By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Wednesday, May 24, 2017, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R) appointed former Congressman Jo Bonner (R-Mobile) to serve as her designee to the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council (Alabama RESTORE Council) and thereby to serve as the council’s designated chairman in Gov. Ivey’s place.
Gov. Ivey said, “The Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council is tasked with restoring and protecting one of our State’s greatest natural resources, our Gulf. Its work is important not only because God has called us to be good stewards of the planet He has given us, but also because the major economic impact that the Gulf plays in our State is through tourism, fishing, shipping and other ways. I can think of no one better than Jo Bonner to serve as my designee to lead its efforts. Jo has a long history of being a tireless advocate for Alabama’s coast. I am excited to see the great things he accomplishes in this new endeavor.”
Former Congressman Bonner said, “I am honored to be chosen by Governor Ivey to serve as her designated chairman of the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council. Much of my life and career has been focused on serving the people of Alabama, including a significant role in crafting the RESTORE Act when I was in Congress.”
Rep. Bonner said, “I look forward to ensuring that the Council’s efforts are effective, efficient and transparent. My focus will be on restoring our coast and promoting all our coast has to offer.”
As the Governor’s designee to the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council, Mr. Bonner will serve as the group’s chairman. In that capacity, he will be responsible for leading the council’s efforts to recover the Gulf Coast from the Deepwater Horizon disaster. This includes mitigation to wildlife damage, workforce development, infrastructure improvements and tourism promotion, among other efforts.
Bonner is currently the Vice Chancellor for Economic Development for The University of Alabama System.
Bonner represented Alabama’s First Congressional District from 2003 to 2013. He retired from Congress to accept his present job with the University of Alabama system.
Bonner’s appointment as Governor Ivey’s designated chairman of the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council is effective immediately.
