MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Former Congressman Jo Bonner has been named as Gov. Kay Ivey’s new chief of staff.
Ivey announced the change Tuesday, a day after her inauguration for her first full term.
Steve Pelham, Ivey’s longtime chief of staff, is leaving be Auburn University’s vice president for economic development and chief of staff to President Steven Leath.
“Steve has been a close friend and a trusted confidant for a number of years and has provided our office with outstanding leadership,” Governor Ivey said. “When we made the transition to the Governor’s Office in 2017, Steve was responsible for leading the effort to make certain the Ivey Administration was up and running on day one. He has maintained that level of commitment to our organization, structure and focus to details throughout our first term together.”
Pelham’s final day in the office is Tuesday. Ivey’s office said Bonner will take over the responsibilities of chief of staff this week.
Bonner served 10 years in Congress, representing southwest Alabama’s 1st Congressional District. He joined the Ivey administration last month as the governor’s senior adviser.
“Jo brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our administration, and I know we aren’t going to miss a step as my cabinet, staff and I work, every day, to honor the support and confidence the people of Alabama gave us last November.”
The Associate Press contributed to this report.