Alabama Policy Institute Addresses Shakeup Rumors

Over the last several weeks, rumors have popped on and off the radar regarding a shakeup at the Alabama Policy Institute. Dr. Gary Palmer, the long-time President and CEO, was rumored by some to be on the way out. However, Yellowhammer learned last night that the shakeup will streamline API’s operations by freeing up Dr. Palmer from day-to-day administrative duties and will allow him to focus his attention on developing the conservative policies he and API have become known for over the last couple of decades.

Yellowhammer believes these changes, which are outlined in an API press release below, will further strengthen the state’s top conservative policy shop.

Alabama Policy Institute Announces Staff and Board of Directors Changes

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., May 8, 2012 – The Alabama Policy Institute (API), the leading conservative think tank in Alabama, announced today several changes involving staff and the API’s Board of Directors.

Sandy Stimpson, Chief Financial Officer of Scotch Gulf Lumber and former Chairman of the Business Council of Alabama, has been elected to serve as the Chairman of API’s Board of Directors succeeding Chairman Tom Bradford.

Immediate-past chairman, Tom Bradford, has joined API’s staff as Managing Chairman responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of the organization. Bradford previously operated Bradford & Co., a food brokerage business in Alabama. He also served on the boards of SouthTrust Bank and Mrs. Stratton’s Salads. He has been active in community affairs, having served on the boards of Red Cross, Campfire, Salvation Army, and Boy Scouts. He co-chaired the United Way Campaign, and later served as Board Chairman of United Way of Central Alabama.

Jeff Fink, API’s Executive Vice President, has resigned from API to serve as Administrator at Word Alive Church, in Oxford, Alabama.

API is also pleased to formally announce that Cameron Smith has been promoted to Policy Director and General Counsel. Smith will be responsible for the development of policy solutions, overseeing API’s policy initiatives, and managing API’s policy team. He will also handle API’s legal affairs.

Additionally, API welcomes Elizabeth Robinson to serve as Grants Coordinator and Policy Analyst. Elizabeth will manage API’s grant portfolio as well and contribute to API’s policy shop. Elizabeth, a graduate of the University of Alabama, previously served as a summer fellow at API and worked in constituent relations for Governor Bentley.

“Given the demands on API for conservative ideas and solutions to address the major issues confronting our state, API needed to add staff and make organizational changes to increase our capacity and effectiveness,” said Gary Palmer, President and CEO. “As part of an on-going effort to improve API’s effectiveness, these changes help get the right people in the right positions to substantially advance our ability to champion conservative solutions through solid and reliable research and analysis.”