By Tanner Hood

Spencer Ryan has a passion for protecting Alabama the Beautiful. That’s evident in his 38-year career cleaning up the state’s environment. He retired as executive director of Alabama People Against a Littered State (PALS) in October.

Ryan received the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Cultivator Award for his dedication to environmental stewardship. The award, presented Dec. 9 during the organization’s annual meeting in Montgomery, honors those who foster relationships to benefit farmers, members and rural communities.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said PALS’s work under Ryan’s leadership changed the landscape of the state’s countryside. 

“Before PALS was formed, trash in pastures, fields and forests was a real issue for farmers,” said Parnell, also president of longtime PALS partner Alfa Insurance. “Today, the effect of litter on ag operations is more manageable. Alfa is proud to be a partner of PALS.”

PALS was formed in 1987 under the direction of former State Forester Bill Moody. Ryan said he was asked to help get the organization off the ground, with no intention of being executive director. 

“Bill stood up during a meeting in the early days of PALS and said, ‘I’d like to introduce our executive director, Spencer Ryan,’” Ryan said. “I had no idea he was going to do that and didn’t know what to think. I accepted with grace, and we took off.”

With Ryan at the helm, PALS programs grew to include Adopt-A-Mile, Adopt-A-Stream, Clean Campus, Coastal Cleanup and Spring Cleanup, all of which are still in operation. Program volunteers have removed millions of pounds of litter and made a more beautiful Alabama. 

“Out of all the work we’ve accomplished, when we got going with rural communities and farmers, we knew they were going to find a way to get whatever is in front of them done,” said Ryan, an avid outdoorsman. “Alfa has been there every day for PALS and has always been willing to take a leadership role. The reason PALS has been successful all along is because of our partnerships with organizations like Alfa.”

Ryan said PALS board members, sponsors, partners and volunteers have become like family. 

Chairman of PALS board of directors Jeff Helms said Ryan’s loyalty has allowed those relationships to thrive. 

“Spencer is known for his ability to build coalitions and partnerships to beautify Alabama,” said Helms, who is also the Federation Communications Department Director. “When he’s your friend, Spencer is extremely loyal. We’re thankful for the impactful work he has done leading the organization.”

Past PALS board members included former Federation Executive Director Doug Rigney and late Governmental Affairs Department Director Freddie Patterson. 

Ryan plans to continue fostering those relationships, even into retirement. 

“What kept me here so long is the people and watching others succeed,” Ryan said. “We’d hug our volunteers, ask about each other’s families and have a genuine care that can be hard to find today. I loved walking into the office every day. I’ve been blessed.”