Cade Smith serves as the Director of Athletics at University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), where he oversees the university’s NCAA Division II athletic programs and the continued growth of Charger Athletics. Since stepping into the role, Smith has focused on strengthening UAH’s competitive success, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and expanding the visibility of the university’s athletic programs across the Gulf South Conference and beyond.

Before becoming athletic director, Smith spent several years within the UAH athletics department, gaining experience in compliance, administration, and sport supervision. His leadership approach emphasizes academic achievement, character development, and preparing student-athletes for success beyond their playing careers. Under his guidance, UAH has continued to build a culture that prioritizes excellence both on the field and in the classroom.

Smith is known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to connecting athletics with the broader Huntsville community. He works closely with university leadership, coaches, and student-athletes to ensure UAH athletics reflects the innovation and momentum of one of the nation’s fastest-growing technology hubs.

As Director of Athletics, Smith continues to guide the Chargers with a focus on competitive excellence, integrity, and providing opportunities for student-athletes to thrive academically, athletically, and personally.

Learn more about Cade Smith and UAH Athletics by visiting https://uah.edu

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapA

Watch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.

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Joel Lamp is the Sports Development Manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he leads efforts to attract major sporting events and tournaments to the Rocket City. In this role, Joel works with national sports organizations, collegiate conferences, and event promoters to bring competitions to Huntsville that drive tourism, economic impact, and national visibility for the region.

Lamp brings more than two decades of experience in sports management, collegiate athletics, and event operations. Before returning to North Alabama, he spent over 16 years in Jacksonville, Florida, where he held senior leadership roles in collegiate athletics at both Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida. During that time, he helped organize and host multiple NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament rounds and numerous regional and national sporting events.

Originally from Decatur, Alabama, Joel returned to the Tennessee Valley to help grow Huntsville’s rapidly expanding sports tourism industry. Through his work with the Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Huntsville Sports Commission, he has helped position the city as a premier destination for tournaments, championships, and emerging sports events.

Joel is passionate about the power of sports to bring communities together, create economic opportunity, and showcase the unique energy and hospitality of Huntsville.

Learn more about Joel Lamp and the Convention & Visitors Bureau and Huntsville Sports Commission http://www.huntsville.org

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapA

Watch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Amanda Hooten is the Founder and CEO of Blaze Solutions, a strategic marketing and branding firm that helps organizations clarify who they are, how they communicate, and how they grow. She’s known for helping leaders and companies turn complex ideas into clear, compelling stories that build trust and drive momentum.

Amanda is a strategic, people-first leader with deep experience in the defense industry — guiding programs, teams, and organizations through growth, complexity, and change.
Her background blends business strategy, program execution, and financial oversight, with a strong track record of building high-performing teams and delivering results. I lead with accountability, integrity, and a focus on clarity — aligning vision with action and making sure the right people are in the right roles to thrive.
Amanda holds an MBA with a focus in Accounting from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and bring over a decade of hands-on experience in program management, contract execution, and operational leadership.
Whether it's standing up a new initiative, turning around a challenged program, or scaling what's already working — She's all in.

Learn more about Amanda and Blaze Solutions http://www.blazesolutions.com

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapA

Watch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/