The Energy Institute of Alabama (EIA) named Business Council of Alabama executive vice president and former Alabama Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield as its next president and CEO.

“We have worked closely with Clay for years and he is the absolute perfect leader to take on this new role running the Energy Institute of Alabama,” EIA Chairman Taylor Williams said of the appointment.

As president and CEO, Scofield will be working alongside Blake Hardwich who will serve as the EIA Government Relations Advisor, launching a new era of advocacy for Alabama’s energy sector.

“We appreciate Blake’s tireless service since the inception of the institute, and we are excited to benefit from her continued leadership and work for this organization,” Williams said.

“Our state can’t succeed economically without a strong, dynamic and resilient energy sector. Our energy policies must be forward-thinking and innovative, and we’re confident that Clay will bring the leadership that allows that to happen.”

Scofield said he is honored to join the institute at what he called a “pivotal moment for our state’s energy future.”

“Alabama has the resources, innovation, and leadership needed to ensure that we remain at the forefront of energy independence, economic growth, and national security. I look forward to working with our policymakers, industry leaders, and research partners to strengthen our energy infrastructure and position Alabama as a true leader in America’s energy renaissance.”

Scofield, an Alabama native and third-generation farmer was elected to the State Senate in 2010, representing District 9 for over a decade. He was elected by Senate Republican colleagues as Majority Leader from 2020 until his resignation in 2023.

At that time, he joined the Business Council of Alabama as executive vice president, where he oversaw ProgressPAC and advanced the organization’s legislative agenda.

His announcement today drew vocal support from Alabama’s U.S. Senators, who each related the move to the Trump administration’s conquest for energy dominance.

“I want to congratulate my friend Clay on this important new chapter,” said U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn).

“With President Trump back in the White House, the sky is the limit for American energy production. American energy dominance is critical not only to our economy, but to our national security. Alabama already punches far above our weight when it comes to national security, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be a leader in energy production as well. As Alabama’s senior senator, I’m working with the Trump administration to make sure Alabama is first in line for any energy-related investments or opportunities.”

U.S. Senator Katie Britt also affirmed what the move means for the intersection of state and federal energy policy.

“President Trump ushered in a new era of American energy dominance in our nation, and now, with Clay Scofield as President and CEO of the Energy Institute of Alabama, a new chapter in our great state’s energy leadership is beginning,” Britt (R-Montgomery) said.

“Energy will continue to be one of the most vital pieces of our strategic growth in Alabama, and we need to strengthen this sector to ensure we remain competitive long into the future. I will always be a partner at the federal level to advance American energy dominance, bolster U.S. national security, and help hardworking Alabama families achieve their American Dream.”

According to EIA, Alabama lawmakers and Governor Ivey has taken strong steps to achieve a strong energy future.

During the 2025 legislative session, the Alabama Legislature passed and Governor Ivey signed the Powering Growth package of bills into law.

This package consisted of legislation intended to strengthen energy infrastructure and transmission, speed up energy projects, and position Alabama to compete and win in the realm of economic growth.

According to EIA, Scofield will play a key role in helping implement this ambitious plan and ensuring it enables Alabama to solidify itself as an energy powerhouse and an example to the rest of the nation.

Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) spoke to the importance of energy availability in economic development at a time where energy demand is increasing significantly.

“Whether it be his work expanding broadband infrastructure during his time in the Legislature or his efforts to support our state’s business community in his previous role, Clay has played a vital role in securing Alabama’s economic future,” said Speaker Ledbetter. “At a time when energy availability and economic growth have never been more connected, our state needs someone of Clay’s caliber leading EIA to ensure we are taking the necessary steps to remain competitive.”

“Alabama has already taken strong steps to pave the way toward increased energy production and transmission, but more work needs to be done in order to reach our full potential,” said Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman).

“Building a more robust energy industry through the work of EIA will boost Alabama’s economic development, allow our existing industries to grow and expand, and attract even more jobs and opportunities, especially in the rural portions of our state.”