Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday announced the appointment of Liz Dowe Filmore as chief of staff, effective December 1, 2021.
The appointment comes on the heels of Ivey’s current chief of staff Jo Bonner last week accepting an offer from the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees to become the institution’s fourth president.
Filmore holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master of public administration from Troy University.
Ivey’s office described Filmore as a “close confidante and advisor” to the governor, dating back to her 2013 candidacy for lieutenant governor.
Filmore formerly served as legislative assistant to State Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) prior to becoming public and constituent affairs director of the governor’s office. She became Ivey’s deputy chief of staff in 2017.
In announcing the appointment, Ivey took note of Filmore possessing what she referred to as “important qualifications” necessary to carry out the duties of the governor’s highest-ranking staff position.
“Loyalty and integrity are two of the most important qualifications needed to be an effective chief of staff,” the governor advised. “Liz possesses both of these qualities and more. I am proud she has agreed to take on the critical responsibilities that accompany this position.”
I’m proud to select Liz Dowe Filmore to replace former Congressman Jo Bonner as my next chief of staff, effective on Dec. 1. #alpolitics https://t.co/LVbe7qFfWu pic.twitter.com/av47y9jaE0
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) November 15, 2021
Ivey’s announcement proclaimed that Filmore is “well respected” throughout state government and Alabama’s political arena. Last year, political columnist Steve Flowers asserted that Filmore “commands the governor’s respect because of her unwavering loyalty and keen political senses.”
The governor’s office advised that Bonner will maintain a presence on Ivey’s staff through the end of the year. The current chief of staff sang Filmore’s praises as he indicated that she was the right choice to head the top staff position in state government.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of really smart, talented young leaders throughout the years, but Liz Filmore is the best of the best,” declared Bonner. “Governor Ivey couldn’t have found a brighter or more dedicated person to lead her team than Liz.”
In speaking of Filmore, former state auditor and secretary of state Beth Chapman earlier this year hailed the soon-to-be chief of staff as “a hard worker and a smart young lady with a bright future.”
Chapman’s contention came to fruition as Filmore is set to stake her claim as the first female chief of staff to any Alabama governor in the state’s 202-year history.
According to the governor’s office, other staff announcements will be made in the forthcoming weeks.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
