MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield announced today the promotions of three staff members to help lead the state’s economic development efforts, effective January 01, 2013.
“Each of the individuals selected for these positions is highly qualified and seems eager to help the Department of Commerce reach its goals under our new economic development plan, “ Canfield said. “We welcome these professionals to their new roles and wish them every success as they lead our team and the State of Alabama to new levels of achievement.”
Commerce Senior Economic Development Representative Gary Faulkner will replace David Hutchison as the Director of the Business Development Division. The division is charged with helping both new and expanding industries bring both jobs and investment to Alabama.
Hutchison is retiring to become the new director of the Butler County Economic Development Commission. Since coming to Commerce (formerly the Alabama Development Office) in 1988, he has served in several capacities including Economic Development Division Director, Honda Project Manager, Assistant Director and Acting Director.
Faulkner is a Senior Economic Development Representative. He serves both the domestic and international economic development recruitment markets. Faulkner has degrees in Industrial Management and Forest Management from Auburn University and is an Alabama Registered Forester. He has also completed the Alabama Intensive Industrial Development Training Course at Auburn University as well as the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.
“I am honored and humbled to be named Director of Business Development for the Alabama Department of Commerce,” Faulkner said. “It is a rare privilege to be a part of such a highly professional staff to facilitate value-added job opportunities for our state. Obviously, it is my goal to continue the highest level of success and service expected by our clients, economic development allies, and more importantly, the citizens of Alabama.”
Commerce Senior Economic Development Representatives Bob Smith and Hollie Pegg have been appointed to serve the department as Assistant Directors of Business Development. Smith’s economic development experience includes Development Director at the North Mississippi Industrial Development Association and a position as Executive Director of the Walton County Economic Development Authority in Florida in addition to his tenure at Commerce beginning in 2002 as a Project Manager. He has served on the Board of Directors of Florida’s Great Northwest and the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, and currently serves on the board of the Alabama-Germany Partnership.
"Being part of the statewide team to help create new and better employment opportunities in Alabama is very rewarding. The vision and leadership to improve our mission at the Commerce Department is encouraging and I am excited by my new role and look forward to getting started,” Smith said.
Pegg joined Commerce in 2006. She has 15 years of experience in public sector work. She previously worked as Program Manager of Economic and Community Development for the South Central Alabama Development Commission (SCADC). During her seven year tenure at SCADC, she worked directly with local governments to promote growth and prosperity in the primarily rural six county region.
Pegg is a second vice president of the Economic Development Association of Alabama, and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. “I appreciate this opportunity to assist Alabama's economic development team,” Pegg said. “As the economic recovery continues we must be strategic in our efforts to improve our economy and secure opportunities for every Alabama community. In my new capacity I am excited to play a role in those efforts and to continue working with the professional staff at the Department of Commerce”.