th in Tallassee, AL! Join the Red, White, and Blue Fest April 24-25 for the Samson Strong 5K, Ronnie McDowell live, and fireworks. Discover the Source.