Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced she has selected State Sen. Pro-Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper) to serve as her senior advisor for workforce transformation.
Reed’s appointment is effective January 1, 2025. Reed officially addressed senators during a caucus meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Ivey will call a special election for Alabama Senate District 5 after Reed’s appointment begins. That announcement is forthcoming.
“I am proud to officially welcome Greg to the Ivey Administration. As my Senior Advisor to Workforce Transformation, he will be integral to the transition from the Department of Labor to the Department of Workforce and in setting the foundation for the new agency,” Ivey said. “Increasing our state’s labor force participation rate and setting us up for long term success remains a priority for my Administration. Greg has effectively represented his district in the Legislature and has been an outstanding partner as pro tem. Alabama is fortunate to continue benefiting from his service.”
Since 2021, Reed has served as pro-tem of the State Senate. He represents Fayette, Jefferson, Lamar, Tuscaloosa and Walker Counties and has served Senate District 5 since being elected in 2010. Ivey worked closely with Reed throughout his tenure. Most recently, he helped champion priority issues of Ivey’s that impact the workforce, including the CHOOSE Act, the Working for Alabama legislation and the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences.
“Alabama is poised to chart a new path in workforce development and economic growth, and I am immensely grateful to Governor Kay Ivey for giving me the opportunity to be a part of her team as a Senior Advisor to Workforce Transformation,” Reed said. “I could not be more excited for this new journey, and I look forward to building on the monumental steps Alabama has taken to continue making our state the best place in America to live, work, worship and raise a family.”
Ivey signed into law a bill in the 2024 session that renamed the Department of Labor to the Department of Workforce and made other changes.
Secretary Marty Redden will continue to lead the Department of Labor as it transitions to the Department of Workforce. The Department of Workforce will officially launch during the summer of 2025.
Former Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington retired in September.
State Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper) told 1819 News “Senator Reed has provided exemplary leadership throughout his career. Having worked with him the last two years, I have a deep appreciation for his tireless work ethic and ability to produce positive outcomes for the people of Senate District 5.”
“He has been a faithful public servant who has achieved the pinnacle of success in the Alabama Senate. I will always be grateful for the opportunity that I have had to learn from him and his leadership as we served Walker County together. I want to thank Senator Reed, his lovely wife Mitsy, and their family for their friendship and wish them all the best in their future endeavors,” Woods said.
The Senate Republican caucus is meeting on Tuesday afternoon in Birmingham to possibly vote on Reed’s replacement as pro-tem.
UPDATE: After publishing, a Senate Republican caucus spokesperson told 1819 News no vote was held on electing a new Senate Pro-Tem to replace Reed on Tuesday.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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