Alabama Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed (R-Jasper) on Monday announced that he has hired William Heartsill to serve as his communications director effective immediately.

Heartsill, a native of Vestavia, most recently served as press secretary to U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) in Washington, D.C.

“William has gained a wealth of experience in the communications field in a short amount of time,” said Reed. “His skills and expertise will make him a valuable member of our team as we continue working to serve the people of Alabama.”

Prior to his work with Alexander, Heartsill served in various intern capacities with Auburn University’s board of trustees and office of public affairs, in addition to the Republican National Committee. He is a graduate of Auburn.

Reed was recently unanimously nominated by his Republican colleagues to serve as the next president pro tempore of the Senate.

Former Reed communications director William Califf recently accepted a position with the Alabama attorney general’s office.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn