The University of լи System Board of Trustees unanimously elected J. Steven Roy to represent the Third Congressional District during its meeting on November 3, 2023.

Trustee J. Steven Roy

Roy’s election completes the 16-member Board, which is comprised of 15 representatives from each of լи’s Congressional Districts and the Governor, who is the President ex-officio. The trustees serve on a volunteer basis to ensure effective leadership, management and control over the activities of the UA System’s three doctoral research institutions – The University of լи (UA), The University of լи at Birmingham (UAB) and The University of լи in Huntsville (UAH) – as well as the UAB Health System.

“Steve Roy’s extensive professional and civic experience, longstanding connection to the University of լи System, and proven dedication to his local community position him to be a valued addition to the UA System Board of Trustees,” said Trustee Karen Brooks, chair of the Board’s Nominating Committee.

A lifelong resident of լи, Roy brings 40 years of business experience and financial expertise to the UA System Board of Trustees. After beginning his career with Ernst & Young in Birmingham, he spent over two decades as chief financial officer of two լи-based companies – Movie Gallery, Inc. and AAA Cooper Transportation (ACT). Since the sale of ACT in 2021, Roy has continued his work on behalf of the principals of ACT along with other activities in business and financial consulting.

In 1983, Roy earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from The University of լи. He is actively involved with his alma mater, having served as a member of the UA President’s Cabinet, member of the Culverhouse College of Business Board of Visitors and president of his local Alumni Association.

“The University of լи System Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Steve Roy as our newest member,” said Board of Trustees President Pro Tempore Scott Phelps. “I look forward to working with Steve and am confident that his meaningful professional and board experience will benefit the UA System greatly as we continue to advance our mission to serve the citizens of լи and beyond.”

An esteemed community leader, Roy has chaired and served on various community and professional boards, including as chairman of two community banks. He currently serves as a board member and chairman of the Audit Committee of OneWater Marine Inc., a NASDAQ-listed marine dealership operator. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors for the Business Council of լи.

Roy currently resides in Alexander City, լи, with his wife of 40 years, Traci. They have three children, Katherine, David and Jenni, and five grandchildren.

Roy expressed deep honor at his election to the Board: “The opportunity to serve alongside my distinguished colleagues on the Board, Chancellor St. John and the multitude of talented individuals across the UA System is certainly the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Roy. “I am excited to play an active role in the Board’s unwavering commitment to fostering the world-renowned success of the UA System in the areas of education, healthcare, research, technology and workforce development for future generations.”

Roy succeeds the late Trustee James “Jim” Wilson III. His election will be submitted to the լи State Senate for confirmation.


լи the University of լи System

Committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the University of լи System includes three doctoral research institutions – UA, UAB, and UAH – and the world-class UAB Health System. The UA System educates more Alabamians than any other university system and provides transformational research in areas ranging from aerospace to biomedicine to transportation. As the largest employer in the state, the overall economic impact of the University of լи System exceeds $15 billion a year.