MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Former Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield announced Monday he is leaving his role as executive vice president of the Business Council of Alabama to lead the Energy Institute of Alabama as its president and CEO.
The Energy Institute of Alabama is a consortium of the state’s electric utilities that advocates for pro-growth energy policy. Its board includes executives and government affairs professionals from energy providers large and small.
PowerSouth’s Taylor Williams, who chairs the EIA board of directors, said Scofield is “the absolute perfect leader to take on this new role” at the institute.
“Our state can’t succeed economically without a strong, dynamic and resilient energy sector,” Williams said. “Our energy policies must be forward-thinking and innovative, and we’re confident that Clay will bring the leadership that allows that to happen.”
Scofield said he is honored to be appointed to the role “at such a pivotal time for our state’s energy future.”
“Alabama has the resources, innovation, and leadership needed to ensure that we remain at the forefront of energy independence, economic growth, and national security. I look forward to working with our policymakers, industry leaders, and research partners to strengthen our energy infrastructure and position Alabama as a true leader in America’s energy renaissance.”
The announcement included high praise for Scofield and the new role from some of the state’s top leaders, including U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger.
Tuberville, who is also the leading candidate for governor in 2026, connected Alabama’s energy agenda to that of the new administration in Washington.
“With President Trump back in the White House, the sky is the limit for American energy production. American energy dominance is critical not only to our economy, but to our national security. Alabama already punches far above our weight when it comes to national security, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be a leader in energy production as well.”
Business Council of Alabama President and CEO Helena Duncan congratulated Scofield on his new position but said her organization will be sad to see him go at the end of September.
“Clay has been instrumental to BCA’s success during his tenure,” Duncan said. “From helping pass the Working for Alabama bill to standing strong against the UAW, he has been an invaluable advocate for our members. We are confident he will bring the same leadership and vision to EIA, and we are grateful to have a friend in this critical role.”