Benjamin and LeAnne McGee and children named ‘Madison Family of the Year’

Madison Mayor Troy and Dana Trulock, far left and far right, congratulate “Madison Family of the Year” LeAnne Letize McGee and Benjamin McGee and their children Max, Zac, Alia and Zoe. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Benjamin and LeAnne Letize McGee and Alia, Max, Zac and Zoe are the 2014 “Madison Family of the Year.” Their family motto is “Go Team McGee!”

The McGees’ honor was announced on Sept. 21 at Hogan Family YMCA.

Ben works as chief scientist for Madison-based Aleta Technologies Inc. and as an adjunct professor of computer science and continuing education instructor of cyber security at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

LeAnne volunteers as an officer with Horizon Elementary PTA and Madison City Council of PTAs. In Clearwater, Fla., LeAnne was a trial attorney and remains licensed there. She also is a part-time freelance writer.

In 2006, the McGees relocated to Madison with NASA’s offer to Ben as senior cyber security engineer. “I couldn’t pass up (this opportunity) … to expand my expertise in the fast-growing field,” Ben said.

“The main thing that has always stood out for me is how family-friendly Madison is,” Leanne said. “Moving allowed us to become part of the incredibly smart, conscientious and naturally beautiful community of Madison.”

“When we say Madison is a ‘smart’ community, it’s not only full of so many smart people, but also that it’s a community that values a high-quality education, which is so important to us,” Ben said.

Ben earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a master’s degree from Polytechnic Institute of New York University. LeAnne graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree and Stetson University College of Law with a Juris Doctor degree.

Ben coaches youth sports. As president of North Alabama Information Systems Security Association, he has implemented ISSA’s cyber security initiative in Madison’s secondary schools. By staging mock trials, Leanne helps elementary students understand the legal process.

Alia, Max and Zac attend Horizon Elementary School and pursue extracurricular activities, like AYSO soccer. The McGees attend Asbury United Methodist Church. They chose to live in Edgewater for its natural beauty and proximity of Redstone Arsenal.

The family pursues sports endeavors and attends drama and choral productions.