Governor Kay Ivey announced Friday that Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield will be leaving the office after serving 12 years in the office.
Canfield was behind the state’s lauded economic incentive package, “The Game Plan.” In recent years, he also facilitated state expansion in industries across the state, bringing additional jobs in the automotive, aerospace and commercial sectors.
Canfield said in a statement that he was proud to serve on Ivey’s cabinet and wished luck to his successor, Ellen McNair.
“I am proud to have been a part of Governor Ivey’s cabinet, and I am proud of the team of professionals we have assembled at Commerce,” Canfield said. “I am more confident than ever that Alabama is poised for a robust era of economic expansion that will transform the trajectories of communities and families across the state. I am honored to have made a contribution to the effort to improve Alabama’s future, and I know that the momentum we’ve built will continue to grow in the capable hands of Ellen McNair.”
Ivey tapped McNair from her position as the chief economic development officer with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. The announcement of her appointment came with the adulation of Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed and former Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange. She will be the first woman to serve as commerce secretary.
“I am extremely honored to have been selected by Governor Kay Ivey for this very important role,” McNair said. “Economic development has been a passion and focus for the governor her entire career. The success of the state under Governor Ivey’s and Secretary Canfield’s leadership is unprecedented. These will certainly be big shoes to fill.”
“I have great respect for Secretary Canfield and the Commerce team, and we will work together for a smooth transition. The state of Alabama is blessed with many strong local and regional economic development professionals, and I look forward to working closely with them and the entire state team to continue Alabama’s smart and strategic economic development," she added.
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