The executive director of the Piedmont Housing Authority, Keith Word, does more than serve as the landlord for its agencies 211 apartments and 50 apartments at Piedmont Manor Homes.

Word, who is very active in Piedmont and surrounding communities, took time out of his schedule to read six Thanksgiving books to six first grade and second grade classes at Spring Garden Elementary School. Word talked about how Thanksgiving was started and asked the students what Thanksgiving meant to each of them.

Word has been very active in the Piedmont community since he joined the Piedmont Jaycees in 1981. From there Word became active in Spring Garden School, Goshen United Methodist Church, the Alabama Jaycees, the United States Jaycees, the American Red Cross, the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, Piedmont Kiwanis Club, Alabama Jaycee State Foundation, Alabama Jaycees International, the Alabama Jaycees Bama Brigade, the Calhoun County Department of Human Resources, the Alabama Housing Public Director's Association, the Alabama Association of Housing & Redevelopment Authorities, and the National Housing Association and National Public Housing Director's Association.

Word has served as the executive director of the Piedmont Housing Authority for over 20 years. He stated that his success has been due to the full support of the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and the Housing Authority staff. Word also co-chairs the City of Piedmont annual Freedom Celebration and annual Christmas Festivities and Christmas Parade.

"I am thankful to my family at home and all those who have supported me and cared for me over the years," he said. "This has allowed him to work to serve those less fortunate in our city and community."