Board of Directors
2026 Officers
Dr. Cade Armstrong DVM – Medical Director MVA | Board President
Dr. Cade Armstrong—known around Service Dogs Alabama as “Dr. A”—is a veterinarian and the Medical Director of Montgomery Veterinary Associates. He also serves as the veterinarian for Service Dogs Alabama, providing medical care and surgical services for the organization’s dogs throughout their training and placement journey. In addition to his professional work, Cade is active in the Montgomery community, serving on several local boards and in leadership roles at his church. He is honored to serve as Board President and support the life-changing work of Service Dogs Alabama.
Brooke Bishop
Brooke is a community volunteer and civic leader in Montgomery. She is actively involved with local schools and nonprofit organizations and is known for bringing people together in support of initiatives that strengthen the community. Brooke previously served as a volunteer puppy raiser for Service Dogs Alabama, helping prepare future service dogs for their important work. She is proud to continue supporting the organization’s mission as a member of the board.
Preston Cauthen | Board Vice President
Preston serves in Governmental Affairs for Alabama Power, where he works with state and community leaders on issues impacting the company and the communities it serves. He is active in the Montgomery community and is known for building strong relationships and supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference. Preston is proud to serve as Vice President of the board of Service Dogs Alabama and help advance its mission of improving lives through highly trained service dogs.
Dr. Alan Hackel
Dr. Hackel is a retired professor from Auburn University at Montgomery. He and his wife have long been involved in working with therapy dogs and have supported organizations that promote the human–animal bond. Alan has been involved with Service Dogs Alabama for many years and brings valuable experience and perspective to the board. He is proud to support the organization’s mission of improving lives through highly trained service dogs.
Caryn Hughes
Caryn Hughes is the ServisFirst Chief Credit Officer for Central and South Alabama, bringing extensive leadership and financial expertise to her role. A past president of the local Chamber of Commerce, she has long been active in supporting initiatives that strengthen the Montgomery business and nonprofit communities. Caryn is an enthusiastic supporter of Service Dogs Alabama and a lifelong dog lover, and she is already actively engaged in helping the organization strengthen donor relationships and grow its impact.
Heather McConnell | Board Secretary
Heather McConnell is an active community volunteer and longtime supporter of charitable organizations in Montgomery. She enjoys bringing people together in support of causes she cares deeply about and has been involved with a number of community initiatives over the years. In addition to her service as Board Secretary, Heather regularly volunteers with Service Dogs Alabama, helping care for and support the organization’s dogs in training. She is proud to support the life-changing work of Service Dogs Alabama.
Guice “JR” Slawson, Jr.
JR is part of the team at Southeast Forest Products in Montgomery and has spent many years working in the family’s forestry business. A graduate of the University of Alabama, he served in the U.S. Navy before returning home to continue the family’s long tradition of business and community leadership in Alabama. J.R. has long been involved in supporting community and civic organizations across the region. He is proud to support Service Dogs Alabama and the life- changing work taking place on the Slawson Campus.
Colonel Jeffery Tuggle, USMC (Ret.) | Board Treasurer
Jeffery retired from the United States Marine Corps after a distinguished career as an infantry officer and combat commander. Originally from Alabama, he returned home following his military retirement and remains deeply involved in serving his community, including volunteering as a firefighter and supporting veteran-focused organizations. Jeffery serves as Treasurer of Service Dogs Alabama and chairs the board’s governance committee, where he helps ensure the organization operates with the same discipline, accountability, and commitment to mission that shaped his years in the Marine Corps, always faithful to the work and the people it serves.
Sommer Vaughn
Sommer is a partner at Swatek, Vaughn & Bryan, where she provides strategic counsel and government affairs advocacy for organizations across Alabama. She brings significant experience working with state leaders and navigating the legislative process to Service Dogs Alabama, helping the organization strengthen key relationships, expand its visibility, and position its mission for continued growth across the state. An enthusiastic new member of the board, Sommer is excited to help advance the reach and impact of Service Dogs Alabama.