The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) has announced the hiring of Kenneth E. Coleman as their new President and CEO. According to the BBA, Coleman will be responsible for developing collaborative efforts between the BBA and its community partners to lead economic growth and expansion for the seven-county region, in addition to the day-to-day operations of the organization. He will begin his new role in Birmingham on July 20.
“I am excited to lead the Birmingham Business Alliance at such a pivotal time,” said Coleman. “The partnerships we strengthen, the jobs we help create, and the support we provide to all businesses moving forward will shape Birmingham’s future as a leading metropolitan area. I look forward to working closely with the public and private sector – old friends and new – to make that happen.”
Coleman’s hiring is the culmination of a six-month search process, led by Mark Tarr president and CEO of Encompass Health. According to AL.com, Coleman will be BBA’s first black president & CEO.
“Kenny will be able to hit the ground running as he is well known to many people in the region and is a proven leader,” said Jim Gorrie, CEO of Brasfield & Gorrie LLC and 2020 BBA Chairman.
According to Coleman’s LinkedIn, he most recently served as the interim CEO of the DeKalb County (GA) Chamber of Commerce and has worked for Southern Company’s Georgia Power both as a project manager and as a senior vice-president of marketing. He received his MBA from the University of Alabama and his Bachelor of Science from the University of New Haven.
He is married to Dr. Prentiss Coleman, and they have two sons, Kamden and Kyle.
The Birmingham Business Alliance is the primary economic development group for the Birmingham metro area.
