Urbanham News with Brian Gunn
Brian Gunn is a dedicated community reinvigorator, civic strategist, and passionate advocate for transformational change. With over a decade of experience in community engagement, public relations, and economic development, Brian has committed his life to creating equitable opportunities and fostering meaningful relationships with communities across the country.
Born and raised in a loving, close-knit household with both parents and two brothers, Brian’s foundation was shaped by family, faith, and service. His father, a veteran and community volunteer, inspired his adventurous and service-oriented spirit, while his mother, nurturing and ever-present, instilled in him compassion, creativity, and resilience. These values carried into his adulthood and continue to influence his work and leadership style today.
A graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Political Science and a minor in History, Brian initially dreamed of becoming a pediatric surgeon but soon discovered his true calling in public service. Since returning to Birmingham, he has led initiatives to revitalize neighborhoods, support youth development, and amplify the voices of community members in decision-making spaces.
Brian currently serves as the Senior Engagement Manager at Measures for Justice, where he leads stakeholder engagement efforts focused on data transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system. His previous roles include senior communications leadership at CBG Strategies and Direct Communications, as well as district revitalization at REV Birmingham. In each role, Brian has leveraged his expertise to coalesce diverse groups, secure funding, and implement strategies that drive measurable community outcomes.
He has held advisory and board roles with organizations such as the American Red Cross of Central Alabama, Build Up Ensley, Hope Inspired Ministries, and Woodlawn High School’s Business and Finance Academy. He is a Planning Commissioner for the City of Birmingham and currently serves as Board Chair for the Offender Alumni Association, a prison reentry and diversion program.
Outside of his professional commitments, Brian is an active member of The Worship Center Christian Church, and his spiritual grounding guides his desire to one day become a foster parent. He believes in the power of therapy and open conversation, especially for Black men, and is committed to creating spaces for healing and growth.
Whether he’s hiking through Alabama’s state parks with his rescue dog Nala or hosting conversations that challenge institutions to be more transparent, Brian Gunn is building a legacy rooted in love, accountability, and community transformation.
