New Appointment by Governor Kay Ivey
Governor Kay Ivey has shown remarkable wisdom in her appointments during her decade-long tenure. Her track record reveals strong leadership, particularly when filling key judicial and governmental positions.
In June, she made another significant appointment by selecting state legislator Cynthia Lee Almond to head the Alabama Public Service Commission. This position became available after Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, a seasoned commissioner, departed to join the Trump administration as the director of the USDA’s Rural Development Bureau, where she’ll work alongside USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Twinkle has long been a prominent figure in Alabama politics. She chaired the Public Service Committee since 2012, following her role as vice-chair in 2010. Notably, in 2020, she garnered the most votes in Alabama’s history for a presidential candidate and had a significant influence as the state’s Republican Party chair.
While Governor Ivey expressed her enthusiasm about Almond’s appointment, I found it even more thrilling that someone with Almond’s integrity and experience is stepping into this role. She brings considerable skill as both a lawyer and a lawmaker.
Cynthia Almond has deep roots in Tuscaloosa, coming from a family of lawyers and state legislators. Following her graduation from the University of Alabama Law School, she began her legal career focused on business law and estate planning in her hometown.
Before joining the state legislature, she served a four-year term on the Tuscaloosa City Council. Her House seat remains pivotal in the local political landscape, and she has been recognized as one of Alabama’s leading lawmakers across the two houses.
At the Capitol, she chaired the Tuscaloosa County legislative delegation and was a member of several committees, including the Road and Means Education Board. Furthermore, she collaborated closely with Governor Ivey on various legislative initiatives.
This House seat is seen as a prominent position, especially representing the affluent areas of Tuscaloosa. Bill Poole held this seat for a decade before Cynthia took over, noted for drafting the state’s education budget during his tenure as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. He now serves as Governor Ivey’s finance director, a critical role in the Cabinet.
The seat was previously held by Dr. Robert Bentley, a well-known dermatologist in Tuscaloosa, who moved on to become governor. Tim Parker Jr., a notable businessman in Tuscaloosa, also served in this seat prior to Bentley and has recently been recognized in the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.
Looking ahead, Norman Crow, a current Tuscaloosa City Councilman, is expected to fill the vacancy left by Almond. He represents the area she once served and is anticipated to do a commendable job.
This year has seen a number of shifts in legislative seats. Matt Woods, a representative from R-Jasper, has moved to the Senate, creating a vacancy after Senator Greg Reed took on a new role leading the Department of Workforce Development. Additionally, there are now two open seats in Kalman County; Heath Allbright will take over the spot left by veteran representative Randall Shedd, while Cindy Millex recently won a contested race for the Kalman County Home District seat previously held by Corey Harbison. Lastly, Debbie Wood’s unexpected departure from Chambers County has opened another seat, likely to be filled by Christine Nelson, the current Chambers County Republican Chairman.
Catch you next week.
