Greg Reed appointed by Governor Ivey as senior advisor to workforce transformation

On Tuesday, Governor Kay Ivey officially appointed Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed to serve as her Senior Advisor to Workforce Transformation, effective January 1, 2025.

According to Ivey’s office, today’s announcement follows State Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper) officially addressing senators during a caucus meeting this afternoon. The governor will call a special election for Alabama Senate District 5 after Sen. Reed’s appointment begins.

“I am proud to officially welcome Greg to the Ivey Administration. As my Senior Advisor to Workforce Transformation, he will be integral to the transition from the Department of Labor to the Department of Workforce and in setting the foundation for the new agency,” said Governor Ivey.

“Increasing our state’s labor force participation rate and setting us up for long term success remains a priority for my Administration. Greg has effectively represented his district in the Legislature and has been an outstanding partner as pro tem. Alabama is fortunate to continue benefiting from his service.”

“Alabama is poised to chart a new path in workforce development and economic growth, and I am immensely grateful to Governor Kay Ivey for giving me the opportunity to be a part of her team as a Senior Advisor to Workforce Transformation,” Sen. Reed said.

“I could not be more excited for this new journey, and I look forward to building on the monumental steps Alabama has taken to continue making our state the best place in America to live, work, worship and raise a family.”

Reed was elected by fellow senators to the pro tem role in 2021. He served as Senate Majority Leader from 2015 until being elected pro tem and has been a member of the Alabama Senate since 2010. He represents Fayette, Jefferson, Lamar, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties and has served Senate District 5 since being elected in 2010.

According to her office, the governor worked closely with Senator Reed throughout his tenure in the Legislature. Most recently, he helped champion priority issues of Governor Ivey’s that impact the workforce, including the CHOOSE Act, the Working for Alabama legislation and the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences.

The Alabama Department of Workforce, established through the “Working for Alabama” legislative package, is transforming the former Department of Labor into a streamlined agency focused on workforce development. Reed will play a key role in overseeing that transformation.

This new department consolidates functions from the Department of Commerce’s Workforce Development Division and the Department of Labor, to create a unified approach to recruiting, training, and employing Alabamians.

According to the governor’s office, Secretary Marty Redden will continue to lead the Department of Labor as it transitions to the Department of Workforce, which will launch during the summer of 2025.

Tuesday, members of the Alabama Senate Republican Caucus are meeting to consider a new president pro tem to be confirmed by the full chamber when lawmakers convene for the 2025 legislative session in February. According to initial reports, current Majority Leader Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) and State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) are the top contenders. If Sen. Livingston is elected, the caucus could also vote on a new majority leader.

UPDATE: Tuesday at 4:45 p.m. — According to the Alabama Senate Republican Caucus and President Pro Tempore’s office, caucus members will meet on December 3, 2024 to nominate a new leader after Reed’s exit.

.@ALSenateRepubs will reconvene to elect the next President Pro Tempore on December 3rd. @SenatorGregReed made it official today that he is stepping down as pro tem and resigning his seat in the @AlabamaSenate #alpolitics

— Grayson Everett (@Grayson270) November 19, 2024

“The Alabama Senate Republican Caucus will vote to nominate a new President Pro Tempore on Tuesday, December 3rd. The Caucus will be diligent and thoughtful in our process to nominate a new leader, and I am confident our choice will continue our momentum to make Alabama the best place in America to call home through conservative governance.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270