Brenda Smith Stedham

Brenda Smith Stedham was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and grew up in various northern Alabama communities. Her father served as a United Methodist minister, instilling in her a commitment to community service. She graduated cum laude from Birmingham-Southern College, where she was elected Student Government President, and earned her law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1980. Following her clerkship with Judge Richard L. Holmes of the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, she relocated to Anniston.

Mrs. Stedham has been actively involved in various legal and civic organizations. She has served as President and Executive Committee member of the Calhoun-Cleburne Bar Association Board of Directors and was a founding member and President of the Pelham Merrill Inn of Court. Her commitment to community service extends to her roles as a founding member and Past President of the Cheaha Republican Women's Club and former member of the Calhoun County Republican Executive Committee.

Her contributions to the Anniston community include her involvement with the Anniston Morning Rotary Club as a founding member and Executive Committee member, and her current participation in the Anniston Rotary Club. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama.

In her judicial capacity, Mrs. Stedham was the Presiding Judge of the Family Court for Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. She played a key role in the State Circuit Judges' Association Education Committee and was instrumental in planning educational programs for state judges. At the request of the Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice's office, she established the Calhoun County Veterans' Treatment Court. Her leadership extended to her role as Vice-President of the State Juvenile Judges' Association and her involvement in revitalizing the Calhoun County Children's Policy Council.