"Mitch Pledger Youth Development is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and young adults through physical, mental, and spiritual development. We provide mentorship, structured training, life skills education, and positive support systems that equip at-risk young people to overcome challenges, build resilience, and discover their full potential. Our goal is to see each individual walk boldly in their purpose and live lives of integrity while making a positive impact wherever they go."
Our Team
Meet the Team
Board President
Gary Smith
Married to my wife Chery for forty-eight years. We have two children and two grandchildren. I am self
employed, owner of Pinson Valley Drafting. I was a licensed realtor for ten years. I went to Ashville High
School, University of Alabama Birmingham, and South Eastern Bible College. I was youth director along
with Chery for twelve years with Senior High, and College Career groups. We have been in ministry for
over thirty years. We attend and are members of OneEighty Church in Springville, Alabama.
Board Member
Sharon Humphrey
For 20 years I have been a realtor, for forty-eight years I have been a mother and for twenty-
two years a grandmother. God blessed me with two beautiful daughters, who are the greatest
achievements of my life. Ultimately, I have been double blessed with three grandsons, (two of
which are twins) and one granddaughter. Without my family, I am nothing.
During my thirty years of being a realtor, a lot of changes in the industry and my personal life
have taken place. I have been instrumental in helping many clients make changes in their lives
as well. What a privilege it is to be allowed to do so. Real estate is more than selling pretty
houses or getting a pay check, it is about forming lasting relationships and so many times a
bond that I no longer call them a client, I call them my friends.
James 4:2-3 in essence says “You have not because you ask not”.
Board Member
Robert "Coach" George
My name is Robert George. Most people call me “Coach” because of my coaching career. I live
in Irondale, Alabama. I am a retired teacher/coach. I have been married to my wife Brenda
for 47 years and we have a daughter whose name is Megan. We will become grandparents this
year. I attended both Berry High School and Ensley High School. I attended the University of
Alabama Birmingham where I received my degree in secondary education in Comprehensive
Social Science (History). I have a master degree from the University of Montevallo in
Administration of Education. I taught Honors World History, I coached football, basketball, and
track. I was named to the Who’s Who among America’s Teachers (the Best teachers in America
Selected by the Best Students) 1998. I was very proud of being the sponsor for the Fellowship
of Christian Athletes at the schools I worked.
Executive Directors
Phil & Trudi Rollan
Trudi and Phil Rollan opened Iron Beach Gym in 2001 in Irondale, Alabama. Mrs. Rollan and her husband founded Mitch Pledger Youth Development in 2018 with a mission to provide services and support to underserved youth. They created two main projects within MPYD: Next One Up and Beyond Freedom. Beyond Freedom focuses on Human Trafficking in the Southeastern United States and includes support to survivors of childhood human trafficking. Mrs. Rollan formed and leads Beyond Freedom, where she provides health and wellness services, life skills training, and medical and legal aid to survivors of childhood human trafficking. Mrs. Rollan travels throughout the Southeast, educating others and sharing resources on how to recognize human trafficking in public spaces and how to safely report any incidents to the proper authorities for the safe extraction of victims. Trudi is a trained victim advocate, a survivor intake specialist, and a certified Life Coach, assisting victims of human trafficking with all their needs and helping them find their new identities as survivors.
Fitness Director
Sharla Hampton