BCA announces new governance structure, companies return

The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) on Wednesday announced a new plan to strengthen and improve the association’s governance structure.

Several major corporations including Alabama Power, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, and Regions Bank left the organization this summer siting problems with BCA’s leader Billy Canary.

The BCA has stated in June that they would be replacing Canary.

“The wholesale governance and leadership changes made today show what is possible when businesses come together with a common goal,” said CEO of Alabama Power Company, Mark Crosswhite in a press release.  “While the hard work of moving this organization forward remains, I am pleased with this progress and look forward to working with businesses across our state for a stronger BCA and a better Alabama.”

The BCA’s new structure consists of an executive committee made up of 11 individuals. According to the BCA, five committee members represent larger businesses, five represent smaller businesses, and one trustee represents the Alabama Self-Insured Worker’s Compensation Fund.

The new executive committee elected today includes:

• Rey Almodovar, CEO, Intuitive Research and Technology
• Mark Crosswhite, CEO, Alabama Power Co.
• Perry Hand, Chairman, Volkert Inc.
• Denson Henry, Owner/Vice President, Henry Brick Co.
• Carl Jamison, Shareholder, JamisonMoneyFarmer PC
• Johnny Johns, Executive Chairman, Protective Life Corp.
• John Mazyck, Principal, The Frazer Lanier Co.
• Gary Smith, CEO, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative
• John Turner, CEO, Regions Bank
• Bobby Vaughan, Chairman of the Board, Alabama Self-Insured Worker’s Compensation Fund
• Tim Vines, CEO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

“We are fortunate in Alabama to have a business community that understands the importance of providing strong leadership on matters that affect our state’s economic success,” Heather Brothers New, chairwoman of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama said in a press release. “Individuals, families and communities can’t thrive if our state doesn’t provide an environment where businesses can thrive. Everyone in Alabama benefits from this effort to ensure a unified and effective BCA.”