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First Black chief clerk of the Alabama House since Reconstruction appointed

Natalyn Williams is the first Black person since at least Reconstruction to hold the position.

A view of the Alabama Statehouse on South Union Street in Montgomery, Alabama. (STOCK PHOTO)

The clerk of the Alabama House of Representative, Jeff Woodard, announced Monday that he’s appointed Natalyn Williams as the chamber’s chief clerk.

Williams, who has served more than a decade as an executive assistant in the clerk’s office, will become the first Black person since at least Reconstruction to hold the position, which is responsible for overseeing the entire House staff.

“This is a historic day and on behalf of the entire House of Representatives, I want to offer my congratulations,” said Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia. “Ms. Williams has worked in the clerk’s office for more than 25 years and is well qualified to assume this post. I’m looking forward to working with her in the days to come.”

Williams is a native of Daphne, a graduate of Alabama State University in Montgomery and has worked in the clerk’s office since January 1994.

In addition to her supervisory duties, Williams will be in charge of ensuring House bills are processed and transmitted to the state Senate and the governor’s office in a timely manner.

Gov. Kay Ivey expressed her congratulations to Williams on Twitter.

Brandon Moseley is a former reporter at the Alabama Political Reporter.

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