By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Business Council of Alabama has named Birmingham KMS chief executive officer Mike Kemp its new chairman of the board.
Kemp is the first African American to lead BCA, Alabama’s largest business association. He previously served as the organization’s first vice chairman and oversaw Progress PAC, BCA’s political arm, during the 2018 election cycle.
“Mike has a deep background of BCA leadership experience and knows our issues and our members extremely well,” said interim CEO Robin Stone. “Mike brings people together and is always looking for innovative solutions and new opportunities for positive change. He will have an immediate impact on BCA, the members we serve and the state.”
Kemp is the founder, president and CEO of Birmingham’s KMS (formerly Kemp Management Solutions), a program management and consulting company. He has planned and managed more than 1,500 construction projects valued at over $6.8 billion, according to a news release from BCA.
“I am extremely optimistic about what we can accomplish if we communicate, innovate and work together,” Kemp said in the release. “BCA is a member driven organization, and I am going to draw on the talents and experience of our leadership team and membership to meet our goals. BCA always acts in the best interest of our state, our employers and their families and that will not change.”
Kemp’s chairmanship was part of a larger announcement of BCA’s new leadership team, which includes Angus Cooper III of Cooper/T. Smith Corporation as first vice chairman and John Turner of Regions Bank as second vice chairman.
Outgoing Chairman Gary Smith of PowerSouth said he is proud of the way the state’s premier business lobby weathered a difficult year and helped member businesses navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It has been an honor to have served as BCA’s chairman and I look forward to continuing to support BCA under Mike’s leadership,” Smith said. “BCA is a consistent and strong voice for the business community and an advocate for creating and sustaining economic opportunities for families across Alabama.
“Mike will provide guidance that will enable BCA to continue working to foster a pro-jobs business climate in every corner of Alabama.”