Alabama Family Trust recently welcomed a new member to its Board of Trustees while recognizing the service of a trustee whose term has concluded.
Attorney Troy A. Skipworth was appointed to the Board of Trustees on April 7, 2026. At the same time, John Paluzzi’s term came to an end, marking the conclusion of his service on the board.
The AFT Board of Trustees plays an important role in helping guide the organization’s mission of protecting and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Board members help oversee the organization and represent the interests of beneficiaries and families who depend on supplemental needs trusts to preserve eligibility for important public benefits while providing resources that improve their daily lives.
Trustees are appointed for three-year terms by the Governor of Alabama, the presiding officer of the Alabama Senate, and the Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives. All appointments must be confirmed by the Alabama Senate.
Meet Troy Skipworth
Skipworth brings extensive legal experience and a lifelong commitment to serving families and older adults.
A native of Alabama’s Shoals region, Skipworth graduated from Henry A. Bradshaw High School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Political Science from the University of North Alabama. During his college years, he was an active member of the university’s nationally recognized Mock Trial Team and served in several student leadership roles.
He later earned his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law, focusing on elder law, business law, and administrative law. Since being admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2006, Skipworth has built a distinguished legal career, particularly in elder law and estate planning.
Today, he serves as managing partner of Harris Elder Law and has taught political science courses as an adjunct professor at the University of North Alabama since 2008. He also coaches the university’s Mock Trial Team.
Beyond his professional work, Skipworth has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. He was a founding director of CaringPlace, an adult day care center that serves individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
His experience working with families, seniors, and individuals planning for long-term care needs makes him a valuable addition to the Alabama Family Trust Board of Trustees.
Thank You to John Paluzzi
As AFT welcomes Skipworth, the organization also extends its gratitude to John Earl Paluzzi for his dedicated service on the Board of Trustees.
Paluzzi earned degrees from Georgia State University and Cumberland School of Law. Throughout his career, he worked in the trust departments of AmSouth Bank and Compass Bank before practicing law as a solo attorney for two decades.
He later served two six-year terms as Judge of Probate in Pickens County before retiring in 2018. During his tenure, he held numerous leadership positions within the Alabama Probate Judges Association, including treasurer, secretary, vice president, and president.
For more than 30 years, Paluzzi has shared his expertise by lecturing on probate law and estate administration at legal and judicial seminars across Alabama.
His knowledge of trusts, estates, and probate matters provided valuable insight to Alabama Family Trust during his time on the board. AFT thanks him for his service and contributions to the organization and the families it serves.
Looking Ahead
The Alabama Family Trust Board of Trustees continues to provide leadership and oversight that supports the organization’s mission of helping people with disabilities maintain financial security and improve their quality of life. AFT is grateful for the dedicated individuals who serve on the board and looks forward to the contributions Skipworth will make in the years ahead.