Council District 4
Teresa Fox-Bettis
Councilwoman
Councilmember Profile
Biography
Teresa Fox Bettis has dedicated over thirty years to public service, advocating for people with disabilities, families with children, and seniors. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, she was raised by her parents, Charles and Lucille Fox, in Prichard, Alabama. Her mother played a key role in teaching her the importance of civic engagement and community service. She finished her early education at Edward A. Palmer Elementary and St.…
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District 4
Teresa Fox-Bettis
Teresa Fox Bettis has dedicated over thirty years to public service, advocating for people with disabilities, families with children, and seniors. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, she was raised by her parents, Charles and Lucille Fox, in Prichard, Alabama. Her mother played a key role in teaching her the importance of civic engagement and community service. She finished her early education at Edward A. Palmer Elementary and St. James Major Catholic School before attending McGill Toolen.
In 1999, Teresa started her civil rights career as a Compliance Officer at the Center for Fair Housing after volunteering there briefly. Within a year, she married Dennis Bettis and became a bonus mother to Johnathan and Austin. Her firstborn, David, was born in 2004, and her daughter, Hannah, arrived in 2008. In 2001, Teresa was promoted to Executive Director of the Center after serving as Compliance Officer for a year.
Teresa Fox Bettis is a dedicated lifelong learner who continuously seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and expertise in housing advocacy, community development, and leadership. She has pursued advanced training from prestigious institutions throughout her career, enhancing her ability to drive meaningful change. Her professional development includes training from:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Strengthened her expertise in housing policy, compliance, and fair housing regulations.
National Fair Housing Alliance – Advancing her knowledge in fair housing enforcement and advocacy strategies.
National Community Reinvestment Coalition – Deepening her understanding of economic equity, financial inclusion, and community reinvestment policies.
John Marshall Law School – Gaining legal insight into fair housing laws and civil rights protections.
Additionally, Teresa earned a Housing Counselor Certification from NeighborWorks, a prominent organization, strengthening her capacity to offer expert guidance to individuals and families pursuing housing stability.
Her dedication to ongoing learning showcases her commitment to excellence, ensuring she stays at the forefront of housing advocacy and community leadership.
During her time as Executive Director, Teresa Fox Bettis led a team of five at the Center for Fair Housing, securing over $10 million in competitive grants and settlements. In 2001, she coordinated the Center's involvement in a national housing research study by the Urban Institute, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Under her guidance, the Center obtained HUD approval as a housing counseling agency in 2003.
Teresa has built local, regional, and national partnerships that support the Center's mission to advocate for, enforce, and educate communities about fair housing rights and related laws. This effort guarantees fair access to opportunities and encourages healthy, inclusive communities.
The Center for Fair Housing acts as a resource for people seeking help with housing issues. It offers advocacy, enforcement, and educational programs to protect fair housing rights. Teresa sees her role at the Center as a vital part of her identity, reflecting her dedication to justice and equality.
The Center for Fair Housing has launched various programs to help individuals facing housing discrimination and related issues. Through advocacy and legal support, the Center has successfully helped clients find remedies. Over the past five years, it has assisted more than 600 clients in keeping over 500 housing units, worth an estimated $576,000 in rent. Additionally, it has recovered $45,000 in settlements from housing providers who violate landlord-tenant laws and are under investigation for discrimination based on race, familial status, and disability. These funds and units played a vital role in compensating victims and, more importantly, promoting fair housing practices in the community.
Additionally, the Center offers comprehensive housing counseling to assist individuals in navigating complex housing laws and regulations. This includes help with mortgage modifications, foreclosure prevention, and tenant rights. Through these efforts, the Center has assisted many families in finding stable housing and avoiding homelessness.
Furthermore, the Center's educational programs increase awareness about fair housing rights and responsibilities among community members, landlords, and housing providers. Workshops and outreach campaigns inform stakeholders about legal protections and encourage inclusive housing practices.
Overall, the Center for Fair Housing continues to make a tangible impact by advocating for equitable housing opportunities, enforcing fair housing laws, and educating the public on housing rights.
Teresa Fox Bettis is a distinguished civic leader committed to community development, housing equity, and social justice. A 2004 graduate of United Way’s Project Blueprint, she has leveraged her expertise to strengthen nonprofit governance and expand the capacity of organizations serving vulnerable populations.
Her civic leadership is demonstrated through her extensive board service with organizations that address critical social and economic challenges. Early on, she served on the board of Serenity Care, Inc., a recovery program for men, and Emma’s Harvest Home, Inc., a recovery program for women, where she has contributed to strategic oversight and program sustainability.
In the realm of housing and community development, Teresa has been a board member of DASH (Dependable, Affordable, Safe Housing), Inc., a nonprofit focused on homebuilding and community organizing, and the Alabama Association of Community Development Corporations, which provides technical support to nonprofit organizations dedicated to community revitalization.
Further demonstrating her civic leadership, Teresa has served on the Gulf Coast Fellowship for Community Transformation Advisory Board, working to advance social equity and economic empowerment initiatives. She was also a board member of the Gulf Coast Fund for Community Renewal and Ecological Health, a philanthropic project of the Rockefeller Foundation that promotes environmental sustainability and long-term community resilience.
Through her leadership, Teresa has played a pivotal role in shaping policies, securing resources, and fostering cross-sector collaboration to drive sustainable change. Her dedication to civic engagement and nonprofit governance continues to make a lasting impact on the communities she serves.
Teresa Fox Bettis continues to demonstrate her commitment to civic leadership through active service on multiple nonprofit boards, focusing on environmental justice, economic development, voter engagement, and community revitalization.
She currently serves as President of Groundworks Mobile County, an organization dedicated to building local partnerships that drive environmental and social change, with a particular emphasis on youth empowerment. Additionally, she serves as President of Stand Up Mobile, an organization committed to mobilizing and increasing Black voter participation in elections at all levels. She also leads as President of the Africatown Redevelopment Corporation, which spearheads efforts to revitalize housing, preserve historical landmarks, and attract economic development within the Africatown Historic District.
In addition to these leadership roles, Teresa serves as President of Port of Africatown, a nonprofit based in Prichard, Alabama, focused on expanding business opportunities, enhancing trade, and fostering economic growth in the Africatown/Prichard region and throughout the African diaspora, which she will bring to the role of District 4 City Council representative.
Her civic engagement extends to service on several other boards, including:
Mobile Environmental Justice Action Coalition (MEJAC) – Advocates for environmental justice by organizing and empowering communities most affected by environmental threats.
Taproot Earth – Advances climate justice and democracy by building power within frontline communities to create sustainable solutions.
North Mobile County Farmers Market – Educates youth on environmental and agricultural issues while working with local farmers to provide fresh produce to residents of Prichard, Alabama.
NAACP Mobile County – Ensures the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights for all individuals, advocating for civil rights and social justice.
Building Alabama Reinvestment (BAR) – Works to increase equal access to credit, capital, and banking services for low-to-moderate-income communities, promoting economic equity and financial inclusion.
Through her leadership, Teresa plays a vital role in advancing community-driven initiatives that promote social justice, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and civic engagement.
Teresa Fox Bettis has dedicated her career to fostering strong, resilient communities through her leadership in housing, community development, and human rights. Her deep commitment to civic responsibility and belief that every individual plays a role in shaping their community's well-being have guided her service on numerous committees focused on housing equity, economic development, and social progress.
She has contributed to the following committees:
Mobile County Katrina Housing – Worked to develop housing solutions for families and individuals affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Community Foundation of South Alabama’s Regional Housing Initiative – Played a key role in advancing regional housing strategies to expand access to stable and affordable housing.
Community Development and Advocacy (Co-Chair) – Led initiatives to strengthen communities through equitable development and advocacy.
Alabama Black Caucus Housing Strategy & Equitable Development – Helped shape housing policies that foster growth, stability, and long-term economic opportunity.
Gulf Coast Human Rights Working Group – Advocated for policies that promote fairness, dignity, and justice.
Deep South Leadership Network – Collaborated with regional leaders to drive meaningful social and economic change.
Alabama Low-Income Housing Coalition Steering Committee – Advanced efforts to improve housing opportunities and promote inclusive growth.
Awards and Recognitions
Teresa Fox Bettis has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to well-being, belonging, and fair justice.
The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation Award for her role in Gulf Coast Recovery & Rebuilding Community Empowerment following Hurricane Katrina.
Recognition from the City of Mobile Mayor’s Transition Team for her contributions to policy development and initiatives that strengthen the city’s future.
2021 Humanitarian Award Recipient – Presented by People United to Advance the Dream in recognition of her outstanding contributions to community well-being and social progress.
2022 Focus Empowers 40/40 Honoree – Acknowledged as one of 40 women making a significant impact in their respective fields through leadership and service.
2023 Truth Speaks Innovation Foundation Inaugural Power, Innovation, and Leadership (PIL) Cohort – Selected as one of 25 African American women for this executive education program, developed by faculty from the Social Innovation + Change Initiative (SICI) at the Harvard Kennedy School, designed to cultivate transformative leadership and social impact strategies.
These honors exemplify Teresa’s unwavering commitment to leadership, advocacy, and public service.
In 1999, Teresa started her civil rights career as a Compliance Officer at the Center for Fair Housing after volunteering there briefly. Within a year, she married Dennis Bettis and became a bonus mother to Johnathan and Austin. Her firstborn, David, was born in 2004, and her daughter, Hannah, arrived in 2008. In 2001, Teresa was promoted to Executive Director of the Center after serving as Compliance Officer for a year.
Teresa Fox Bettis is a dedicated lifelong learner who continuously seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and expertise in housing advocacy, community development, and leadership. She has pursued advanced training from prestigious institutions throughout her career, enhancing her ability to drive meaningful change. Her professional development includes training from:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Strengthened her expertise in housing policy, compliance, and fair housing regulations.
National Fair Housing Alliance – Advancing her knowledge in fair housing enforcement and advocacy strategies.
National Community Reinvestment Coalition – Deepening her understanding of economic equity, financial inclusion, and community reinvestment policies.
John Marshall Law School – Gaining legal insight into fair housing laws and civil rights protections.
Additionally, Teresa earned a Housing Counselor Certification from NeighborWorks, a prominent organization, strengthening her capacity to offer expert guidance to individuals and families pursuing housing stability.
Her dedication to ongoing learning showcases her commitment to excellence, ensuring she stays at the forefront of housing advocacy and community leadership.
During her time as Executive Director, Teresa Fox Bettis led a team of five at the Center for Fair Housing, securing over $10 million in competitive grants and settlements. In 2001, she coordinated the Center's involvement in a national housing research study by the Urban Institute, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Under her guidance, the Center obtained HUD approval as a housing counseling agency in 2003.
Teresa has built local, regional, and national partnerships that support the Center's mission to advocate for, enforce, and educate communities about fair housing rights and related laws. This effort guarantees fair access to opportunities and encourages healthy, inclusive communities.
The Center for Fair Housing acts as a resource for people seeking help with housing issues. It offers advocacy, enforcement, and educational programs to protect fair housing rights. Teresa sees her role at the Center as a vital part of her identity, reflecting her dedication to justice and equality.
The Center for Fair Housing has launched various programs to help individuals facing housing discrimination and related issues. Through advocacy and legal support, the Center has successfully helped clients find remedies. Over the past five years, it has assisted more than 600 clients in keeping over 500 housing units, worth an estimated $576,000 in rent. Additionally, it has recovered $45,000 in settlements from housing providers who violate landlord-tenant laws and are under investigation for discrimination based on race, familial status, and disability. These funds and units played a vital role in compensating victims and, more importantly, promoting fair housing practices in the community.
Additionally, the Center offers comprehensive housing counseling to assist individuals in navigating complex housing laws and regulations. This includes help with mortgage modifications, foreclosure prevention, and tenant rights. Through these efforts, the Center has assisted many families in finding stable housing and avoiding homelessness.
Furthermore, the Center's educational programs increase awareness about fair housing rights and responsibilities among community members, landlords, and housing providers. Workshops and outreach campaigns inform stakeholders about legal protections and encourage inclusive housing practices.
Overall, the Center for Fair Housing continues to make a tangible impact by advocating for equitable housing opportunities, enforcing fair housing laws, and educating the public on housing rights.
Teresa Fox Bettis is a distinguished civic leader committed to community development, housing equity, and social justice. A 2004 graduate of United Way’s Project Blueprint, she has leveraged her expertise to strengthen nonprofit governance and expand the capacity of organizations serving vulnerable populations.
Her civic leadership is demonstrated through her extensive board service with organizations that address critical social and economic challenges. Early on, she served on the board of Serenity Care, Inc., a recovery program for men, and Emma’s Harvest Home, Inc., a recovery program for women, where she has contributed to strategic oversight and program sustainability.
In the realm of housing and community development, Teresa has been a board member of DASH (Dependable, Affordable, Safe Housing), Inc., a nonprofit focused on homebuilding and community organizing, and the Alabama Association of Community Development Corporations, which provides technical support to nonprofit organizations dedicated to community revitalization.
Further demonstrating her civic leadership, Teresa has served on the Gulf Coast Fellowship for Community Transformation Advisory Board, working to advance social equity and economic empowerment initiatives. She was also a board member of the Gulf Coast Fund for Community Renewal and Ecological Health, a philanthropic project of the Rockefeller Foundation that promotes environmental sustainability and long-term community resilience.
Through her leadership, Teresa has played a pivotal role in shaping policies, securing resources, and fostering cross-sector collaboration to drive sustainable change. Her dedication to civic engagement and nonprofit governance continues to make a lasting impact on the communities she serves.
Teresa Fox Bettis continues to demonstrate her commitment to civic leadership through active service on multiple nonprofit boards, focusing on environmental justice, economic development, voter engagement, and community revitalization.
She currently serves as President of Groundworks Mobile County, an organization dedicated to building local partnerships that drive environmental and social change, with a particular emphasis on youth empowerment. Additionally, she serves as President of Stand Up Mobile, an organization committed to mobilizing and increasing Black voter participation in elections at all levels. She also leads as President of the Africatown Redevelopment Corporation, which spearheads efforts to revitalize housing, preserve historical landmarks, and attract economic development within the Africatown Historic District.
In addition to these leadership roles, Teresa serves as President of Port of Africatown, a nonprofit based in Prichard, Alabama, focused on expanding business opportunities, enhancing trade, and fostering economic growth in the Africatown/Prichard region and throughout the African diaspora, which she will bring to the role of District 4 City Council representative.
Her civic engagement extends to service on several other boards, including:
Mobile Environmental Justice Action Coalition (MEJAC) – Advocates for environmental justice by organizing and empowering communities most affected by environmental threats.
Taproot Earth – Advances climate justice and democracy by building power within frontline communities to create sustainable solutions.
North Mobile County Farmers Market – Educates youth on environmental and agricultural issues while working with local farmers to provide fresh produce to residents of Prichard, Alabama.
NAACP Mobile County – Ensures the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights for all individuals, advocating for civil rights and social justice.
Building Alabama Reinvestment (BAR) – Works to increase equal access to credit, capital, and banking services for low-to-moderate-income communities, promoting economic equity and financial inclusion.
Through her leadership, Teresa plays a vital role in advancing community-driven initiatives that promote social justice, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and civic engagement.
Teresa Fox Bettis has dedicated her career to fostering strong, resilient communities through her leadership in housing, community development, and human rights. Her deep commitment to civic responsibility and belief that every individual plays a role in shaping their community's well-being have guided her service on numerous committees focused on housing equity, economic development, and social progress.
She has contributed to the following committees:
Mobile County Katrina Housing – Worked to develop housing solutions for families and individuals affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Community Foundation of South Alabama’s Regional Housing Initiative – Played a key role in advancing regional housing strategies to expand access to stable and affordable housing.
Community Development and Advocacy (Co-Chair) – Led initiatives to strengthen communities through equitable development and advocacy.
Alabama Black Caucus Housing Strategy & Equitable Development – Helped shape housing policies that foster growth, stability, and long-term economic opportunity.
Gulf Coast Human Rights Working Group – Advocated for policies that promote fairness, dignity, and justice.
Deep South Leadership Network – Collaborated with regional leaders to drive meaningful social and economic change.
Alabama Low-Income Housing Coalition Steering Committee – Advanced efforts to improve housing opportunities and promote inclusive growth.
Awards and Recognitions
Teresa Fox Bettis has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to well-being, belonging, and fair justice.
The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation Award for her role in Gulf Coast Recovery & Rebuilding Community Empowerment following Hurricane Katrina.
Recognition from the City of Mobile Mayor’s Transition Team for her contributions to policy development and initiatives that strengthen the city’s future.
2021 Humanitarian Award Recipient – Presented by People United to Advance the Dream in recognition of her outstanding contributions to community well-being and social progress.
2022 Focus Empowers 40/40 Honoree – Acknowledged as one of 40 women making a significant impact in their respective fields through leadership and service.
2023 Truth Speaks Innovation Foundation Inaugural Power, Innovation, and Leadership (PIL) Cohort – Selected as one of 25 African American women for this executive education program, developed by faculty from the Social Innovation + Change Initiative (SICI) at the Harvard Kennedy School, designed to cultivate transformative leadership and social impact strategies.
These honors exemplify Teresa’s unwavering commitment to leadership, advocacy, and public service.