Press Release | Alabama Policy Institute
Alabama Policy Institute Expands Investment in the State’s Future with New Alabama Policy Leaders Program
Birmingham, AL – For nearly 40 years, the Alabama Policy Institute (API) has served as a stalwart champion of policies that advance free markets, limited government, and strong families. Today, API is expanding its investment in Alabama’s future with the launch of the Alabama Policy Leaders program, an initiative dedicated to training the next generation of principled business and civic leaders.
“Alabama has long benefited from conservative leadership rooted in shared Christian values, but we cannot be passive in simply hoping for strong leaders to emerge. They must be sought out, poured into, and equipped to guide the future of our state–across every sector and area of influence,” shared Bryan Word, Chairman of the Board of the Alabama Policy Institute. “The time to invest is now, and I am confident that the Alabama Policy Leaders program will play an integral role in further training leaders who share our values and are committed to the good of our state.”
API is welcoming twelve professionals from a diverse range of industries and vocations into the inaugural cohort.
The 2026-2027 Alabama Policy Leaders are:
- Tiffany Brightwell, ABC North Alabama
- Will Bryant, Quantalytix
- Derek Chen, Attorney at Law
- Grace Heim, ALFA
- Marshall Hollis, Enhabit Home Health & Hospice
- Harrison Proctor, Alabamians for Legal Reform
- Anna Catherine Roberson, Alabama Power Company
- John Roberts, Freedom Real Estate & Capital, LLC
- Atticus Rominger, Milo’s Tea Company, Inc.
- Anne Morgan Swearingen, USA Health
- Ty Torbert, Alabama Department of Agriculture
- Bestor Ward, IV, Ward Properties, Inc.
Throughout the nine-month program, Alabama Policy Leaders will meet with policy experts and civic and political leaders to examine some of Alabama’s most pressing and long-standing policy issues. After hearing from these experts, the cohort will debate potential solutions from one shared reference point: the Judeo-Christian worldview.
Following the program, Alabama Policy Leaders will emerge prepared to defend conservative principles and thoughtfully evaluate policy issues ranging from taxation and state budgets to education freedom and family policy.
“We are fortunate to be joined by an exceptional inaugural cohort of individuals, and I have no doubt that the conversations and connections throughout our time together will positively impact Alabama long into the future,” said Stephanie Smith, President and CEO of the Alabama Policy Institute. “This initiative would not be possible without the support of the Alabama Policy Institute board, and I am deeply appreciative of their vision and investment in the future of our state.”
For more information about the Alabama Policy Leaders program or future cohorts, contact Josie Ellis, Director of External Relations.
Contact:
Josie Ellis
Director of External Relations
251-303-5286
Josie@alabamapolicy.org
