Before he was immersing you in Good Towns across the Southeast…
And sharing tips and guidance on protecting your funds from financial fraud…
Doug Segrest of Regions Bank was dominating the world of sports journalism, and, as they say, the proof is in the pudding.
Segrest was recently named as one of 50 Legends of the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA). And a legend he is.
“I’m humbled by this honor,” Segrest said. “My life plan was to follow in my dad’s footsteps and become an attorney. But I started writing for the college newspaper and fell in love with storytelling.”
A graduate of the University of Alabama, Segrest started his career as a Nashville Banner sports writer covering the Tennessee Vols. He was surrounded by talent, working under sports editor Joe Biddle, sports editor emeritus Fred Russell and peers that included Buster Olney.
But a desire to come home brought him to the Birmingham News for the last 20 years of his sports writing career. There, he covered Alabama, UAB, Auburn and the SEC.
Fellow ASWA Legend Paul Finebaum says Segrest was always a winning sports journalist. Both covered sports at Birmingham’s top newspapers in the 80’s and 90’s.
“I think it’s fantastic that he’s being honored, and I say that because I think Doug was one of those unique sports journalists that, what I saw as a colleague, was how brilliant he was,” Finebaum said. “He was among the very best reporters and writers, and the combination made him one of the best sport writers in Alabama history. As a pure journalist, I don’t think there’s really any better.”
Doug brings so much more to the table than stellar writing, Doug is an all-around fantastic individual just brimming with talent and a willingness to share it with the world. We’re lucky to be in his orbit.
Paula Drake, Regions Chief Communications Officer
Sports journalism changed over the years, and Segrest evolved with it. There were shorter deadlines, websites to publish to immediately and social media channels to interact with. In the meantime, Regions Bank was seeking to take a more active role in sharing stories of how the company is fulfilling its mission. Adding Segrest to the team was an easy choice.
“I love storytelling,” Segrest said. “Joining Regions Corporate Communications was the best decision I ever made. I not only got to continue writing, I joined a culture that tries to make life better.”
Merriam-Webster defines “legend” as a person or thing that inspires. Segrest is that, and more, though not only as a sports writer, according to his colleagues at Regions.
“I knew Doug’s byline long before I knew Doug himself. How amazing it was to get to know the man behind the name and discover he is the most genuine, kind, caring, talented and generous person you’ll ever meet,” said Jeremy King, manager of Media and Public Relations at Regions. “Being recognized among the ASWA 50 Legends is a distinction that’s well earned by Doug. You won’t find anyone more gifted at capturing the essence of a story. And, I can attest, you won’t find a more devoted friend.”
“Doug brings so much more to the table than stellar writing,” said Paula Drake, Regions Chief Communications Officer. “Doug is an all-around fantastic individual just brimming with talent and a willingness to share it with the world. We’re lucky to be in his orbit.”
A member of the Birmingham Barons Hall of Fame, Segrest remains a sought-after college football columnist and continues to offer insights on “The Zone,” a Sunday night staple for Birmingham sports fans on ABC 33/40 television.
He’s also a budding playwright. His first novel, “A Storm Came Up,” recently premiered on stage at the Wetumpka Depot after a year-long collaboration with the play’s author, Kristy Meanor.
“I was good at certain things; he was good at everything,” Finebaum added. “I really always considered him a good friend. There’s a competitive nature to all businesses, and I never saw that in him. He was friendly – a lot of times it’s pure business – he cared, he asked personal questions. He had it all as a fellow sports writer in Alabama.”
And he still does.
On a personal note, this writer was beyond thrilled to join the ranks at Regions when she learned she’d get to work with Segrest. Having read his work for years – and being keenly aware of his brilliance – she was gleeful to call him a colleague. And now, thankfully, a friend.
Congratulations to Doug Segrest, an ASWA – and all-around – Legend.