Meet Our Board of Directors
Daniel New
Founder & President
Daniel brings over a decade of experience at the intersection of healthcare, data strategy, and nonprofit leadership. As the Director of Business Intelligence at Dragonfly Health, he leads enterprise-wide analytics efforts that drive strategic growth, operational performance, and improved patient outcomes. Daniel is known for building scalable data programs that turn complexity into clarity and empower executive decision-making.
Daniel is the President and founder of The McNew Project, a 501(c)(3)* nonprofit organization that channels community energy into funding charitable and scientific initiatives, with Alzheimer’s advocacy at its core. Under his leadership, The McNew Project hosts the Royal ALZ Gala, an annual event supporting the Alzheimer’s Association of Alabama. This year’s event will be the 4th annual, where they plan to raise $200,000 – making their total contribution over $400,000 in just a four year period.
His background in healthcare operations and administration, paired with a deep understanding of analytics and organizational strategy, gives him a unique lens on the challenges facing patients, families, and the systems that support them. Daniel holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of St. Francis and a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Outside of his professional work, Daniel is a classically trained singer and avid traveler. He finds joy in music and discovering new perspectives across the globe. He lives in Mountain Brook, Alabama with his husband Brandon, where they enjoy hosting friends, practicing yoga, staying active in the community, and loving on their two pup children, Tucker and Maverick.
Brandon McBay
Founder & Chief Operating Officer
Brandon has served on Alabama Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association since 2021, providing strategic leadership and advocacy in support of the organization’s mission to end Alzheimer’s. With a deep personal commitment to the cause, losing his grandmother to Alzheimer’s in 2021. Brandon also serves as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of The McNew Project, a nonprofit initiative that hosts the annual Royal ALZ Gala, a premier philanthropic event that raises critical funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s research and care.
Brandon brings over 20 years of banking experience, with expertise in Commercial Underwriting, Asset-Based Lending, Portfolio Administration, and CECL. He has led teams and driven organizational growth through effective management, strategy development, and product innovation. His tenure in the banking industry includes helping a financial institution grow organically by $3 billion over 10 years and navigating a successful IPO, all while maintaining a strong asset quality. A policy architect, Brandon has written comprehensive commercial and consumer loan policies, including underwriting guidelines, and is a strong proponent of efficiency through technology, particularly Loan Origination System (LOS) workflow tools.
Brandon is known for his commitment to excellence, community service, and mission-driven leadership.
Ethan Hiatt
CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER
Ethan Hiatt is a distinguished trial attorney specializing in construction law. With nine years of experience at the firm, he has developed a reputation for his expertise in handling cases related to construction and product defects. He is dedicated to taking cases to trial when necessary, a testament to Edge Lawyers’ focus on litigation and trial work that sets them apart from other firms.
Ethan is a graduate from The University of Alabama and Alabama School of law. Following law school, Ethan worked for a large Birmingham firm where he focused with Antitrust and Cybersecurity practice groups specializing in Multidistrict Class Action Litigation before joining Edge Lawyers in 2016. It was here that he discovered his passion for courtroom proceedings, which ultimately led him to pursue a career centered around trial work. Since transitioning to Edge Lawyers, Ethan has successfully handled over 25 trials and secured settlements exceeding $5,000,000.
In recognition of his achievements, Ethan was recognized as one of the Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers Association in 2024 and recognized as a Lawyer of Distinction in 2025. Beyond his legal practice, he has demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement through his involvement with various organizations. He has served as Vice President for the Junior Board for Smile-A-Mile and also is also associated with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.
Outside of his career, Mr. Hiatt enjoys cooking and finds great satisfaction in helping others through his work.
Hal Word
CHIEF Development OFFICER
An artist by trade, Hal’s pieces are collected by individuals throughout the country and are available at such establishments as The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, The Four Seasons Teton Village, and in Jackson Wyoming.
A native of Scottsboro Alabama, Hal has been immersed in the arts since practically birth. Some of his earliest memories are of being taken to various theatrical productions as well as the ballet and numerous other classical and contemporary musical performances. His first Broadway experience was 1976’s revival of “My Fair Lady”, a musical in which, almost 35 years later, he played the role of Freddy Eynsford-Hill.
Hal attended Darlington School in Rome Georgia where he was a member of the Darlington Chorus, Boy’s Quartet, and Darlington Players all four years. Upon graduation, he was the recipient of the Fine Arts Award, which is given to one male and one female senior each year. Hal studied voice at Rhodes College in Memphis where he also appeared in several theatrical productions. His love for performing has continued as he has appeared in numerous productions in the Birmingham metro area over the past almost 20 years including as Max in “Becky Shaw”, Rapunzel’s Prince in “Into the Woods”, John Honeyman in “A Walk in the Woods, The Teen Angel in “Grease”, and the aforementioned Freddy Eynsford-Hill in “My Fair Lady”. In 2026 Hal headlined his own show, “All Dressed Up With Somewhere To Go”.
In addition to The McNew Project, Hal currently serves on the board of The Historic Neely Theatre in Oneonta. He previously served on the Foundation Board of the Huntsville Museum of Art, as well as the boards of Terrific New Theatre, The Dane Peterson Theatre Series, and The Alzheimer’s Association Alabama Chapter.