William M. Perkins is the Executive Director of the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners (ALBME), the state agency responsible for regulating the practice of medicine in Alabama. Appointed to this role in 2020, Mr. Perkins made history as the first African American to lead the ALBME. He is a veteran public servant with over 30 years of leadership experience spanning law enforcement, the military, and state regulatory organizations. Known for combining professionalism with an approachable leadership style, Mr. Perkins has been praised for his exemplary leadership and unmatched energy in guiding the Board’s mission. He strives to uphold high standards of medical practice while fostering a culture of innovation and public safety across Alabama.

Leadership and Strategic Vision

As Executive Director, Mr. Perkins provides strategic direction and operational oversight for the ALBME. He officially assumed the Executive Director position in August 2020 after serving as the agency’s Interim Director since late 2019. The Board’s leadership lauded his performance during that interim period – Board Chairman Dr. Mark LeQuire noted that Mr. Perkins demonstrated “exemplary leadership skills” and maintained “the level of excellence demanded by the citizens of Alabama”.

Mr. Perkins has articulated a clear vision for the agency’s future, emphasizing innovation in regulatory practices and a steadfast focus on public protection. “I look forward to bringing innovative ideas to this agency to better protect the health and safety of the citizens of Alabama,” Perkins has stated, reflecting his commitment to proactive and effective oversight. In line with this vision, he has advocated for the adoption of improved protocols and cutting-edge investigatory techniques to keep the Board at the forefront of medical regulation. Above all, he often reiterates that every initiative must serve the Board’s core mission of “protecting the health of all Alabamians” – a guiding principle that underscores his leadership approach.

Professional Background and Experience

A Montgomery native, William Perkins has built an extensive career dedicated to public service. In law enforcement, he served with the Montgomery Police Department, rising to the rank of police captain and even working as an executive officer to the Mayor of Montgomery in addition to other leadership roles. Concurrently, he served in the U.S. Army Alabama National Guard as a commissioned officer, including a tenure as Company Commander of the 1203rd Engineering Battalion. These roles honed his skills in organizational leadership, discipline, and community safety.

Mr. Perkins brought his expertise to the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners in 2011, initially joining the agency as an investigator. He spent eight years in the investigative division, enforcing medical regulations and gaining in-depth knowledge of the Board’s operations. In May 2018, he was promoted to Office Director, overseeing the Board’s daily administrative functions, and by January 2019 he advanced to Associate Executive Director, expanding his management responsibilities within the agency. This progression through ALBME’s ranks provided Mr. Perkins with a comprehensive understanding of the agency’s regulatory processes and internal workings, uniquely preparing him to take on the top executive role. He also holds a degree in Business Administration from Faulkner University, equipping him with a strong foundation in organizational management and finance.

Achievements and Honors

Throughout his career, Mr. Perkins has earned numerous honors and accomplishments in recognition of his service and leadership. During his military service, he was awarded several prestigious commendations, including:

• Bronze Star Medal – awarded for his brave service during Operation Iraqi Freedom

• The Desert Award – a commendation related to his Gulf War-era service

• Army Medals of Merit (4) – four separate honors recognizing meritorious service

• Army Commendation Medals (2) – two commendations for exemplary performance

In 2020, William Perkins’s appointment as Executive Director also marked a milestone as he became the first African American to serve as the Board’s chief executive. This historic achievement reflects both his personal dedication and the Board’s commitment to inclusive leadership. Under Mr. Perkins’ guidance, the ALBME has continued to advance its mission and has even garnered national recognition for forward-thinking reforms. Notably, the Board was recognized as a 2025 “Wellbeing First Champion” by a national healthcare coalition after removing stigmatizing mental health questions from Alabama’s medical license applications. This award highlighted the Board’s progressive approach to physician wellness and patient safety, and it exemplifies the kind of positive change fostered during Mr. Perkins’s tenure.

Community Engagement and Personal Life

Outside of his official duties, William Perkins remains deeply involved in his community, embodying a warm and service-oriented spirit. He is a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (Omega Iota Iota Chapter in Montgomery), through which he mentors at-risk youth and supports local charitable initiatives. Mr. Perkins is also a longtime member of True Divine Baptist Church, where he has served as a deacon since 2012. These roles reflect his personal commitment to uplifting others and giving back to the community.

As a lifelong Montgomery resident, Mr. Perkins takes pride in improving the health and wellbeing of Alabama’s citizens both on and off the job. Whether leading a state agency or volunteering in his neighborhood, he approaches his work with humility, integrity, and a genuine care for people. This blend of professional excellence and personal dedication makes William M. Perkins not only an effective executive director, but also a trusted neighbor and leader who remains approachable and grounded in the community he serves.