King’s optimism: A breath of fresh air

In our daily routines, many people that we encounter react rudely and brandish a why-are-you-bothering-me attitude.

Then there’s LaTisha ‘Tish’ L. King.

King works as executive assistant to the superintendent for Madison City Schools and the Madison Board of Education. She consistently exudes a pleasant outlook and personality as she generously allots time to help people during her daily schedule.

A broad-base knowledge of the Madison district’s business enables King to answer most any question. King maintains a steady composure regardless of the inquiries from a state education official in Montgomery, a frazzled teacher or an unhappy parent.

“I know that my purpose in life is to be an encourager,” King said. “I choose to look for the brighter side of situations.”

Helping other always has made her happy. “I truly believe that love is as love does,” King said.

As executive assistant, King primarily helps Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler and school board members. She also coordinates school board meetings, along with communicating with the media and community representatives about public meetings and committee meeting dates.

In addition, she serves as United Way coordinator for the school district. During her job’s day-to-day pressures, King finds the most demanding task is “to ensure school board agendas and supporting documents are accurate and meeting the many deadlines associated with the job.”

King was named Staff Member of the Year for the Central Office in 2002 and 2008.

Before accepting her job with Madison City Schools, King worked with the Madison County Commission in juvenile court with the chief probation officer.

A native of Phenix City, King grew up in southeast Alabama. She moved to the Madison area to attend Alabama A&M University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management.

Her husband Alvin King works in sales for the Frito-Lay Corporation. Their daughter Allysa King, 18, is a high school senior and will attend Auburn University in the fall.

LaTisha King is a member of the Union Hill Primitive Baptist Church, where she serves as member of the Inspirational Choir and a teacher with the AWANA (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed) TREK youth group.

King belongs to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the Alabama Association of School Office Personnel. Her hobbies include singing, baking and home decorating.