The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) on Friday officially announced its selection of Alabama native Katie Boyd Britt as the organization’s next president.

Britt, who currently serves as chief of staff to United States Senator Richard C. Shelby (R-AL), will start the job on January 2.

In a press release, BCA leaders praised Britt’s leadership acumen, energy and experience on both Goat Hill and Capitol Hill.

“We are excited to welcome Katie as the BCA’s new president,” Alabama Power CEO Mark Crosswhite, who chairs the BCA’s Executive Committee, said. “As the top staff member for Senator Shelby, she has worked daily with businesses and elected officials from around Alabama and the country. She also has a special ability to work with and unite people from all walks of life. She has all of the tools we were looking for to support the business growth across the state that will drive our economy in the years ahead.”

Britt was born and raised in Enterprise and attended the University of Alabama, where she served as president of the Student Government Association. She also earned her law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law.

Over the past decade, she has served in a number of senior positions for Shelby in Washington, D.C. Before becoming chief of staff, Britt was the youngest press secretary in the U.S. Senate. She previously led state governmental affairs for the Butler Snow law firm in Montgomery and also practiced corporate law. She has also served as a member of the BCA Board of Directors.

Britt, her husband, Wesley, and their two children, Bennett and Ridgeway, will reside in Montgomery.

“My heart is in Alabama,” Britt emphasized. “Our state has made significant progress in recent years, and I am honored to have been chosen to lead BCA during this time of growth. I look forward to building on that momentum through collective efforts with our BCA members, elected officials, and business allies across the state – identifying opportunities every day in which we can provide and advance real, tangible solutions.”

“BCA’s successes are Alabama’s successes, and our unique ability to take on big challenges and deliver strategic results will advance our economy and best serve the men and women who make up the backbone of our state,” Britt continued.

Britt, who will be the first female president at BCA, said her top initial priorities will be:

• Working with the Executive Committee and Board of Directors to develop a new long-term strategic plan for the organization.
• Building bridges with other organizations to identify shared priorities and objectives at the state and federal level.
• Reaching out to all businesses in the state to better understand how BCA can bring value to their company.
• Bringing a fresh, new approach to working with all elected officials and policy makers at the local, state, and federal level to support pro-business, pro-economic growth policies that support all sectors of Alabama’s economy: industrial, commercial, small business, tech and healthcare entrepreneurs.

BCA Executive Committee Member Carl Jamison said Britt brings to the table the qualities and experience needed to successfully move BCA forward.

“BCA has an important responsibility to its members and to our state moving forward,” Jamison outlined. “With Katie’s energy and experiences in Montgomery and Washington, she understands the constructive role BCA can play.”

In a separate release, Shelby added his praise for the hire, saying that Alabama will benefit from her leading BCA.

“Katie Britt is an exceptional choice to serve as CEO of the Business Council of Alabama,” Shelby advised. “She has been invaluable as my chief of staff over the last several years. Although I am disappointed to see her go, I know that my loss is BCA’s gain.

He continued, “Throughout Katie’s time in my office, she demonstrated a unique ability to solve any problem. Not only did she work as my top advisor on all matters, but she also developed bipartisan relationships with lawmakers, top committee and leadership staff, and stakeholders to successfully negotiate complex issues and legislation. Katie understands the intersection of business and politics. I have no doubt that her experience in Alabama and the Senate will establish her as an asset to BCA.

“I am grateful for Katie’s leadership and ability to prioritize what’s best for our state. It is with pride that I wish her, Wesley, Bennett, and Ridgeway all the best as they return to Alabama,” Shelby concluded.

Britt added that her experience in Shelby’s office has prepared her for this new chapter in life.

She remarked, “It has been my life privilege to serve and assist Alabama’s greatest statesman. I am very eager to apply the lessons I learned from him in this new position. I am certain the invaluable experiences of touring every county in Alabama with Senator Shelby, and meeting so many Alabamians, will serve me well as I work to create opportunities for all Alabama business.”

Britt explained that a strong BCA is vital for Alabama’s success as a state and for its residents.

“From the Tennessee Valley to the Wiregrass and then over to Mobile Bay, we have a remarkably diverse economy,” Britt said. “But to ensure Alabama’s future success, we must encourage policies and priorities that strengthen our businesses and provide opportunities for our citizens.”

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn