Montgomery, AL – After a distinguished time that lasted twelve years Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield is set to retire at the close of the year, bringing the end of a era that has shaped Alabama’s economic growth landscape. The Governor Kay Ivey announced Canfield’s retirement and announced Ellen McNair, a seasoned economic development expert to be the next secretary of Commerce.
During his tenure in the office of Secretary Commerce, Greg Canfield played crucial roles in consolidating Alabama’s standing as a leading state to conduct business. Under his direction the state secured nearly $42 billion worth of new investments that resulted to the establishment of more than 78,000 high-paying jobs. Governor Ivey acknowledged the achievements of Canfield and acknowledged his role as the driving force behind transformational initiatives like Mazda Toyota in addition to the international acceptance that”Made In Alabama “Made by Alabama” brand.
Canfield was not just a prominent figure within Commerce but was also an advocate for legislation to promote business and initiatives like The Game Plan, Alabama’s economic incentive package that was passed in 2023. The legislation will boost Alabama’s ability to draw firms, boost industrial development, and help existing businesses for many the next few years.
Prior to entering the public sector, Canfield had a successful career in the private sector. He was appointed the head of the Alabama Development Office in 2011 which led to it to become the Department of Commerce. In his time, Alabama launched its inaugural strategic economic development plan called Accelerate Alabama and set new records for international exports and capital investment as well as the creation of jobs. The dedication of Canfield was global in his role as he was a representative of Alabama on trade and business missions to more than 30 countries and was recognized for launching Commerce’s success in developing rural areas.
In his reflections on his tenure serving as secretary of Commerce, Canfield expressed pride in the work he did for Alabama’s future. He expressed optimism that Alabama is in a good position to enjoy a long-lasting period of economic growth as his successor is Ellen McNair.
McNair who is scheduled to take office in January and is currently serving as Director of Economic Development for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. In her time with the Chamber, McNair led almost 600 projects across the world which attracted capital investments in excess of $8 billion, and helping to create around 30,000 new jobs within Montgomery. Montgomery community.
Governor Ivey is a close friend of McNair throughout her time in the Alabama Development Office, expressed her confidence in McNair’s capability to bring substantial benefit for the State. McNair’s in-depth comprehension of the effects that economic progress has on Alabama families as well as her of achievement in the Montgomery region makes her a top selection for this important job.
Ellen McNair brings an impressive 40 years of experience in economic development to her new job and a string of firsts. In particular, she was the very first project director of females in the Alabama Department of Commerce, the first woman to be certified as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) in Alabama as well as one of the few women to head an important metro region’s economic development program within the state and, in January she will be one of the few women to be appointed as Secretary for the Alabama Department of Commerce.
Secretary Canfield will continue serving until the close of the year, to ensure a smooth transition. McNair’s appointment is set to take effect on January 1st 2024, which marks the beginning of a brand new phase in the state’s growth journey.
