Drew Harrell has been named the legislative affairs director for the governor’s office, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday.
William Filmore, Ivey’s current legislative affairs director, has been hired by Troy University to lead its governmental affairs operation.
The governor said Harrell, vice president of governmental affairs for the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), will help accomplish the executive branch’s “bold legislative agenda.”
“Alabama has some major items to tackle, which will require a bold legislative agenda from my Administration over the next four years, and Drew is the right man to help me accomplish our goals,” Ivey said in a release. “I am proud to have Drew join our team as we work to ensure Alabama’s best days are yet to come.
“Drew cares deeply for our state, is an incredibly hard worker and a great family man. We will certainly miss having William, but sure are proud of him as he brings his skills to his alma mater, and we are thrilled to be adding Drew to the Ivey administration.”
Harrell also serves as the executive director of ProgressPAC, BCA’s political arm. During his tenure at the state’s largest business advocacy organization, Harrell played a critical role in passing the 2019 Rebuild Alabama Act.
“I am deeply honored to be joining Gov. Ivey’s administration and thankful to her for the opportunity to serve as director of legislative affairs,” said Harrell. “I am excited about helping Gov. Ivey advance policies that will move Alabama ahead.
“I am grateful for the years I have spent at BCA which have more than prepared me for this new challenge.”
Prior to earning his MBA from Auburn University and undergraduate degree from Huntingdon College, Harrell lettered in baseball and football at the private institution. He is the vice president of Huntingdon College’s National Alumni Board of Directors.
Filmore will continue to serve in his official capacity with the governor’s office through the end of this month.
“Working for Gov. Kay Ivey has been the honor of a lifetime. She is a proven leader who works as hard as anyone in Montgomery,” said Filmore. “Gov. Ivey personally cares about Alabama’s citizens and our future, which is why – through her strong relationship with the Legislature – she has succeeded in improving our infrastructure, education, mental health care, economic development and broadband, among many other accomplishments.
“I am confident our state will continue to prosper, and more progress will be made through the leadership of Gov. Ivey and her team in the next four years.”
Harrell will join Parker Harris and Michele Brown in the legislative affairs office Dec. 1. Ivey will also be filling the Senate liaison role, which became vacant after Brooks McClendon was appointed to deputy chief of staff.
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
