Bill Johnson Named Assistant Director of ADECA

MONTGOMERY-The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has a new assistant director. ADECA Director John Harrison announced today that Birmingham native Bill Johnson has accepted the position.

"I am very pleased to announce that Bill Johnson will assume the duties of assistant director of ADECA," said Harrison. "I am confident that he will make a significant contribution to the management of one of the state's most vital agencies."

Before joining ADECA, Johnson worked as a political consultant specializing in the use of information technology and gained experience in community development issues as a city councilman. Johnson was elected to the Birmingham City Council in 1997 and he managed Gov. Bob Riley's successful bid for the U.S. Congress in 1996.

"I am excited to be part of an organization that can touch so many lives," Johnson said. "Our goal will be to make ADECA as efficient as possible so we can provide more services to more people."

ADECA assists communities with economic development projects and administers a wide variety of federal and state programs that provide funding to local governments and non-profit agencies throughout the state.

Johnson's service on the Birmingham City Council from 1997-2001 and his work have drawn praise from both Democratic and Republican legislators and from the business community.

House Speaker Pro Tem Demetrius Newton, D-Birmingham, said Johnson's background and experience make him a real asset for ADECA and the state. "He's an outstanding young man. He brings to the table a complete understanding of how ADECA and state government work. There could not have been a better choice."

Newly elected state representative Jim McClendon, R-Springville, has worked with Johnson in political campaigns. "He is very organized and a very detailed person," said McClendon. "He makes it look easy, handling things that are difficult and challenging."

Former ADECA Director Norm Davis said he was familiar with Johnson's tenure on the Birmingham City Council and gave high marks to ADECA's new assistant director. "I am confident he will help John Harrison provide outstanding leadership for the department," said Davis. "He is extremely fair and hardworking and makes sound decisions. He is logical and is not afraid to address tough issues."

Johnson is a 1981 graduate of Spring Hill College in Mobile. He attended a program for senior state and local government officials at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2000 and is a 2002 graduate of Leadership Birmingham. Additional information about Bill Johnson can be found online at www.billjohnson.org.