About Dorman
Dorman Grace has a proven record of success in Alabama agriculture. A third-generation farmer, he’s dedicated to providing a safe, economical and environmentally friendly food supply to consumers.
Dorman began his career on the family farm in 1978 after earning a degree in agriculture from Auburn University. Dorman and his wife, Susan, are now sole owners of Grace Farms focusing on poultry, cattle and timber. His commitment to agriculture, Alabama and his local community extends beyond the family farm.
With roots in the poultry business, Dorman is an advocate for the industry through his involvement in numerous organizations. He is a former Director and past President of the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association. The Grace family was named “Alabama Poultry and Egg Association Farm Family of the Year” in 1990 and 2009. He was a Gold Kist “Top Producer” in 1990-1991.
Dorman was honored to serve the State’s farmers and consumers when Governor Bob Riley appointed him to the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries Board where he has served since 2003. He knows the important role the department plays in food safety, and he’ll make this a top priority as Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.
Believing farmers are the original environmentalists, Dorman incorporates environmental best practices on his own farm leading to multiple conservation awards from the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) and the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts. He was named the AWF’s “Water Conservationist of the Year” in 1999.
Through his leadership in the Alabama 4-H Foundation, Dorman was involved in the development of the Environmental Science Education Center completed in 2007. The Center houses the Coosa River Science School program which will prepare Alabama youth and educators in protecting and enhancing the environment. 4-H is the largest out of school youth organization in the U.S. with 58,000 Alabama youth members representing every county in the state.
Farmers are small business owners. As such, Dorman understands budgeting. He knows small businesses create most of the jobs in Alabama and in America. He’ll apply business principles to the Department of Agriculture budget. Dorman will hold the line on spending, look for areas to cut, and help keep taxes down.
A member of Jasper's First Baptist Church where he previously served as Chairman of the Deacons, Dorman has taught seventh grade boys Sunday school for 20 years. He is a graduate of the Leadership Walker County Program. Dorman and Susan are the proud parents of two sons – Cade, 21, who is studying horticulture at Auburn University, and Judson, 18, currently a student at Bevill State Community College planning to transfer to Auburn University to pursue an agribusiness degree.
Some of the organizations Dorman has worked with include:
- Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries – Board Member
- Alabama Poultry & Egg Association – former Director and past President
- Alabama 4-H Foundation – Chairman
- Alabama Agribusiness Council – Second Vice President
- Walker County Soil & Water Conservation District – Chairman
- Walker County Farmers Federation – First Vice President
- Walker County Cattlemen’s Association – Past President
- WalkerCounty Economic Development Board – Board Member, past Chairman
- Leadership Walker County
- Gold Kist, Inc. – Board of Directors
- First South Production Credit Association (Jackson, MS) – Board of Directors
- Concerned Citizens for Our Youth of Walker County
- 2009 United Way Campaign
- First Baptist Church of Jasper – past Chairman of Deacons