A native of East Tennessee, Alan has resided in the Smyrna area for over 40 years. A graduate of Carson Newman University with a B.A. in Political Science/Education and a M.A. from Central Michigan University, Alan began his teaching and coaching career at Campbell High School in the 1978/1979 school year.  He retired from teaching in 2010, all 32 years at Campbell.

In 2006 Alan joined the staff at Smyrna First United Methodist Church, on a part time basis, as Director of Missions. Upon retiring from teaching, he joined the Smyrna First UMC staff full time. Over the next 15 years he helped Smyrna First UMC develop and expand missions and outreach not only in the Smyrna Community, but also throughout the Southeastern United States and internationally. In 2018 he played a major role in the founding of Tillman House Resource Center in Smyrna, the Mission and Outreach arm of Smyrna FUMC. Alan was introduced to Food Security for America through Tillman and was impressed with their approach of providing food in a way that preserves the dignity and self-respect of the recipients.