Coach Herman Lehman and Coach Hollie Cost at Shoal Creek Park standing by the entrance welcome sign

Meet Our Coaches

Coach Hollie Cost

Hollie C. Cost, Ph.D.

Hollie served as the Mayor of the City of Montevallo from 2012 until 2020, beginning her civic service as a Montevallo City Council member in 2004. During her tenure as mayor, the city completed over $10 million in capital projects including, among other key projects, a complete Main Street renovation, a 167-acre park development and the construction of a new city hall. Hollie has over 25 years of teaching experience, serving as a Professor of Special Education at the University of Montevallo, and Stephen F. Austin State University as well as a special education teacher at Loachapoka Elementary School. In addition to her work in special education, Hollie’s civic priorities include: inclusivity, sustainability, health and wellness, education from cradle to career, and increasing the civic efficacy of local youth. In partnership with other individuals and agencies, Hollie launched a number of initiatives that focus on individual and family well-being such as: Thrive Together Shelby County, Montevallo Connection, University of Montevallo Service Learning, Future Falcons, Falcon Scholars in Action, ESL programming, after-school tutoring, Falcon Flight, Montevallo Junior City Council and David Mathews Center for Civic Life Students’ Institute. Hollie now serves as the Assistant Vice President of University Outreach and Public Service at Auburn University, enabling her to further her mission of service to the state of Alabama.

Coach Herman Lehman

Herman F. Lehman, MBA, MSEM

Herman boasts an extensive career spanning over two decades in municipal government. His distinguished track record includes serving as both a City Council member and as Assistant to the Mayor in Bessemer along with 16 years of dedicated service as City Clerk and Treasurer between Bessemer and Montevallo, Alabama. Before his notable tenure in city leadership roles, Herman excelled as a commercial real estate broker for more than a decade. Currently, he holds the position of co-owner at Team Lehman, a prominent Keller Williams Mega Agent real estate office located in Montevallo. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Herman is a founding member of Montevallo’s Main Street program, having served on the Main Street Alabama board. His leadership extends to being a past Board Chair of a local Chamber of Commerce, reflecting his commitment to community development. Herman’s educational background is equally impressive, featuring an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Sewanee: The University of the South, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Master’s of Environmental Management from Samford University. This robust combination of experience and education underscores Herman’s multifaceted expertise and dedication to both public service and real estate.

Coach Melissa Beck smiling

Melissa C. Beck, MPH, ADC, CRSS, FBSS

Melissa is a passionate consultant specializing in substance use disorder solutions, community relations, project management and special events planning. She is a resilient advocate for recovery, earning her Masters’ degree in Public health from UAB along with certifications as an Alcohol Drug Counselor, Certified Recovery Support Specialist, and Faith Based Support Specialist. Melissa is committed to creating innovative solutions, expanding peer support, and improving outcomes for those with chronic illnesses. She and her husband Jason are dedicated pup parents o their husky Sir Charles Barkless and Kylie, a shepherd mix. Melissa’s journey reflects personal triumph and a steadfast dedication to improving lives through er expertise and compassion. 

Testimonials

“TURNERBATSON has been honored to work along-side Hollie and her team on the transformation of downtown Montevallo. Hollie is inspiring to work with. Her vision, her tenacity, her warmth, and her passion have helped to nurture a revitalized downtown district and an enduring friendship.”
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Dave Reese, President
TURNERBATSON Architects

"Over the last 15 years, I’ve watched Hollie and Herman repeatedly turn partnerships into progress with real results, creating a thriving and resurgent Montevallo. From parks to Main Street to a creative development authority, and dozens of other projects and initiatives, these two have built an infrastructure to support a vibrant and successful city for decades to come."
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Denise A. Woodham
Chair, Montevallo Development Cooperative District
President, Shoal Creek Park Foundation Board

“Working with Hollie and Herman was such an enjoyable experience. It is rare to find people who are truly passionate about helping others. They both think out of the box and know how to implement and follow through with their visions. Absolutely delightful to work with.”
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Cornelia Sides, Project Engineer, Volkert, Inc.

"Keys to the City is a joy to work with! For the past decade, I have seen firsthand their commitment to engaging citizens in every aspect of community decision making. Their dedication to diversity, inclusion, and excellence shines through every initiative, partnership, project, or program they have a hand in leading or supporting."
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Cristin Brawner, Executive Director
David Mathews Center for Civic Life

“As a long term consultant to Hollie and Herman, I’ve had a front row seat to the impactful changes resultant of their shared vision for a city. Their patient, proactive approach to citizen outreach, green infrastructure, park & pedestrian development, cultural programs, and early engagement of the student population turn a place into a community.”
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Matthew Burgess, Project Engineer, Garver

The City of Montevallo defined a vision under the leadership of Mayor Hollie Cost, City Clerk Herman Lehman and the City Council. In the years to follow, the City of Montevallo funded projects, got them built, and transformed the city into a model small town where civic pride has been elevated and the quality of life bar set very high.
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Chuck Kelly
Kelly Landscape Architects

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