The Yellowhammer Power & Influence 50 is an annual list of the 50 most powerful and influential players in Alabama politics and business — the men and women who shape the state.
This year’s list was released in several segments: Government officials and politicians, lobbyists and consultants, and business leaders.
Today, we’re taking a look forward to the next generation of Alabama leaders. The individuals below are well on their way to landing on future Power & Influence 50 lists.
Don’t miss Yellowhammer’s 2nd Annual Power of Service reception honoring the men and women on the Power & Influence 50 who leverage their stature to make a positive impact on the state. The event is set to take place Friday, May 13th at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook. Last year’s event attracted a who’s who of Alabama politics and business, including the Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, Pro Tem of the Senate, numerous members of Congress, dozens of state legislators and many of the state’s top executives, lobbyists, opinion leaders and political activists. For more information on the event click here and to purchase tickets click here.
State Rep. Will Ainsworth
Ainsworth has established himself as a hub of activity in the House since being elected in 2014. His hard-charging style has shook up the status quo in the House. Look for him to possibly make a statewide run in 2018. He’s got the financial resources to be a contender right out of the gate.
Alexia Borden, Alabama Power
Borden has the power company in her blood. Her father is the President of Georgia Power and now she is beginning her ascent. Borden is in her first year running Alabama Power’s lobbying operation at the Statehouse. A look back at the individuals who have held that job in the past suggests she’ll be a fast riser.
Katie Britt, Butler Snow
Britt is a former University of Alabama SGA President and senior staffer to Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) who now finds herself in an important role for Butler Snow’s Alabama lobbying shop. Shelby tapped her again this year to lead his campaign’s communications effort. Her husband is also an up-and-comer at Alabama Power, positioning them as an emerging Alabama politics power couple.
Will Califf, Office of the Senate President Pro Tem
Califf has earned a reputation for being one of the most versatile young operatives in the state. He already has tremendous experience in campaign politics and communications. He’ll be a sought after asset in the years to come, particularly when politicians start angling for the governor’s office in 2018.
Mary Margaret Carroll, Fine Geddie
Carroll, a former University of Alabama SGA President, landed a job at the state’s preeminent contract lobbying firm and hasn’t slowed down since. She also filled a role in Senator Richard Shelby’s recent re-election bid.
Mark Colson, Business Council of Alabama
Several perennial members of the Power & Influence 50 held Colson’s current job before he did. His ever-expanding rolodex and omnipresence at the Statehouse have him poised to make that leap in the years to come as well.
Brandon Demyan, Office of the Senate President Pro Tem
Demyan is the kind of conservative lawyer and policy mind that Republican primary voters wish was behind every state policy initiative. He’s a former staffer at the Alabama Policy Institute who’s now taken his talents into the public sector for one of the state’s most powerful politicians.
Katherine Robertson, Alabama Policy Institute
Robertson is swiftly becoming Alabama lawmaker’s go-to authority on conservative policy and reform ideas in the Statehouse. With the lack of staff at the Statehouse, she’s filling a significant void.
Jeff Sommer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Sommer made a wise career move when he decided to get in on the ground floor of one of Alabama’s most powerful government affairs operations. He’s apprenticing under veteran BCBS lobbyist Robin Stone and is already proving himself to be a valuable asset.
Sommer Vaughn, Swatek Howe & Ross
Vaughn was one of the House Speaker’s most trusted advisors before jumping to the private sector. She is already a veteran Statehouse operator at a young age. Her experience and work ethic make her a lobbyist to watch in the the years to come.
Jeremy Walker, Alabama Association of REALTORs
Walker has found himself becoming the face of one of the state’s most powerful business associations. As he gains more experience and the real estate market improves, he and the REALTORs are only going to continue picking up steam.
R.B. Walker, University of Alabama
Walker was born to be a power player. At one point he had a replica of the Governor’s office in his house. Later he asked his now-wife to marry him at the Governor’s Mansion. He was an integral part of Alabama Power’s governmental affairs team and now serves in a similar capacity for the University of Alabama System.
Taylor Williams, PowerSouth
Williams is a rising star at PowerSouth, which has significantly elevated its presence in state politics in recent years. Insiders expect him to rise quickly through the ranks to take on an executive role in the years to come.
