From bad to worse, the dismantling of the BCA continues.
Yellowhammer news has confirmed that Mike Kemp, a senior officer of the embattled organization resigned. Kemp is president and CEO of Kemp Management Solutions LLC in Birmingham and was serving as first-vice chairman and chairman of ProgressPAC, the official political action committee of the BCA. Kemp would have been named chairman of the board in January 2018.
In a letter to BCA Chairman of the Board Perry Hand, Kemp cites a need to demonstrate “unwaving integrity in communicating with and managing the resources of the membership, to whom they are accountable.” He further states “I am disappointed that the BCA leadership’s actions to date have failed to meet these standards, and as such, are antithetical to my views in all respects.”
Previously, he served the organization as second-vice chairman and secretary. His withdrawal from the group is the latest in an exodus of the state’s largest employers including Alabama Power Company, Regions Financial Corporation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and Protective Life Corporation.
Kemp’s resignation directly follows that of long serving BCA general counsel Fournier “Boots” Gale, senior vice president and general counsel for Regions Financial, who resigned on Tuesday.
According to one member of the executive committee, Kemp’s departure could paint a grim picture of the future of the organization. Once seen as a potential bridge between the current leadership and exiting members, his decision to not only resign, but withdraw from membership completely will raise many more questions among remaining members.
A meeting of the executive committee is scheduled for today and a full board meeting is slated for Monday, June 25.
Allison Ross is the owner and publisher of Yellowhammernews.com