Personnel Update: Helena Duncan named CEO of Business Council of Alabama
The Business Council of Alabama has named Helena Duncan as its new President and CEO. Duncan has over 30 years of experience in the financial industry and has been at BCA since 2020. Most recently, Duncan worked as Senior Vice President of Operations and Investor Relations. “Helena Duncan has the experience, talent, and perspective to lead the BCA effectively and enhance its role as the voice of Alabama business,” BCA Chairman Mike Kemp said in a news release. “She is an experienced businesswoman who has worked with a broad cross-section of businesses. She speaks the language of business. Her leadership qualities, management experience, and work ethic will be valuable assets to BCA as we chart our course for the future.” Duncan is the first African American president of BCA. Duncan is also a board member of Dixie Electric Cooperative, the YMCA, the Montgomery Committee of 100, the Board of Controls Committee of 100, and Synovus Bank. “I am honored to be chosen and entrusted with the responsibility of leading such a prestigious organization. I look forward to implementing our strategic plan that has been developed over the past year,” said Duncan. “My previous roles at BCA have given me a strong knowledge of the organization and our members. As we begin this new chapter, our priority will be to refine and refocus our efforts on energetic, effective advocacy on behalf of our members in Montgomery and at the federal level.” The position has been vacant since U.S. Sen.-elect Katie Britt stepped down in July 2021 to run for U.S. Senate. Robin Stone has led BCA as Interim Executive Director since then. Kemp praised Stone’s leadership. “Robin has provided efficient, effective leadership during his time at BCA,” stated Kemp. “During his tenure, BCA experienced a strong period of successful operations in all aspects of our organization, and we are grateful for his contributions. We look forward to his continued support.” Helena is married to Clarence Duncan. They have two sons, CJ and Collin.
BCA endorses Terri Thomas for Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Place 2
ProgressPAC — the political action committee of the Business Council of Alabama — on Monday announced their endorsement of Judge Terri Willingham Thomas in the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Place 2 in the June 5 Republican primary. “Judge Thomas possesses qualities that businesses desire in members of the state’s highest courts,” ProgressPAC’s Chairman Mike Kemp said. “For this reason, ProgressPAC is proud to endorse Judge Thomas in the June 5 primary.” Kemp said the PAC’s board of directors voted to endorse Thomas because of her commitment to rulings that align with Alabama law. “The importance of electing judges who will rule according to the law cannot be understated,” Thomas said. “Given my experience as a judge at the state and local level, I believe I possess the knowledge, skills, and temperament necessary to continue serving the state of Alabama on an appellate bench.” Thomas, a native of Cullman, Ala., was first elected to the Court of Civil Appeals in 2006 and reelected in 2012. After graduating from law school, she began practicing law in Cullman was soon elected as a district and juvenile court judge in Cullman County, a position she held for a decade. She has also served as president of the Alabama Juvenile and Family Courts Judges Association from, was a Faculty member at the Alabama Judicial College, a member of Alabama’s Juvenile Code Revision Committee, the Judicial System Legislative Coordinating Council, the Standing Committee on Juvenile Procedure, and the Standing Committee on Rules of Conduct and Canons of Judicial Ethics. Thomas faces Chad Hanson in the June 5 Republican primary.
