United Bank announced Tuesday, February 21, that Danny Cottrell joined its Board of Directors. The Brewton business owner and community leader begins his term on the bank’s governing body following service as a member of United Bank’s Escambia County Advisory Board.
“We are very pleased to have Danny join our board.” said Bob Jones, United Bank President and CEO. “His commitment to community service as well as his success in business make him eminently qualified as a bank director. Danny’s business interests fit nicely with our bank’s service area and growth plans. With our recent expansion into Brewton, Danny’s hometown, we welcome his guidance in this growth market.”
“United Bank is excited to have Danny Cottrell join our board,” said David Swift, Chairman of the Board for United Bank and of United Bancorporation of Alabama, Inc. & CEO of Swift Supply Inc. “Mr. Cottrell’s extensive business experience and longtime community involvement will be of tremendous benefit. United Bank places great value on having board members with these attributes from the various geographic markets we serve. I welcome and look forward to working with Mr. Cottrell.”
A native of St. Marys, Georgia, Cottrell moved to Brewton at the age of 2. He began his 45-year career at age 15, working for Medical Center Pharmacy in Brewton as a Pharmacy Technician. At the young age of 27, he purchased his first pharmacy. Cottrell is co-owner of Medical Center Pharmacy, with locations in Brewton and Flomaton. In addition, Cottrell is co-owner of Buy Rite Drugs in Atmore and 15 other local pharmacies.
Cottrell’s economic and community development efforts span multiple industries including healthcare, education and banking. His accomplishments include current membership in the National Community Pharmacy Association with past commitments as president of the Alabama Pharmacy Association, member of Medicaid Advisory Board, and board member for Brewton City Schools. In 2006, Cottrell was named Brewton Citizen of the Year.
Cottrell’s leadership to his community is unmistakable. In 2009, Cottrell was recognized by the National Community Pharmacists Association as the recipient of the NCPA Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacists of the Year recognizing his exemplary leadership and commitment to both independent pharmacy and his community. One significant part of the nomination was Cottrell’s unique stimulus plan in the town of Brewton. The stimulus plan included $16,000 worth of $2 bills dispersed throughout his 24 employees. Employees were given two criteria for disbursement: spend the money locally and give 15 percent back to someone in need or donate to a charity.
“As a small business owner and independent pharmacist, I understand the importance of spending locally.” Cottrell said. “It was fulfilling to see the $2 bills circulating in the community; many business owners and citizens saved the bills they received from patrons and used them to pay for prescriptions at our pharmacy. We have been very fortunate to develop numerous partnerships that have allowed us to continue to survive in the current healthcare industry. This idea was a small way to help my employees by showing my commitment to them and our local economy.”
Cottrell’s philanthropy continues through his service to the community specifically at Brewton Elementary School where he created a program “Brewton Elementary and Me” or BEAM. For more than 27 years Cottrell has sponsored BEAM by reinforcing good conduct with prizes for good behavior every 9 weeks.
Cottrell said as the bank’s newest board member, he is looking forward to helping United Bank grow and to also maintaining and developing strategic partnerships.
In addition to his corporate and healthcare endeavors, Cottrell is an active member of First Baptist Church of Brewton where he serves as Deacon. He is also a member of the Brewton Kiwanis Club.
Cottrell is married to the former Karen Bracken of Brewton. They have a son, Tim, 34 and three grandchildren Hannah, 9, Libby, 6, and Jack, 2.