Sources say Anita Archia, BCA’s Senior Vice President for Intergovernmental Affairs, will soon announce her departure from the business advocacy group to become Montgomery’s Deputy Mayor.
Archie has headed up the Business Council’s governmental affairs operation during one of the most successful stretches in its history. The BCA was named Yellowhammer’s Top Association in 2012, and Archie has appeared on both the 2012 and 2013 Power & Influence 40 lists as one of the top players in state government.
Her previous experience at Alabama’s two year college system, which is one of state government’s most wide-reaching agencies, provided her with a vast network and gave her significant experience on education and workforce development issues. She’ll now be putting her skill set to use for the citizens of Montgomery.
Montgomery’s longtime Deputy Mayor, Jeff Downes, retired in early June after working for the city for a quarter century. He is now City Manager for Vestavia Hills in the Birmingham area.
BCA Chairman & CEO Billy Canary has made a string of quality hires to run his lobbying shop, most recently with Archie and Quintin Riggins — who is now at Alabama Power. Competition to succeed Archie will be intense as the BCA post is one of the most coveted governmental affairs positions in the state.
Related:
1. Video Showcases Downtown Montgomery
2. Anita Archie named one of the most powerful & influential people in Alabama politics for second consecutive year
3. BCA named Yellowhammer’s Top Association of 2012
What else is going on?
1. Bentley rakes in the cash
2. Did the Huntsville Stars and Minor League Baseball cave to liberal pressure?
3. PSC approves rate and revenue reductions for Mobile Gas
4. Alabama ‘Stand your ground’ law remains in spotlight
5. Secretary of State Beth Chapman resigning
