Birmingham Board of Education, District 6

Cheri A. Gardner

Age: 56

Residence: Heritage Towne Center

Political experience: Birmingham Board of Education, 2013 to present.

Professional experience: A vice president and manager with AmSouth Bank, 1982-1996; exclusive agent/owner, Allstate Insurance Co., 1996-2000; director of funeral service, Smith and Gaston Funeral Service, 1986-present.

Civic experience: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., member, 2005-present; Links Inc., 2008-present; Chums Inc., 2005-present; Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, 1996-present.

Education: Minor High School, 1978; Spelman College, bachelor of arts, 1982; Louisiana State University, executive degree in banking and finance, 1993; Miles Law School, juris doctorate, 2005.

Top contributors: Bloc Global, $1,000; Darryl Bender, $1,000; Ralph Mayes, $250; Sanders Jewelry, $200.

Main issues: Focus on academic achievement, financial stability, accountability and expansion of technology