Miller Girvin Named President of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, Effective January 1, 2025

Birmingham, Ala. – October 16, 2024 – The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Miller Girvin as its next President, effective January 1, 2025. This transition follows the retirement of Greg Barker, who will step down as President of EDPA on December 31, 2024, after more than four years of dedicated service. 

This announcement follows a unanimous decision by the EDPA Board of Directors during its October 2024 meeting, where Girvin’s appointment was fully endorsed. The board expressed confidence in her leadership, citing her deep understanding of Alabama’s economic priorities and her proven ability to foster meaningful collaborations between public and private sectors. With her strong track record of driving growth initiatives and her strategic vision for the state’s innovation ecosystem, Girvin is seen as the ideal leader to continue advancing EDPA’s mission. 

“Miller is committed to growing Alabama businesses and communities, and attracting new industry to the state,” said Jeff Peoples, Chairman of EDPA Board and Alabama Power CEO. “Her expertise will be valuable as we work to continue to elevate our state.” 

Miller Girvin, currently serving as EDPA’s Chief Operations Officer, brings a wealth of experience in economic development, leadership, and community engagement. Born and raised in Birmingham, Girvin joined EDPA in 2021 and has been instrumental in driving innovation and entrepreneurial growth across Alabama. Her prior leadership in the private entrepreneurial ecosystem as CEO of the Alabama Capital Network, combined with the past four years of focus on growing EDPA’s key innovation and talent retention initiatives, and her contributions to Governor Ivey’s Innovate Alabama Commission have positioned her as a key advocate for Alabama’s business and startup ecosystem. 

“While Greg Barker leaves tremendous shoes to fill, I am truly honored to step into the role of President at EDPA,” stated Girvin. “It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated partners—investors, economic developers, state leaders, and the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Alabama — all in an effort grow our state. I look forward to building on this momentum and collaborating with Alabama’s business leaders to drive prosperity for our communities.”  

Greg Barker, who joined EDPA in 2020, has led the organization through a pivotal time for Alabama’s economic development, guiding initiatives that continue to strengthen the state’s economy and foster collaborative efforts with local communities and businesses. 

“Having had the pleasure of working alongside Miller over the past few years, I’ve witnessed firsthand her exceptional leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to pursuing positive growth throughout Alabama,” stated Barker. “Her efforts in growing Alabama Launchpad and spearheading a variety of successful initiatives in both innovation and talent retention have made a significant impact on our state’s future. I have no doubt that under her leadership, EDPA will continue to thrive. Miller is deeply committed to the success of Alabama, and I am confident she will do an outstanding job in this new role as President.”   

For more information about the EDPA and the leadership transition, please contact Audrey Hodges at ahodges@edpa.org.  

About EDPA 

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic growth in Alabama. With support from over 60 Corporate Partners and guided by a board of top business leaders, EDPA focuses on economic development research, workforce development, talent retention, innovation, and entrepreneurship. EDPA’s initiatives include Alabama Launchpad, ALEX (Alabama Experience), and FuelAL, all aimed at fostering a dynamic and diverse economic landscape in Alabama. 

Media Contact: 

Audrey Hodges
Phone: 812.760.1343
Email: ahodges@edpa.org