As a prelude to this year’s Yellowhammer News Power & Influence Top 50 list, launching next month in its thirteenth annual installment, we are proud to continue a tradition that asks an important question in the political landscape of Alabama: Who’s Next?
Year after year, Power & Influence offers the most candid insight into the top 50 influential leaders moving the needle in Montgomery across business, politics and public service — leveraging their influence to the benefit of Alabama.
RELATED: 2024 Power & Influence: Who’s Next?
Today, we’re directing that insight into the next generation of Alabama leaders. The eleven individuals below are described in a quote from leaders speaking to their impact, effectiveness, and upward trajectory. They are each well on their way to running the state.
Anna Morgan Skipper
Alabama Forestry Association
“’Determination, intelligence, self-confidence and hard work all combined in a small bundle of Southern charm.’ Anna Morgan has been instrumental in helping to create one of the most effective grassroots and advocacy campaigns in Alabama. Her intuition and ability to not only ‘read the room’ but ‘create the room’ has led to her immediate success in public policy and, frankly, the intriguing part is she is just getting started. There is an incredible wealth of young talent in state government and she has distinguished herself as a leader among this group and, not only have I enjoyed being on the sidelines watching her growth, but I feel confident and assured that these emerging leaders are going to be integral to the continued success of the state.”
– Tom Saunders, General Counsel, Alabama Forestry Association
Brennan Johnson
Office of the Governor of Alabama
“Brennan Johnson is intelligent, respectful and hardworking, and I am proud to have him on Team Ivey. He is effective, and he gets the job done. Whether it be helping to pass our education savings account program, the CHOOSE Act, or working with legislators on our Safer Alabama public safety package or simply communicating important needs of our senators’ constituents, Brennan delivers. He is professional and dedicated. He will continue going on to do great things throughout his career, and I cannot thank him enough for his tremendous service to Alabama.”
– Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama
CJ Duncan
Spire Energy
“In the world of state politics, relationships are at the center, and that’s where you will find CJ Duncan. He has the intangible ability to connect and build relationships with everyone and anyone, and he does so with a genuine heart. With just two years under his belt at Spire, CJ has the connections of a seasoned veteran and the results to show. As his orbital pull intensifies and his business and industry acumen expand, the skies the limit for CJ. Grab some popcorn, he’s worth watching.”
– Chase Wright, Director of Governmental Affairs, Spire Energy
Jade Wagner
Office of the Speaker of the Alabama House
“While she worked for me as House Majority Leader and, now, as Speaker, Jade Wagner has earned the trust, respect, and reliance of every member of the Alabama House. She has a gift for bringing groups and individuals together, finding solutions to complex problems, and making results happen. At the same time, Jade is led by her faith, her conscience, and her moral compass to always do what is right and avoid the easy road when the harder path is the right choice. I consider her an essential and key member of my staff, and watching Jade grow, blossom, and succeed during her years in the Alabama State House has been one of the greatest joys of my public service career, and I know that my wife, Teresa, feels the same.”
– Nathaniel Ledbetter, Alabama Speaker of the House
William Newman
Business Council of Alabama
“In life and especially in politics, the two qualities that I find to be of paramount importance is integrity and loyalty. William Newman exemplifies both of those characteristics in the way he operates in the halls of the Statehouse and within the Business Council of Alabama. He has built solid relationships with members of the legislature and staff, especially in the House, with a reputation of being an honest broker and a willingness to be helpful. From my time in the Senate, those were always trademarks that I appreciated from those advocating on an issue. As far as loyalty goes, William has proven that over time. He started with BCA in 2021 and has worked his way into his current position through hard work, dedication, and love for the organization and its mission. I have enjoyed watching William grow as a professional during my time at BCA and I am certain that the future is bright for this young man.”
– Clay Scofield, Executive Vice President, Business Council of Alabama
Kayla Bass
Alabama League of Municipalities
“Kayla has been instrumental in ensuring intentional resources and tools are being provided to municipal officials throughout Alabama. She works closely with our strategic partners to arrange quality networking opportunities that are mutually beneficial to our partners and members. Her leadership as deputy director, the past two and a half years, has brought a more focused approach to our recruitment of new talent for ALM as well as to the overall mission of supporting our members in their desire of building vibrant communities where citizens want to live, raise a family, work and play. I am proud to be a friend and mentor, and I am excited to see her continue to grow and expand her presence in Alabama’s political landscape.”
– Greg Cochran, Alabama League of Municipalities Executive Director
Vince Perez
Southeast Gas
“Vince Perez serves as a key leader in economic development and external affairs for Southeast Gas, playing a pivotal role in advancing growth and opportunity across the region. Drawing on his extensive experience at the Alabama Department of Commerce, he has leveraged his deep understanding of economic policy and strategic partnerships to drive impactful initiatives. Vince’s strong network and insight into public and private sector collaboration have not only strengthened Southeast Gas’s position but have also contributed to broader economic progress throughout the state of Alabama. His work continues to make a lasting difference in both local communities and statewide development efforts.”
– Taylor Williams, Vice President of External Affairs, PowerSouth Energy
Charles Murry
Office of the Speaker of the Alabama House
“The fact that Charles Murry has already gathered so much high-level experience at a relatively young age is a testament to his talents, skills, and grit. A valued member of Gov. Kay Ivey’s communications team before joining my office to lead media efforts, Charles possesses political insight and instinct that usually comes only after decades in the trenches. He is an expert at drawing attention to important issues that must be addressed, helping legislators formulate workable solutions, and educating the media and public on the merits of those solutions. I know that he will be a prominent voice for many years to come in making an already great state even better, and Alabamians are fortunate that he is working hard on their behalf every day.”
– Nathaniel Ledbetter, Alabama Speaker of the House of Representatives
Lynn Cole
The University of Alabama System
“Lynn’s extensive communications experience, unwavering dedication, and exceptional judgment have positioned Lynn as a distinguished expert in public relations, media relations, and crisis communications. Lynn’s relentless pursuit of accuracy, coupled with outstanding judgment and communication skills, makes Lynn an invaluable asset to the University of Alabama System. Lynn’s contributions have significantly bolstered our leadership and success across higher education, health, and economic development.”
– Sid J. Trant, University of Alabama System Chancellor
Lora McClendon
PowerSouth Energy
“Lora McClendon is a dynamic leader in governmental affairs for PowerSouth Energy. She brings a wealth of experience and insight from her time on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and her work within the Alabama Legislature. Her deep understanding of the legislative process and her ability to build strong relationships with key decision-makers have positioned PowerSouth as a respected and influential corporate citizen in Alabama. Lora’s strategic vision and tireless advocacy have significantly enhanced the company’s public policy efforts, and she is widely recognized as a shining star within our organization. We are excited about her continued leadership and the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring in the years ahead.”
– Horace Horn, PowerSouth Energy
John Roberts
Freedom Real Estate
“John Roberts has quickly emerged as a key leader within our organization, playing a vital role in our continued success. Known for his unwavering integrity and tireless work ethic, John has distinguished himself as a rising star and a future leader for our state. Through strong relationship-building across North Alabama and throughout the state, John has shown a unique ability to unite people and drive results. Grounded in his faith, he remains deeply committed to both his family and community. We proudly congratulate John on his well-deserved recognition by Yellowhammer and look forward to all he will continue to accomplish.”
– Bill Roark, Founder and Executive Chairman of Starfish Holdings Board of Directors
