Birmingham Welcomes New Leadership in Economic Development

News Summary

Miller Girvin will assume the role of president for the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) on January 1, 2025, following the retirement of Greg Barker. Girvin, who has been with EDPA since 2021, brings robust experience in economic development and aims to drive innovation and support for local businesses in Alabama. She plans to enhance collaboration among economic organizations and continue the mission of boosting Alabama’s economy through various initiatives.

Birmingham Welcomes New Leadership in Economic Development

Exciting changes are on the horizon for the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) as _Miller Girvin_ steps into the role of president, effective January 1, 2025. This marks a new chapter for the organization, which is committed to boosting Alabama’s economy and supporting local businesses.

Transitioning Leadership

Miller Girvin is taking over from _Greg Barker_, who is set to retire on December 31, 2024, after more than four years of dedicated service. The board’s decision to appoint Girvin was unanimous, reflecting their confidence in her ability to lead EDPA into the future. She has been with the organization since 2021, most recently serving as the chief operations officer.

Background and Expertise

_Miller Girvin_ is not new to the world of economic development. Before joining EDPA, she was the CEO of the Alabama Capital Network. Her background and experiences uniquely qualify her to take on this pivotal role. With roots in Birmingham, Girvin is a proud graduate of Princeton University and has developed a wealth of knowledge in community engagement and economic strategies.

EDPA’s Mission and Initiatives

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to driving economic growth throughout the state. It enjoys the backing of over 60 corporate sponsors who share its vision of a prosperous Alabama. EDPA is involved in an array of initiatives that focus on _economic development research_, _workforce development_, and _entrepreneurship_. One of its flagship programs includes the longstanding _Alabama Launchpad_, which aims to provide support to budding entrepreneurs in the critical early stages of business development.

A Focus on Innovation

During her time at EDPA, Girvin has been a strong advocate for _innovation_ and _entrepreneurial growth_. As president, she plans to enhance collaboration among various economic development organizations across Alabama, ensuring there’s a unified approach to meet the state’s challenges. Her vision is to improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of these efforts, which is vital in today’s fast-paced economy.

The Future Looks Bright

As she prepares to take on her new role, Girvin has expressed her excitement and commitment to growing Alabama’s businesses and communities. Her background on Governor Kay Ivey’s _Innovate Alabama Commission_ further demonstrates her commitment to fostering an environment conducive to economic growth.

Continued Contributions and Praise

Under the leadership of Greg Barker, the EDPA has made significant strides in promoting innovation and talent retention. Girvin intends to build on these achievements, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like the _Alabama Business Intelligence Center_. This center plays a critical role in researching key industries such as mobility, defense, life sciences, and forestry, all aimed at attracting and retaining businesses in the state.

Community Engagement and Support

As she prepares to step into the presidency, Girvin looks forward to engaging with the community and working with stakeholders to address the diverse economic needs of Alabama. The support from local businesses and corporations will be pivotal as she embarks on this journey to elevate Alabama’s economic landscape.

With Miller Girvin at the helm, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama is poised for an exciting future. Her leadership promises to guide the state toward continued growth and innovation, making Alabama an even more vibrant place for business and opportunity.

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Additional Resources

• AL.com: Economic Development Leader Journey
• Made in Alabama: EDPA Names Miller Girvin as President
• Business Alabama: Miller Girvin Named EDPA President
• AL.com: Miller Girvin New President of EDPA
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development