Chris Beeker III was appointed to the Alabama Public Service Commission on Monday by Gov. Kay Ivey, replacing his father and long-time commission member Chris “Chip” Beeker Jr.
The elder Beeker recently said he was stepping down for health reasons, Ivey’s office said. He was first elected to the commission in 20014. His current term expires in 2026.
“Chris Beeker III, possesses an excellent record of governmental and business experience, including heading the Alabama branch of a major federal agency through which he directed significant investments in economic development and water and sewer infrastructure improvements literally all across our state,” Ivey said in a written statement. “Chris understands first-hand the needs of Alabama communities and our citizens, and he will hit the ground running as public service commissioner.”
Beeker III served for four years as USDA Rural Development Director for the state of Alabama under President Donald Trump. He also has experience in banking, finance, budgeting, sales and marketing, Ivey’s office said.
The PSC regulates utilities and the three commissioners serve four-year elected terms.
“It is with a humble heart that I accept the appointment to finish out my father’s term as Commissioner, Place 2, for the Alabama Public Service Commission,” Chris Beeker III, who lives in Tuscaloosa, said. “My father’s decision did not come lightly, and I am fully aware of the great responsibility I now have to fulfill my obligations to the people of Alabama. I look forward to working with the Alabama Public Service Commission staff and meeting citizens throughout our great state as we can continue to advance Alabama to be one of the most competitive states in the nation.”