It’s official: Katie Boyd Britt is leaving U.S. Senator Richard Shelby to serve as President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) — a non-partisan, statewide, business association representing the interests and concerns of nearly 1 million working Alabamians.
Shelby’s office announced Britt’s departure on Friday following the official notice of her decision to leave.
“Katie Britt is an exceptional choice to serve as CEO of the Business Council of Alabama,” said Shelby. “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.”
“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,” Shelby added.
Britt succeeds William Canary, who announced his retirement from the BCA in July in order to take a position with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“We are excited to welcome Katie as the BCA’s new president,” said Mark Crosswhite, Alabama Power CEO and chair of the BCA Executive Committee. “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.”
About Britt
Britt, a native of Enterprise, has served as chief of staff to Senator Shelby since 2016 following her role as deputy campaign manager and communications director during the Senator’s most recent reelection campaign.
“My heart is in Alabama,” said Britt. “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.
“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 first joined Shelby’s staff in May 2004, holding the position of deputy press secretary and later press secretary until 2007. After working on Capitol Hill, she served as special assistant to The University of Alabama President, Robert E. Witt. Britt went on to earn her law degree at The University of Alabama School of Law – where she also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a minor in Blount Liberal Arts. Following graduation, Britt practiced law at Johnston Barton Proctor & Rose LLP in Birmingham and later Butler Snow LLP in both Birmingham and Montgomery. Her practice was focused on general corporate law, specifically Mergers and Acquisitions. During her time at Butler Snow, Britt started and led the firm’s government affairs practice in the state of Alabama.
Britt will begin her new role at the BCA Jan. 2. She will be the first woman to serve as the president of the organization.
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