Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce Greg Reed addressed business leaders Tuesday morning at the Business Council of Alabama, offering a look into his transition from the State Senate, to his new executive role, and his priorities for workforce development across the state.

Reed, who spent 14 years in the Alabama Senate and served as Senate President Pro Tem, was tapped by Governor Kay Ivey earlier this year to lead the newly-created Alabama Department of Workforce.

“When [the governor] came to me and said, ‘We’d like for you to do this,’ it was a point of prayer and discussion,” Reed said. “The transition has been a good one. It was a big deal but, but I’ve been very pleased with the outcomes thus far.”

Reed said his first priority upon assuming the role was assessing and restructuring the agency, which brings together parts of the Department of Commerce and Department of Labor.

“If you’re going to have an effective organization, you’ve got to have it structured appropriately,” he said, noting that he has been working to build out divisions led by chiefs with clearer responsibilities.

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Beyond internal operations, Reed said his primary mission has been promoting Alabama’s workforce strategy across the state. “One of the jobs the governor gave me was to be the promoter-in-chief of all things workforce,” Reed said. “We need to keep the noise level high so that people recognize we’ve got a program moving forward.”

He highlighted ongoing efforts including regional apprenticeship initiatives, career pathways starting in high school, and a new statewide rebranding campaign designed to connect workers and businesses with resources more efficiently.

Reed said his department is also focused on tackling structural barriers to employment, such as childcare, housing, and transportation. “What are obstacles to work? Childcare, housing, healthcare and transportation. Those are the four biggest,” he said. “I’m working with some other agencies to try and figure out some ways to make that move forward.”

The former Pro. Tem. of the Senate also offered reflections on his approach to leadership. “The biggest and broadest lesson I have gleaned in now 15 years of public service is patience,” Reed said. “In the political realm, you can’t push it, you can’t pull it… You have to be ready at the moment that it is available to be moved.”

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Reed emphasized the importance of collaboration, particularly between government, education, and business sectors, crediting Alabama’s “Working for Alabama” legislative package and its cross-sector support as a model.

“Our business community is going to be vitally important in making sure we do this appropriately,” Reed said. “We’re not just talking about this a little bit—we’re going to be talking about it a lot.”

Video of Reed’s full remarks to BCA:

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at [email protected].