Mike Putman, a former high school theatre teacher and founder of the Theatre Academy at Corner High School, retired at the age of 49 after teaching for 26 years. However, his next chapter unexpectedly led him to Jasper, Alabama, where he became their first Main Street Director in 2015. Despite the challenges of overseeing a downtown district, Putman found that his experience managing personalities in the high school theatre world translated well to his new role. Putman's success in Jasper is attributed to the cooperation and partnerships that he fostered. Interestingly enough, Putman's roots are in Downtown Birmingham, where he grew up, played, and was educated.