Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has named longtime lobbyist and policy strategist Susan Kennedy as senior counsel for external affairs to lead the city’s advocacy efforts before the Alabama Legislature and state agencies in Montgomery.
Kennedy brings more than 25 years of legislative and government relations experience, with a professional background that spans economic development, public budgeting and tax policy.
“Susan offers the city a wealth of experience, with more than 25 years of direct legislative experience and a demonstrated history in work related to economic development, public budgeting and tax policy,” Woodfin said. “She lives in Birmingham, she understands the city’s needs, and she has the relationships and skills to serve us well.”
Throughout her career, Kennedy has worked with local governments, Fortune 100 companies and nonprofit organizations.
According to the city, her most recent work included helping craft the Alabama Childcare Tax Credit in partnership with the Women’s Foundation of Alabama. The tax credits were approved in 2024 as part of Governor Kay Ivey’s workforce package.
“When you can work within the political system to meet the needs of real people, businesses and governments, you can make a lasting difference,” Kennedy said. “Mayor Woodfin already has a proven track record of finding innovative solutions, and I am deeply honored and excited to be a part of this exceptional team. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve the people of Birmingham.”
Kennedy most recently served as a senior advisor at Levitate Legal and Consulting and previously founded Kennedy Consulting. Her earlier roles include lobbying in Montgomery, managing government relations and education funding at the Alabama Education Association, and serving as general counsel at the Alabama Department of Revenue.
She holds a degree in economics from Emory University and is a graduate of Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. Kennedy and her husband, Randal, live in Birmingham’s Norwood neighborhood.
