Yellowhammer speculated in this week’s Rumors & Rumblings that Rep. Barry Mask would be leaving the legislature to take a job at the Alabama Association of Realtors (AAR). Those rumors were confirmed yesterday as Mask was named the association’s new CEO.
“After an exhaustive nation-wide search for a new CEO, we believe that we have chosen the very best individual for the extremely important job of helping to lead our Association into the future,” said Realtors’ Association President Richard VanValkenburgh. “Barry’s qualifications are a perfect match to AAR’s needs.”
Mask’s qualifications include his most recent stint as Executive Director of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority.
He was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2006. The relationships he’s established as one of the House’s most effective legislators will now be an invaluable asset to AAR’s lobbying efforts in Montgomery.
But Masks’ real claim to fame may always be that he was selected as Auburn University’s first official “Aubie the Tiger” mascot in 1979. He was named Best Mascot at the 1979 UCA Camp Competition. One of Auburn University’s most iconic photos is one of Aubie the Tiger leaning against a goal post wearing a Bear Bryant-style houndstooth hat. Mask was the man inside the suit.
After graduating, he began a career in governmental affairs working for the Alabama State Employees Association, the Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Industry & Manufacturers Association.
This will actually be Mask’s second stint at the Realtors’ Association. He was AAR’s Governmental Affairs Director from 1990-1995.
House Speaker Mike Hubbard told Yellowhammer Thursday evening that Rep. Mask was a favorite of many of his colleagues.
“Not only is Representative Barry Mask a valued friend, he has also been instrumental in bringing new jobs to Alabama as chairman of the House Economic Development and Tourism committee and his presence in the legislature will be missed,” Hubbard said. “I wish him the best in his new venture and I have no doubt he will do a great job for the Association of Realtors.”
Mask has landed what many in Montgomery consider to be one of the most desirable jobs in town. AAR is over 11,000 members strong and their headquarters adjacent to the Capitol building is one of the nicest buildings in the city.
With Mask at the helm, they’re poised to be a major player in both legislative battles and in campaigns.
The Governor will now have to call a special election for Mask’s District 31 State House seat. We’ll have more on possible candidates soon.
What else is going on?
1. Teachers Union Leader Removed from TRS Board
2. Bonner defends Alabama-built Littoral Combat Ship in appropriations hearing
3. Recap from the Alabama Power PSC Hearings
4. Undercover inside a late-term abortion clinic
5. Internet sales tax bill advancing in D.C.
