Director
OMIC Director Profile Director David Frings Showing a baby musk turtle at a recent presentation.
Interpretive Center (OMIC). David was born in Jefferson County and
was a 1973 graduate of Shades Valley High School. He has had a
love for nature and the environment since childhood, spending many
hours exploring the mountains, rivers, and caves of Alabama. Frings
graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 1976
with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology and a minor in
biology. David and his wife, Jennifer, have been married since 1982
and have three daughters, Haley, Holley and Heidi.
Frings joined Alabama Power Company after graduation and
worked for more than 29 years in various geologic positions until
his retirement from Southern Company in March, 2006. During his
Southern Company career, he became a licensed geologist in
Alabama. David decided to enter politics in 2000 and was elected
mayor of the City of Alabaster. He is now serving his second term in
office.
In 1999, Frings opened a retail business with his wife Jennifer called
Fossil Site. Fossil Site, which is located in Alabaster, allows David
to share his knowledge and love of nature with the community by
introducing the public to fossils, minerals, and other nature items.
As Director of OMIC, Frings hopes to develop a facility that will allow
the visitor to experience and understand the specialized natural
environments that we have in central Alabama.
"By understandingnature, we develop an appreciation of the environment that will
ultimately lead to preservation of our plants, animals, and habitats."
Frings adds, " OMIC will be a unique field station for learning in that
we will have a concentrated emphasis on environmental training for
high school and college. In addition, OMIC will have indoor and
outdoor exhibits that will inform visitors and elementary age school
groups on our environment."
Director David Frings (left) and Dr. Robert Stiles (right) visiting one of the Cahaba lilly locations on the Cahaba River in Bibb County, Alabama. (Photograph taken by Mr. Dick Mills)
