The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) on Wednesday announced the promotion of three employees: Helena Duncan has been named senior vice president of operations and investor relations; Susan Carothers will serve as the vice president of investor relations; and Drew Harrell has been promoted to vice president of governmental affairs.
The moves follow the departure of Molly Cagle, who recently accepted the position of senior director of government and public affairs at Birmingham-based Shipt.
“Molly has been an instrumental piece to the BCA puzzle and a key player in the success of BCA,” stated Katie Boyd Britt, BCA president and CEO. “While we will certainly miss having her a part of the team, I could not be prouder for Molly. I am excited to see the many ways she continues to excel in her new role at Shipt.”
Harrell will be directly stepping into the existing role left vacant by Cagle’s move, while Duncan and Carothers were promoted into new positions.
“Helena, Susan, and Drew have played an instrumental role in the success of BCA, bringing a wealth of knowledge in their respective areas of expertise,” Britt remarked. “I am thrilled to promote each of them into a new leadership role, and I look forward to watching them lead and grow their departments, along with our organization. These talented individuals are a part of a highly skilled team who will continue to work each day to ensure that Alabama is a great place to live, work and do business.”
Duncan joined BCA 12 months ago as the director of strategic operations and growth. Since joining the team, she has worked diligently to build and grow relationships with new and current members. Her work has reportedly resulted in numerous wins for BCA and built strong partnerships within the business community. Prior to joining BCA, Helena spent over 30 years working in the financial industry, primarily at the executive management level.
In her new role as senior vice president of operations and investor relations, Duncan will continue to oversee membership, finance and human resources, but will also assume leadership of investor relations, communications, marketing and events.
“Working for BCA has been the most rewarding experience,” said Duncan. “We are consistently laser focused on serving the businesses of Alabama at the highest level. Although we faced unprecedented times in 2020, our commitment never wavered and our focus never changed. I’m extremely proud to work for this organization and serve the businesses of Alabama.”
Carothers has been a part of BCA since 2005, when she joined the organization as manager of events and special projects. During her tenure, she has been a jack of all trades, managing numerous special projects while also planning and executing all major BCA events. In 2012, Carothers transitioned from a full-time BCA team member to launch her company, SC Events Management. She still remained on contract as the leading event planner for BCA, a role she held until December.
As vice president of investor relations, she will continue to oversee events, but will also oversee communications and marketing.
“BCA has been my home for more than 15 years,” commented Carothers. “We have never had a greater opportunity than now to make a positive and lasting impact for Alabama businesses. I’m excited to get to work in this new role.”
Harrell came to BCA in 2011 as executive assistant to the president and later was given expanded duties as executive assistant and strategic operations coordinator. His most recent role has been the director of governmental and regulatory affairs, in which he also serves as executive director of the Alliance for Alabama’s Infrastructure. Throughout his career with BCA, he has played an instrumental role in crafting and implementing BCA’s legislative agenda at both the state and federal level.
In his new role as vice president of governmental affairs, Harrell will continue his work in the legislative arena, advocating for BCA members in Montgomery and Washington, D.C.
“Being a part of this BCA team and seeing firsthand the value this organization brings to its members, as well as to our state, has been a true blessing,” said Harrell. “I am extremely honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve this great organization in this capacity, and I look forward to building on its successes through collective efforts with our BCA members.”
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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