The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) on Monday announced the election of the organization’s officers, executive committee members and board of directors for 2022.
According to a release, this year’s slate of individuals who will serve in leadership positions for BCA was recently approved at its annual meeting.
BCA announced that Mike Kemp had been elected to serve as the organization’s 36th chairman, succeeding Gary Smith as head of the business advocacy organization. Kemp formerly served as BCA’s first vice chairman, an executive committee member, and chairman of ProgressPAC, the organization’s political arm. He is the first black individual to hold the position of chairman.
Gary Smith, president and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, spoke to Kemp’s leadership credentials and asserted that BCA would continue its core mission.
“It has been an honor to have served as BCA’s chairman and I look forward to continuing to support BCA under Mike’s leadership,” proclaimed Smith. “BCA is a consistent and strong voice for the business community and an advocate for creating and sustaining economic opportunities for families across Alabama. Mike will provide guidance that will enable BCA to continue working to foster a pro-jobs business climate in every corner of Alabama.”
Kemp is the founder, president and CEO of Birmingham-based KMS, a program management and consulting company.
According to BCA, Kemp has earned praise from Alabama’s business community as being a driven entrepreneur. He has planned and managed more than 1,500 construction projects valued at over $6.8 billion.
Kemp holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and an associate of arts degree in mathematics from Alabama State University. He serves on numerous corporate and community boards of directors. These include First Horizon Bank, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama, Downtown Rotary Club of Birmingham, and Operation HOPE.
Kemp expressed optimism for BCA’s future and declared his commitment to serving the organization’s membership.
“BCA has been the foundation of business advocacy for 35 years, and I am honored to step into this position that so many talented individuals have held before me,” stated Kemp. “I am extremely optimistic about what we can accomplish if we communicate, innovate and work together. BCA is a member driven organization, and I am going to draw on the talents and experience of our leadership team and membership to meet our goals. BCA always acts in the best interest of our state, our employers and their families and that will not change.”
BCA interim executive director Robin Stone heaped praise upon Kemp’s predecessor and indicated that Kemp would carry forward the successes Smith achieved for the organization.
“In 2021 under Gary Smith’s leadership, BCA experienced a very successful year in membership growth, membership events and political advocacy,” advised Stone. “Mike has a deep background of BCA leadership experience and knows our issues and our members extremely well. Mike brings people together and is always looking for innovative solutions and new opportunities for positive change. He will have an immediate impact on BCA, the members we serve, and the state.”
In addition to the election of Kemp as BCA chairman, the organization also announced business leaders who are serving as this year’s officers and executive committee members.
The following individuals are serving as the 2022 BCA officers:
Board Chairman
Mike Kemp – KMS
1st Vice Chairman
Angus Cooper, III – Cooper/T. Smith Corp.
2nd Vice Chairman
John Turner – Regions Bank
General Counsel
Jim Proctor – McWane, Inc.
Secretary
Charisse Stokes – Tidal IT Solutions
Treasurer
Gary Smith – PowerSouth Energy Cooperative
Interim Executive Director
Robin Stone – BCA
The following individuals are members of BCA’s 2022 executive committee:
Mike Kemp – KMS
Angus Cooper – Cooper/T. Smith Corporation
John Turner – Regions Bank
Amy Niesen – Alabama Self-Insured Worker’s Compensation Fund
Kevin Savoy – Great Southern Wood Preserving
Tom Hand – Volkert, Inc.
Mark Drew – Protective Life Corporation
Mark Crosswhite – Alabama Power Co.
Stephanie Bryan – Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Tim Vines – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Rey Almodovar – Intuitive Research and Technology
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
