By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Business Council of Alabama announced Thursday that PowerSouth CEO Gary Smith will serve as its new chairman of the board.
Before being elected chairman, Smith oversaw ProgressPAC, BCA’s political contributing arm, following the traditional path of leadership within the organization. Smith succeeds John Mazyck of Frazier-Lanier, who served as BCA chairman for the last year.
“Gary Smith has been a valuable partner of BCA for years and has contributed so much already through his involvement,” said Katie Boyd Britt in a press release. “His strong leadership has positively impacted BCA and ProgressPAC in innumerable ways, and I look forward to working alongside him as he continues to work on behalf of the Alabama business community.”
BCA is one of Alabama’s most influential political organizations, pooling resources from the state’s business community to support its endorsed candidates for office and lobby the Alabama Legislature for business-friendly policies. During the coronavirus pandemic that saw many business shut down temporarily, BCA has rallied other business groups to advocate state leaders for policies that allow companies to safely operate and stay open.
Britt thanked Mazyck for his stewardship of the organization during a particularly challenging year for business.
“BCA is immensely grateful for John Mazyck’s leadership and his many contributions to BCA throughout his time as chairman,” said Katie Boyd Britt, President and CEO of BCA. “John has been instrumental in moving our organization forward, building a stronger business community, and furthering the mission of BCA to create an environment where all businesses can grow and flourish.”
Mazyck said he was honored to chair the organization and that Alabama’s premiere business advocacy organization is in good hands going forward.
“We have advanced the ball for business in Alabama in 2020, and we have led with strength,” Mazyck said. “I anticipate continued success and progress under Gary’s leadership as BCA continues to work on behalf of the business community, ensuring a stronger, more prosperous Alabama.”
Smith is a graduate of the University of North Alabama and of Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. As CEO of PowerSouth, Smith has been involved in economic development in Alabama for some time. Based in Andalusia, PowerSouth is an electric cooperative that sells wholesale electricity to smaller electric cooperatives and systems in Alabama and northwest Florida. The company employs 600 people.
“I am honored to serve as BCA’s next chairman. It’s a privilege to be a part of this organization and the board serving the businesses of Alabama,” said Gary Smith. “I am grateful to John for the countless contributions he made throughout his time as chairman. BCA has continued to succeed in part because of his leadership. I anticipate great things for the future of this organization.”