The full governing board of the Business Council of Alabama voted today to confirm an Executive Committee proposal adopted on May 21, a proposal which sparked significant controversy among members. The transition plan furthers the group’s stated goal to replace President and CEO Billy Canary by the end of this year.

The move comes after several of the state’s largest companies quit the organization, with some openly questioning its leadership, direction and effectiveness. In a press release issued by BCA, the group has named the selection committee to identify and hire a new CEO. The committee is comprised of members of the executive committee.

Alabama Power Co., Regions Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, Protective Life Corporation, Progress Rail and Parker Towing have all left the BCA during the last week.

In addition to business members, two long-time senior officials have also resigned from the organization. Next in line as chairman of the board and current chairman of ProgressPAC, Mike Kemp, president and CEO of Kemp Management Solutions LLC in Birmingham withdrew last Wednesday. BCA general counsel Fournier “Boots” Gale, senior vice president and general counsel for Regions Financial also resigned within the last week.

Before today’s board action, Canary had been under contract in his current position through 2020.

Allison Ross is the publisher and owner of Yellowhammer Multimedia.