The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) on Wednesday announced the appointment of Miller Girvin as its next president, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
The transition follows the retirement of Greg Barker, who will step down as EDPA’s president at the end of the year, after more than four years at the organization’s helm.
The announcement follows a unanimous decision by the EDPA Board of Directors during its October 2024 meeting. The board expressed confidence in her leadership, citing her command of Alabama’s economic priorities and her proven ability to foster meaningful collaborations between public and private sectors.
“Miller is committed to growing Alabama businesses and communities, and attracting new industry to the state,” said Jeff Peoples, chairman of the EDPA Board and Alabama Power CEO. “Her expertise will be valuable as we work to continue to elevate our state.”
Girvin, currently serving as EDPA’s chief operations officer, brings a wealth of experience in economic development, leadership, and community engagement. Born and raised in Birmingham, Girvin joined EDPA in 2021 and has been instrumental in facilitating innovation and entrepreneurial growth across Alabama.
Her prior leadership in the private entrepreneurial ecosystem as CEO of the Alabama Capital Network, combined with the past four years of focus on growing EDPA’s key innovation and talent retention initiatives, and her contributions to Governor Ivey’s Innovate Alabama Commission have positioned her as a key advocate for Alabama’s business and startup ecosystem.
“While Greg Barker leaves tremendous shoes to fill, I am truly honored to step into the role of president at EDPA,” Girvin said. “It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated partners — investors, economic developers, state leaders, and the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Alabama — all in an effort to grow our state.
“I look forward to building on this momentum and collaborating with Alabama’s business leaders to drive prosperity for our communities,” she added.
Sparking growth
Barker has led the organization through a pivotal time for Alabama’s economic development, guiding initiatives that continue to fortify the state’s economy and foster engagement with local communities and businesses.
“Having had the pleasure of working alongside Miller over the past few years, I’ve witnessed firsthand her exceptional leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to pursuing positive growth throughout Alabama,” Barker said.
“Her efforts in growing Alabama Launchpad and spearheading a variety of successful initiatives in both innovation and talent retention have made a significant impact on our state’s future. I have no doubt that under her leadership, EDPA will continue to thrive,” he added.
Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, congratulated Girvin for her appointment.
“Miller Girvin’s deep knowledge of Alabama’s business landscape, coupled with her proven ability to foster collaboration across sectors, positions her perfectly to lead EDPA into a new era of growth,” Secretary McNair said.
“Miller has consistently demonstrated her commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, and I am confident that under her leadership, EDPA will continue to strengthen Alabama’s economy and enhance opportunities for businesses and communities across the state.”
Secretary McNair also thanked Barker for his contributions to Alabama’s overall economic development efforts, including his role in the development of a new strategic growth plan for the state this year.
“Greg Barker’s leadership at EDPA has been instrumental in accelerating growth in Alabama’s economy and fostering collaboration across industries,” she added. “Over the past four years, Greg has guided EDPA through a transformative period, driving initiatives that have positioned Alabama as a leader in innovation, talent retention, and economic development.
“His dedication to growing our state’s economic potential and his ability to build strong partnerships have had a lasting impact.”
This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website.
