The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) on Tuesday announced that Drew Harrell, BCA’s vice president of governmental affairs, had been named executive director of ProgressPAC, the organization’s political arm.

As Harrell takes the reins as executive director of the political action committee, he will continue service in his current role at BCA.

David Cole, BCA’s senior vice president of governmental affairs, praised Harrell’s expertise and indicated his experience at the business advocacy organization will prove beneficial in his new position.

“Drew is the perfect choice for this important duty as executive director of ProgressPAC,” proclaimed Cole. “Drew has an unsurpassed work ethic, a deep knowledge of BCA and strong relationships with our members across the state. His experience and success on pro-growth issues and policies will be a tremendous asset to BCA and the overall business community as we support Alabama job creators and pro-growth policies.”

ProgressPAC actively endorses and supports candidates for public office who align with BCA’s vision of enacting policies centered around job growth.

Harrell in 2011 began his career at BCA as executive assistant to the president, later receiving increased responsibilities as executive assistant and strategic operations coordinator. Prior to assuming his current role, Harrell was the director of governmental and regulatory affairs and also served as executive director of the Alliance for Alabama’s Infrastructure.

In the announcement, BCA said Harrell played a leading role in overseeing the development and implementation of the organization’s legislative agenda at both the state and federal levels of government.

ProgressPAC chairman Angus Cooper III touted Harrell’s service to BCA and expressed excitement over his appointment to its political arm.

“ProgressPAC is dedicated to continuing to help grow and sustain well-paying jobs for hardworking Alabamians in our state’s 21st century economy,” advised Cooper. “Drew brings a high level of experience and energy to the executive director’s position. He will facilitate ProgressPAC operations effectively to serve as a unified pro-jobs political voice across Alabama.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL