Special to The Times
Waymond Jackson has been promoted to senior vice president of public policy for the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA). In his new role, Jackson will continue to manage the BBA’s workforce development initiatives, as well as oversee the organization’s public policy and regional development efforts.
“The BBA will continue to provide a neutral forum between our elected and business leaders to address regional issues,” said Mike Thompson, president and CEO of Thompson Tractor Co., chairman of the BBA’s Public Policy Committee and a member of the BBA Executive Committee. “Waymond already is a trusted leader, as demonstrated through his advancement of the BBA’s workforce development programs, so we are excited about his expanded role as the leader of our Public Policy division.”
After working six years for the City of Birmingham in a policy position, Jackson joined the BBA in 2012 and most recently served as vice president of workforce development. In that role, he was instrumental in building the BBA’s workforce development division and created many of the successful programs it implements today, such as the Talent Recruitment Project, OnBoard Birmingham and the College-2-Career Initiative. He has participated in the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Fellowship for Education Attainment, the U. S. Chamber’s Talent Pipeline Management Academy and the Community Leaders Forum of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and was instrumental in helping the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office secure the White House TechHire designation for the City of Birmingham.
“Waymond is a natural for this role in Public Policy,” said Brian Hilson, CEO of the BBA. “His leadership in creating and implementing our workforce development programs already connects him to key leaders and policymakers, which will continue in his expanded role in addressing public policy issues, including workforce development.”
Jackson said he looks forward to continuing to support the BBA’s economic development efforts to help the Birmingham region grow.
“The role of public policy plays a major role in any economic development organization,” said Jackson. “I look forward to working with our BBA public policy team and business and civic leaders to promote sound policies that increase all aspects of economic growth for the Birmingham region.”
