20 Alabamians who belong on any “Most Influential” list
At Alabama Today, we understand that the words “powerful” and “influential” are vague terms. But no matter who you ask, individuals with those qualities have the ability to create change and move issues forward. There’s no doubt that a good number of people are moving Alabama forward in politics and business. Recently, Yellowhammer published its list of the 50 most influential and powerful individuals. There were smart picks on that list and we congratulate everyone included. Knowing that perhaps size and function kept the YH list limited to mainly high-powered and paid lobbyists, political consultants and corporate executives, as well as legislative leadership, we wanted to offer 20 more notable people. Here’s a diverse group, from grassroots activists, bloggers and party leaders, to even a few statewide elected officials and mayors who we think should round out any list of influence in Alabama. (In alphabetical order) Tommy Battle, City of Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle was elected in 2008, then re-elected in 2012. There was speculation he would run against Gov. Robert Bentley this past cycle that he put to rest in January 2014. In last year’s State of the City address, he noted, “The state of your city is better than good: It’s great.” His leadership has a lot to do with that, making him among the highest influencers in the state. As AL.Com reported this year, “The city ranks high on national lists of the best places to live, work and retire. For two years running, Huntsville has snagged the state’s biggest industrial prize: Remington and Polaris. Between the two, some 3,500 new jobs are expected over the coming decade.” Official bio: here Facebook: www.facebook.com/mayortommybattle Twitter: @tommybattle Scott Beason, Alabama Free Market Alliance Scott Beason is truly a man of influence among grassroots conservatives. He’s senior policy advisor at the Alabama Free Market Alliance, a conservative advocacy group. He represented District 17 in the Alabama Senate from 2006 to 2014. From 1998 to 2006, Beason was a member of the Alabama House of Representatives. Official bio: here Facebook: www.facebook.com/SenatorScottBeason Twitter: @ScottBeason Mayor William Bell, City of Birmingham William Bell was elected to a full term as mayor of Birmingham in 2011 and re-elected in 2013. His influence in the state is undeniable as he brings national and international attention to Birmingham and Alabama. Before his 2015 State of the City address, the Bell spotlighted the positive growth and revitalization projects happening in the city. The efforts have been successful in attracting and keeping residents and businesses. Bell also can be applauded for the events and efforts that have gone into putting and keeping Birmingham on the radar outside the state. From bringing the Dalai Lama to speak to attempting to get the Democratic National Convention brought to Birmingham he has been a strong advocate for the city’s greatness. Among the ways Mayor Bell is developing the reputation of Birmingham is as president of the African American Mayors Association (AAMA), co-chairing the U.S. Conference of Mayors Committee on Human Rights. He is also co-chair of “My Brothers Keeper,” an initiative by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and President Barack Obama. Official bio: here Facebook: City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Twitter: @williambellsr Bill Britt, Alabama Political Reporter Bill Britt runs and writes for the Alabama Political Reporter, which has been in operation since 2011. He also co-hosts the Voice of Alabama Politics. No one can deny Britt’s passion for politics and his dogged persistence on transparency and accountability. The traffic on his website continues to grow as does his TV audience. There’s no doubt that Britt has the attention of many throughout the state through both of his mediums. Twitter: @billbritt Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, Public Service Commission Twinkle Cavanaugh was elected to the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2010, and is the commission’s president. She is one of seven women elected to statewide office in Alabama. Hard to imagine anyone with more influence in the day-to-day life of families and businesses in Alabama than the president of the PSC who is tasked with keeping utility rates low. Cavanaugh has been among the state’s most vocal critics of the federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations that threaten Alabama’s coal jobs and would lead to higher energy prices for all. Cavanaugh has been deputy chief of staff and senior adviser in the Riley administration as well as serving as the first female chair and executive director of the Alabama Republican Party. Official bio: here Facebook: Commissioner Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh Twitter: @twinkle4psc George Clark, Manufacture Alabama George Clark is president of Manufacture Alabama as well as chief executive officer and lobbyist for the organization. The manufacturing industry is vital to the economy of the state and Clark’s role in promoting job growth, job friendly legislation and a business friendly atmosphere makes him one of the most influential people in the state. In addition to his role at Manufacture Alabama, Clark was appointed by Governor Bentley to be chairman of the Alabama Workforce Investment Board and vice chairman of the Alabama Workforce Council. Official bio: here Ann Eubank, Rainy Day Patriots and Alabama Legislative Watchdogs Ann Eubank has been part of the Rainy Day Patriots Tea Party in Jefferson/Shelby County five years and is the statewide co-chair and legislative chair of the Alabama Legislative Watchdogs. Eubank has bridged the gap from strong advocate to a respected resource for members. She is also a member of the Alabamians United for Excellence in Education Taskforce and several other groups opposed to Common Core. Her 30-minute video about Common Core Follow the Money can be seen on-line here. Twitter: @eubankann Deborah Garrett, Executive Director of the Alabama Eagle Forum Deborah Garrett is executive director of the Alabama Eagle Forum. If you speak to people in the grassroots movement about big issues facing the state they’ll tell you Garrett is a workhorse for conservative causes and legislation. Activists look to her and the Eagle Forum for direction, which makes her among Alabama’s most influential behind-the-scenes advocates. Her past experience includes working as an educator, as host and producer of a Montgomery-area public affairs t.v. show, and with Alabama Chief
