Governor Kay Ivey (R-AL) on Wednesday announced that she has tapped three seasoned Republican political operatives for key staff positions in her bid for reelection.
Veteran campaign professional Will Califf has been appointed to serve as the governor’s campaign manager. Califf has worked in numerous capacities serving in Alabama state governmental and political roles.
Most recently, he was legislative liaison and deputy communications director for the Alabama Attorney General’s office. Prior to that, he served as communications director for the office of the Alabama Senate president pro tem for six years. Alongside holding campaign leadership positions in Alabama, Califf has served in political operational roles for multiple state parties, including the 2012 presidential campaign.
His work in Yellowhammer State GOP politics dates back to his service as victory field director for the Alabama Republican Party in 2010.
In announcing her appointment of Califf to head her reelection campaign, Ivey praised Califf’s political acumen and his years of campaign leadership experience.
“I am proud to have Will lead Team Ivey,” said the governor. “He has worked to get conservatives elected from the local level to the presidential level, and I know that he will once again be doing that for us here in Alabama. Will knows and loves Alabama, and I am just plum excited to have him on our team. We already have great folks assembled, and we are ready to hit the ground running.”
The veteran campaign operative touted Ivey’s record as the state’s chief executive.
“Governor Ivey has done an outstanding job in office, from delivering the highest employment rate in Alabama history, to demanding accountability in state government,” said Califf. “I look forward to working with her and the entire team as we strive everyday to earn the support of Alabama voters and send Governor Ivey back to Montgomery, so she can continue to make Alabama one of the top places in the country to work and live.”
Ivey also announced Anne-Allen Welden as her campaign finance director, the role which she also served during the governor’s 2018 election. Additionally, Jonathan Hester will assume the role of deputy campaign manager. Hester most recently served as policy advisor to the governor.
Ivey’s reelection campaign will be utilizing Dothan-based Something Else Strategies for media strategy and the same consulting group as her 2018 election.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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