Herbert Meisler

Herbert A. Meisler received a B.B.A. from the University of Texas in 1949. Since that time, he founded Consolidated Furniture Industries in Houston, Texas; served as President of the Southwestern Furniture Marketing Association; developed the Richmore Shopping Center in Pasadena, Texas; and developed Gulfway General Hospital in Houston, Texas and served as its President. In 1964, Meisler moved to Mobile and managed Gulf Coast Jewelry and Specialty Company, a family owned catalog distributor of jewelry and small appliances. At the same time, Meisler began Rime Companies (with his brother in law, Harold Ripps), an apartment construction and management company, which they still operate today. In 1966 he constructed and supervised the rental of three office buildings and a restaurant. A key figure in the Mobile civic community, Meisler's civic and philanthropic activities have earned him the respect and appreciation of the citizens of Alabama. These activities include: five different terms as President of the Mobile Jewish Welfare Fund; Vice President, Cancer Society; Vice President, Heart Foundation; Vice President, Alabama Eye Bank; President, University of South Alabama President's Club; and President, Alabama Apartment Council. He also served as president and building fund chairman for the construction of Ahavas Chesed Synagogue in Mobile. In addition, Meisler endows scholarships at the University of Alabama, Birmingham and Birmingham Southern College. Meisler also endows a Chair of Judaic Studies at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa and a Chair of Surgery at the University of South Alabama. Meisler has also served on the Boards of the following organizations: Central Bank of the South; Altus Bank; Colonial Properties Trust; Mobile Community Foundation; Providence Hospital Foundation (longest sitting member, 27 years); Better Business Bureau; and Boy Scouts of America. Meisler and his wife, Fanny, have five children and eleven grandchildren.