As Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair and a task force of economic development professionals develop a comprehensive strategic plan to guide the state’s economic growth into the future, Working for Alabama is quickly materializing in another round of all-star appointments to a key entity, the Alabama Growth Alliance.
On Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey announced the appointment of eight distinguished leaders from the private sector to chart course for statewide, economic success.
“The experienced business leaders on the Alabama Growth Alliance will be able to lend key support to the forward-looking strategies outlined in the new economic development plan,” Governor Ivey said. “By working together, we’re building a stronger, more prosperous Alabama for generations to come.”
Appointments to the Alabama Growth Alliance:
- Angus Cooper, III, President of the Mobile-based Cooper Group., has a deep understanding of international trade and the maritime and logistics sectors.
- Helena Duncan, President and CEO of the Montgomery-based Business Council of Alabama, brings a strong background in business advocacy and policy.
- Macke Mauldin, President and CEO of Bank Independent in Florence, is recognized for his extensive knowledge in banking and finance.
- Jimmy Rane, Chairman and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving in Abbeville, is a prominent figure in the wood products and construction industry.
- John Turner, President and CEO of Birmingham-based Regions Financial Corp., offers expertise in financial services and economic strategy.
- Allison Ross, Vice President of Government Relations for the Huntsville Hospital Health System, is a consulting, real estate and public relations entrepreneur and former owner of Yellowhammer News. (Lieutenant Governor Appointee)
- Jeff Peoples, Chairman, President and CEO of Birmingham-based Alabama Power, is a leader in the energy sector. (Senate President Pro Tempore Appointee)
- Bruce Culpepper of Guntersville, former President and U.S. Country Chair of Shell Oil Co., has extensive experience in the energy and petrochemical industries. (Speaker of the House Appointee)
Governor Ivey serves as chair of the Alliance, Secretary Ellen McNair serves as co-chair, and officials from the legislative branch serve as ex-officio members, including Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, as well as Governor Ivey’s Finance Director and the Chair of Innovate Alabama, Bill Poole.
Today’s appointments to the Alabama Growth Alliance come just after an initial round of business and industry selections for the Alabama Workforce Board and its Executive Committee — who all share in the goal of preparing Alabama to meet future economic challenges with a well-equipped and skilled labor force. A central element to the Working for Alabama approach involves the integration of leaders from industry — as well as the consolidation of duplicative efforts into the agile groups now taking shape.
As the Alabama Growth Alliance gets to work on October 1, and a comprehensive strategy is delivered, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce Ellen McNair said the Alliance will be a tremendous addition to the economic development team.
“The business leaders appointed to this public-private partnership will assist us as we move to capitalize on high-impact growth opportunities that will make a difference in the lives of Alabamians,” said McNair.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
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