BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The University of Alabama System on Monday announced its economic development and governmental affairs efforts will be quarterbacked by former Congressman Jo Bonner and Birmingham attorney Clay Ryan.

Bonner has been with the UA System doing both economic development and governmental affairs since he left Congress in in 2013. By bringing on Ryan, Bonner will now focus his efforts entirely on the university’s extensive economic development efforts.

“I am pleased to announce that Jo Bonner, who previously held a joint appointment in government affairs and economic development, will now focus solely on economic development issues in his role as Vice Chancellor for Economic Development,” UA Chancellor Robert Witt said Monday. “This is a critically important time in the history of our state, and the UA System is extremely mindful of our leadership role in job creation, industrial recruitment and business retention. We are fully committed to doing everything we can to help Alabama continue to grow.”

Ryan is perhaps best known in Alabama political circles for a stint as the top advisor to Governor Robert Bentley. He served as Bentley’s transition coordinator, then as Special Counsel to the Governor when he first took office. Ryan later returned to private governmental affairs practice, but continued to advise the administration on a broad range of issues.

“We are fortunate to have him join us in helping UA, UAB, UAH and the UAB Health System meet our strategic mission to serve the citizens of Alabama,” said Witt.

The University of Alabama System is comprised of three doctoral research universities: The University of Alabama, The University of Alabama at Birmingham and The University of Alabama in Huntsville, as well as the UAB Health System. This fall total enrollment will exceed 63,000 for the first time and the System’s total economic impact exceeds $8 billion annually.