Dr. Haywood Mayton, of Demopolis, has been elected president of the Alabama Barbeque Association (ABA). He replaces Jack Cooley, also of Demopolis, who did not seek re-election this year.

The ABA was officially formed in 2006 as a non-profit organization with the intent to promote barbeque competition cooking within the state.

Mayton, who has been on the competition barbeque circuit for three years and is the name sake of his team, Doc’s Ribs, said his goal for the upcoming year was to raise the visibility of the association.

“We want to continue to promote the Alabama Barbeque Trail, which includes sites in Demopolis, Birmingham, Livingston, Decatur, Huntsville, Mobile, Athens, Haleyville and Fort Rucker,” he said. “We’re also seeking sponsorships, which should allow us the opportunities to do some other things through the year.”

The association also administers the Alabama Governor’s Cup, which is awarded to the professional barbecue team with the highest overall points from competitions on the Alabama Barbecue Trail.

The association also works closely with the Alabama Department of Tourism.