Dr. Melanie R. Mitros, PhD joined Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama as Executive Director in January 2026, bringing a deep commitment to improving the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and those who care for them. Her work has long focused on strengthening organizations and communities allowing families to access the support they need when they need it most.
Before coming to ACA, Melanie held leadership roles across public health, philanthropy, and nonprofit capacity building, including serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute, leading her own consulting practice. She also served as Director of Strategic Partnership at Vitalyst Health Foundation, and expanded health programs for older adults throughout Arizona. Melanie holds a PhD from Arizona State University and a master’s degree from Wake Forest University with her research focused on falls prevention in older adults.
Vance Holder has been ACA’s Community Relations since 2007. His responsibilities include procuring corporate and private donations, grant writing and event coordination. His previous experience includes 23 years in marketing and management of continuing care retirement housing in Florida and Alabama. His personal and professional experience with Alzheimer’s disease prepared him to assist families calling ACA for help. He serves on the board of the Alabama Interfaith Coalition on Aging and the Alabama Family Trust. He received a degree in Public Relations from The University of Alabama in 1982.
Sherri Sparks has served as ACA’s Office Manager since April of 2013. In addition to years of accounts receivable experience, she also brought excellent organizational skills and a creative mind. Her organizational side helps ACA run smoothly and her creative side helps make our events more colorful, successful, and fun!
Cindy Kirkland joined ACA as Program Manager in 2015 after several years of home care staffing management. She spends much of her day talking with the families who are caring for a loved one at home who is on our programs and services. She is a friendly and comfortable voice for these caregivers. They welcome her calls as she may be the only person with whom they can share their feelings and concerns.
ACA Founder
Miller Piggott, MSW, served as ACA’s Executive Director from 1996-2025. She served as the Education Coordinator and Director of the UAB Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center from 1991 to 2010. She is a board member of the Elder Foundation, which is raising money and awareness for the Meals-on-Wheels program and supporting Twilight Wish, a national nonprofit that grants wishes to economically disadvantaged seniors. She is a founding member of Women Against Alzheimer’s.
Miller also served on the Alabama Department of Senior Services’ advisory committee assisting with the implementation of the Center for Health Care Strategies grant, Helping States Support Families Caring for an Aging America. Alabama was one of five states chosen to participate in this initiative supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation, the Milbank Memorial Fund, the May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.