Today, Yellowhammer News is proud to announce the third installment of its 12th annual “2024 Power & Influence 50.”

As this year's legislative session draws to a close, our team spent time speaking with key leaders and officials in state government to provide an inside look at the top people using their power and influence to serve the people they represent in the Yellow Hammer State. The list reflects recent policy and political developments and includes Alabama business leaders, lobbyists, consultants and elected officials.

See the 2024 Power and Influence numbers 40-31 here and 50-41 here. The 2024 “Who's Next?” list can be found here.

Garlan Gajar Alabama Senate

In Cullman, Garlan Gudger is a rock star. He played college football and hosts a huge tailgate party every year at Rock the South. He and his wife own one of the largest construction salvage companies in the country, which doubles as a marketplace and draws people from all over the country. He is involved with local sports teams, local school districts, local businesses, and promotes Cullman wherever he goes. In 2018, when he challenged the incumbent for his second term in the state senate election, Cullman said, “He's our guy,” and overwhelmingly elected him to his current seat. In Montgomery, Gudger is the next coolest state senator. His hard work, creativity, and conservative principles make him a strong senator. But it's his personality that sets him apart. We think his political career is just beginning.

Kevin Savoy Great Southern Wood Preservation

This prominent Alabamian isn't interested in accolades. He gets results. And because he's new to this list, we can appreciate the impact he has. Those who know Kevin Savoy well know that he is a skilled businessman, strategist, leader, collaborator, and friend. Those who don't know him well recognize his work. He is vice president of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc. and Greenbush Logistics, Inc. He serves on the boards of many organizations, including the Alabama Power Company, the Alabama Trucking Association, the Alabama Business Council ProgressPAC, and the Alabama Wildlife Society. For candidates who want to run for and win statewide office, calling Kevin Savoy is the right step. As the right-hand man to the Yella Fella himself, his roots run deep.

Tom Sanders Alabama Forestry Association

Alabama's forestry industry generates $28.9 billion in annual economic impact for the state. As the legal, political and legislative authority for the Alabama Forestry Association since 2009, Tom Sanders speaks and acts with the weight of his power. Between the association and its Political Action Committee, forestry advocacy has evolved into one of the most sought-after measures of influence on any campaign or bill under Sanders' watch. Sanders is a pillar in the halls of the Alabama State Legislature and effectively uses his influence for the benefit of his members.

Clay Scofield Alabama Business Council

Former Senate Majority Leader Clay Schofield has earned a new spot on this year's list after one of the biggest runs in Montgomery history. First elected to the Alabama Senate in 2010 as one of the state's youngest elected officials, Schofield has been instrumental in winning virtually every major conservative reform since then. When he took office, the state was facing debt, appropriations and a fiscal crisis. The concept of broadband connectivity was almost unheard of. Schofield and his fellow Republicans used their majority to change the course of the state. Now, he brings all that experience to bear as executive vice president of the BCA. Still young, Schofield has never topped this list before, so it's worth assessing his trajectory. If that's not influence, we don't know what is.

Ginger Buckner Avery, Alabama Association for Justice

There are many reasons why Avery Buckner has appeared on this list for the tenth year in a row. As CEO of Alabama's largest voluntary bar association, she is the voice for Alabama's litigation lawyers and those who operate within the civil justice system. This is not a profession you can get because you know or love politics. But at the state legislative level, where lawmakers can affect reforms to the courts and civil litigation with the wave of a pen, it's wise for a political giant to be in charge of advocacy. Avery Buckner has held herself accountable to her members better than any other lobbying group, which in 2010 needed a strategic shift to accommodate a new legislative majority. She has remained highly relevant, friendly, tenacious, and very tough in every interaction. Perhaps today, more so than ever. In fact, we'll be hearing a lot more of her voice as the four years progress.