Connie Rowe is the new chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, he announced Friday.
Rowe replaces Catherine Gayle Fuller, who is moving into the private sector.
“Connie Rowe is a veteran of the Alabama State House, and she has certainly demonstrated the leadership skills and experience necessary to guide my staff through the end of the quadrennium,” Ainsworth said. “Catherine Gayle served our office well throughout her tenure, and we wish her God’s blessings as she accepts the opportunity that has been offered to her.”
Rowe was a two-term member of the Alabama House representing Walker County when she joined Ainsworth’s staff in January 2023 as his senior advisor. Prior to the State House, she had a career in law enforcement and was the chief of police in Jasper.
“From day one, Lt. Gov. Ainsworth promised Alabamians that his office would be the most active, engaged, and hardest working in the history of our state, and I remain committed to helping him fulfill that mission,” Rowe said. “With issues ranging from workforce development to military infrastructure to aerospace industry expansion and others, the lieutenant governor has given us a full plate to keep us busy throughout the coming year.”
While in the House, Rowe was elected by her colleagues as vice chair of the House Republican Caucus. She was the first woman to hold the second-highest position in the organization.
“Connie brings deep experience, steady leadership, and a strong understanding of state government to this role,” Ainsworth said on X Friday. “From her service in the Alabama House to her work as a senior advisor in my office, she has consistently demonstrated the judgment and work ethic needed to help lead our team through the session ahead.”
Fuller had also joined Ainsworth’s staff in 2023 as deputy chief of staff.
This year is Ainsworth’s eighth and final as lieutenant governor. He is term limited. He’ll preside over the Senate in the legislative session that starts Tuesday.