Joel Welker, the longtime president and publisher of the Birmingham Business Journal and a prominent figure in Birmingham’s business community for nearly two decades, has retired from the publication.
Welker spent 18 years leading the Business Journal, capping a 31-year career with its parent company, American City Business Journals.
He arrived in Birmingham in 2008 and went on to oversee the publication through a period of substantial growth and transformation across both the Magic City and the media industry.
Before taking the helm of the BBJ, Welker worked for sister ACBJ publications the Atlanta Business Chronicle and South Florida Business Journal. Prior to joining the company, he spent 13 years with Harte-Hanks Communications.
In his final column, Welker reflected on the BBJ’s role chronicling Birmingham’s recovery from the Great Recession, including the resurgence of downtown and major projects such as Railroad Park, Regions Field and Protective Stadium.
He said the biggest lesson of his time as publisher was that the job ultimately revolved around people and trust.
“The BBJ has stayed strong by staying in our lane, giving readers something they genuinely can’t get anywhere else, and helping them grow their businesses and make connections,” Welker said.
“As I retire after 18 years at Birmingham’s leading source of business news, the thing I’m proudest of isn’t an award-winning story or a financial milestone. It’s knowing the BBJ is in good hands. Ty West, who once ran our newsroom as editor-in-chief for five years, will succeed me as president and publisher of the BBJ. He understands both the editorial and business sides of this work, loves this city, and is ready for what comes next.”
Welker is also beginning a new chapter in executive coaching, where he plans to work with leaders navigating career and professional transitions.
A Connecticut native who grew up in Miami, Welker has made Birmingham home during his nearly two decades leading the publication.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
