Jeanne Dowdle Rizzardi was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. Her parents, Joan and Joseph Dowdle, moved to the city in 1962 when her father joined the founding faculty of the Electrical Engineering program at what was then the University of Alabama’s Huntsville Center—now known as the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).

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After graduating from Huntsville High School, Jeanne went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, a master’s degree in marketing from the University of Alabama, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law. During law school, she distinguished herself as President of the Student Bar Association and was honored with the prestigious Dean Thomas J. Christopher Award and the Dean’s Award. She was also selected for the Bench and Bar Legal Honor Society.

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Jeanne began her legal career in Talladega, Alabama, practicing primarily insurance defense law. After her two daughters began elementary school, she opened her own law practice as a sole practitioner. Her practice focused largely on family law, particularly matters involving children. Outside of her legal work, Jeanne was deeply engaged in community service—serving as a Girl Scout leader, leading the United Way of North Talladega’s annual fundraising campaign, and serving as President of the Junior League. Whether in the courtroom or the community, Jeanne has remained dedicated to addressing the needs of families.

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In 2014, Jeanne returned to her hometown of Huntsville to join the Office of the City Attorney, where she currently serves as an Assistant City Attorney. With more than 30 years of legal experience, Jeanne has also played a prominent role in the Alabama State Bar. She was elected to three terms on the Board of Bar Commissioners, the governing body of the State Bar, and currently serves as the incoming President of the Alabama Law Foundation—the charitable arm of the Alabama State Bar. A long-time advocate for access to justice, Jeanne has provided extensive pro bono legal services and previously chaired the State Bar’s Pro Bono Task Force.

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Jeanne’s deep commitment to public service was shaped by the example of her parents. Her father was the longest-serving member of the Huntsville Hospital Health Care Authority and the Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees. Her mother, a former principal at both Ridgecrest Elementary and Huntsville Middle School, was also the inaugural chair of the Rocket City Barbecue and Whistlestop Festival.

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Today, Jeanne continues to serve her community through various nonprofit organizations. She is an active board member and immediate past president of the Christian Job Corps of Madison County and is serving as chair of this year’s Circles Luncheon. She is also a dedicated member of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild, where she currently chairs the Finance Committee.

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Jeanne and her husband, Judge Don Rizzardi, are members of First Baptist Church in Huntsville. Together, they are proud parents and grandparents to a blended family of six children and three grandchildren.