By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Katie Boyd Britt is stepping down as president and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama, taking a necessary step toward an expected bid for the U.S. Senate.
In a letter to BCA’s board of directors obtained by Alabama Daily News, Britt listed off several accomplishments for the state’s premiere business advocacy group during her two and a half years at the helm and said she would resign effective June 4 “to pursue a new opportunity.”
“I am proud to report that BCA has accomplished everything I put my sights on when I originally accepted this incredible opportunity; the organization is stronger than ever, and the future shines brightly – even coming out of the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Britt wrote. “While I will miss serving hardworking Alabamians in this role, I am confident that I leave BCA in a strong position to continue enhancing the unparalleled services, resources, benefits and pro-growth advocacy offered to its member businesses across our great state.”
In the latest edition of Inside Alabama Politics, ADN reported that Britt would enter the Senate race with a likely official announcement next week. Also reported were the consultants involved, staff being considered and messaging being crafted.
Britt is an Enterprise native and University of Alabama graduate who now lives in Montgomery with her husband, Wesley, and their two children. Before her time leading the BCA, Britt worked as chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, who earlier this year announced he would retire at the end of this term.
Current candidates in the running to replace Shelby are Congressman Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville, who has the backing of former President Donald Trump, and Montgomery businesswoman Lynda Blanchard, a former U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia under Trump who has also tried to tout her ties to the former president.
The Republican primary election is scheduled for May 24, 2022.
Gary Smith, chairman of BCA’s board of directors, thanked Britt for her work leading the organization.
“We will miss Katie’s leadership and energy on behalf of hardworking Alabama families and job creators; however, she leaves BCA having improved the organization and our state,” Smith said.
The board has tapped Robin Stone to lead BCA as interim CEO. Stone is a well-travelled government affairs professional who has worked for major corporations like Boeing and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and also previously led the legislative efforts of former Gov. Bob Riley. He has been involved in BCA’s political and legislative efforts for more than 20 years.