Wiley Blankenship, CEO of Coastal Alabama Partnership (CAP) and executive director of Coastal 150, has joined the Connie Hudson for mayor campaign.
Wiley left his position at CAP to manage the campaign team.
“I'm excited to join the Connie Hudson for Mayor campaign and contribute my expertise to drive positive, meaningful change for every single resident of Mobile," said Blakenship. "Working with Commissioner Hudson over the years, I’ve been impressed with her vision and work ethic. Her record speaks for itself, but as a resident raising a family in the city, I greatly appreciate her commitment to improving our quality of life. As our next Mayor, I know she will keep the momentum going, and more importantly, I know that she is the only candidate with the experience to deliver progress on day one.”
Blankenship previously served as the state director for the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) Board of Directors, director of the Center for International Business and Economic Development at Troy University, and the president and CEO of the Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Authority.
Hudson, a current Mobile County Commissioner and former City Council member, announced her run for mayor in January. With Mayor Sandy Stimpson retiring, Hudson believes she is in the position to move his vision forward.
SEE ALSO: Connie Hudson says versatility, inclusiveness, proven record show she's right for next Mobile mayor
Also joining the campaign is Aqualyn Kennedy as Communications director and Dr. Raoul Richardson, PHD., as Community Outreach director.
"I am so excited to welcome Wiley, Aqualyn, and Dr. Richardson to our team," said Hudson. "Wiley has been a trusted leader who I know will do a great job of keeping our campaign focused on delivering the momentum Mobile deserves. Both Aqualyn and Dr. Richardson bring high-level expertise to the campaign team, and they will ensure that we maintain a strong message of experience and trust across Mobile. Over the last decade, I have worked hard as a County Commissioner to create strong partnerships and this team represents the exact kind of leadership I intend to lean on as we take Mobile to the next level."
Coastal 150, which consists of politically influential members who focus on economic development and legislative agendas to positively impact the coastal region, will appoint a committee to begin a search for a new executive director.
“Today, Wiley Blankenship informed the Board of Directors that he is stepping down to accept a new role in municipal politics," said George Talbot, chairman of Coastal 150. "Coastal 150 does not endorse or support candidates for municipal office, so Wiley rightly tendered his resignation in accordance with our organization’s [bylaws]. We thank Wiley for his leadership and service to Mobile and Baldwin Counties over the past several years, and wish him and his family well."
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