Providing opportunities, removing barriers

Neal is Managing Partner for the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program. He previously served as Director of the Economic Development Academy at the University of Alabama, Chairman of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, and Director of the Alabama Development Office (now the Department of Commerce).

David is the Vice Chancellor of Adult Education, Special Projects, and System Initiatives for the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). His career spans over 30 years with experience in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education. He has held numerous positions of leadership and serves on many local, state, and national committees.

Michelle is Executive Director at Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG). She previously served the City of Huntsville as the Director of Planning and Director of Economic Development.

Terry is Senior Consultant for Mitchell and Advisory Consulting, LLC and is a licensed CPA in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.  He holds professional memberships in the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. 

Greg serves as President of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama and previously held positions related to economic and business development for the Alabama Power Company. He serves on the boards of director for Opportunity Alabama, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Council, and Innovation Depot.

Sonny is the Executive Director of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, where he works with elected officials and employees at the local, state and federal levels of government to promote counties.

George serves as President and CEO of Manufacture Alabama. He is a former Chairman of the Alabama Workforce Investment Board and a former Vice Chairman of the Alabama Workforce Council.

Greg is Executive Director of the Alabama League of Municipalities. He previously served as Vice-Chair of the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee for Energy Policy and the National League of Cities’ Public Finance Consortium.

In December of 2022, Helena became President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama. Prior to that she was the Director of Strategic Operations and Growth and Vice President of Operations and Investor Relations at BCA. Throughout her career in the financial sector with multiple companies, she has been able to support individuals and businesses in their efforts to succeed. She was recently named a Yellowhammer 2022 Woman of Impact for her influential role and contribution to business and the community across Alabama.

Michelle is Director of Workforce and Economic Development at Airbus Americas, Inc. She previously served as the Economic Development Representative for PowerSouth Energy and was a member of the Alabama economic development team that recruited Airbus and Northrop Grumman to Mobile.

Tim is the President and CEO of TALA Professional Services. He is also the recipient of the Small Business Person of the Year Award, the Minority Business Leadership Award, and the Blue-Chip Enterprise Initiative Award.

Jeff is the President and CEO of the Alabama Power Company. He is a former Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, and AGL Services President for Southern Company Gas.

Kevin is Vice President for Greenbush Logistics, Inc. and Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc. Kevin’s involvement in state, community and professional organization is extensive. He serves as Treasurer of the Alabama Trucking Association and on the Leadership Alabama Board of Directors, the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Alabama Power Company Board of Directors, and the Alabama Wildlife Federation Board of Directors Executive Committee.

Taylor is Governmental Affairs and Economic Development Manager for PowerSouth Energy Cooperative. He previously served as Project Manager for the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce.