Alabama Forestry Association releases 13th slate of House endorsements

The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) has released its 13th round of endorsements for candidates seeking election to the Alabama House of Representatives.

State Rep. Jim Hill (R-Springville)

Hill is running for reelection to House District 50, which covers St. Clair County. He has served District 50 since 2014. Hill has practiced law for over 19 years at Hill, Gossett, Kemp and Hufford, P.C. Attorneys at Law. He previously served as the city attorney for the City of Leeds and City of Moody. Hill has also served as president of the Alabama League of Municipalities City Attorney Association.

Hill was elected as St. Clair County district judge in 1994 and as St. Clair County circuit judge in 2004. He currently chairs the House Judiciary Committee.

In a statement, Hill thanked AFA for the association’s endorsement of his reelection bid.

“I certainly appreciate the Forestry Association supporting my reelection to the Alabama Legislature,” said Hill. “Business, industry and all who engage in economic development are the engines the drive the economy of this State and our Country. The Forestry industry is an important member of that group. I enjoy the opportunity in Montgomery to work with those who recognize the importance of moving our State forward.”

Bill Lamb, House District 62

Lamb is running to serve House District 62, which covers the southeast side of Tuscaloosa County. He is a lifelong Tuscaloosa resident and graduated from the University of Alabama. Lamb is the former Tuscaloosa County chief financial officer, a role which he served in for nearly four decades.

Lamb touted the endorsement and proclaimed that the timber industry was “one of the most important” businesses in the state.

“I am delighted and greatly honored to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association for House District 62,” stated Lamb. “I appreciate their conservative and limited government approach to the business of the great State of Alabama. Forestry is one of the most important businesses in Alabama and I gladly support their continued success.”

Donna Givens, House District 64

Givens is running for House District 64, which covers parts of Baldwin and Monroe Counties. She is a graduate of Robertsdale High School and Mobile College. Givens retired in 2020 after a 47-year career with Baldwin EMC. She was appointed to leadership positions by former Alabama Govs. Bob Riley and Robert Bentley.

She serves on multiple boards across Baldwin County and has held numerous positions in the Baldwin business community, including serving as chair of the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

Givens stated her intentions to support economic development efforts as a member of the lower chamber.

“As a businesswoman and community leader, I am dedicated to making District 64 a better place for all, by focusing on first-class education and strong economic and job growth for my district, the Gulf Coast, and the state,” said Givens. “I strongly believe that Alabama’s forests and rich timber resources must be a part of that growth. Alabama’s forests have even greater potential to increase tourism, trade across America, and most especially international trade through the Port of Mobile, and I am determined to see that potential fully realized.”

State Rep. A.J. McCampbell (D-Linden)

McCampbell is running to serve his fifth term representing House District 71, which covers Tuscaloosa, Sumter, Marengo and Greene Counties. He is currently a member of the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee. McCampbell is from Eutaw and graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in political science.

McCampbell began his career as a Tuscaloosa patrolman and was promoted to investigator. He later became a Green County probation officer and went on to become an investigator with the District Attorney’s office of the 17th Judicial Circuit. He became an insurance agent in 1990.

McCampbell expressed excitement over coordinating legislative efforts with AFA in an additional term of service.

“As a member of a family of landowners that have chosen to engage in forest management, it is indeed an honor to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” proclaimed McCampbell. “Thank you for your endorsement and all the association does to represent, inform and educate Legislators on issues important to assuring the Forest Industry in Alabama, will continue be a viable economic engine for our state. I look forward to our continued working relationship over the next four years.”

Marcus Paramore, House District 89

Paramore is running for House District 89, which covers all of Pike County and part of Dale County. He currently serves as the director of government relations for Troy University and serves as the president of the Troy City Council. Paramore is serving his third term on the council and second as president.

He previously worked as a staffer for former U.S. Rep. Terry Everett (R-Dothan). Paramore is a graduate of Troy University.

Paramore pledged to “work every day” to assist the state’s timber industry in his legislative capacities.

“I am honored and thankful for the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Paramore. “Forestry and timber are valuable components of Alabama’s economy and I will work every day to support their industry in both District 89 and the entire state.”

AFA announced its first, second and third rounds of endorsements in February, followed by its fourth, fifth and sixth in March. The association in April released its seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th rounds of endorsements, followed by its 11th and 12th rounds earlier this month.