Ron Kitchens, who brings with him 30 years of economic development experience in Missouri, Texas and Michigan, has been named president and CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance.
“Ron is well known among site selectors and location consultants and is a true leader in the economic development industry,” said Jim Gorrie, chairman of the BBA and CEO of Brasfield & Gorrie LLC. “His knowledge, connections and track record of collaborating will serve Birmingham well and help the BBA achieve its strategic goals.”
Kitchens is currently senior partner and CEO of Southwest Michigan First.
“I am truly honored to be selected to serve the Birmingham region at this incredibly challenging time in our nation’s economic history,” he said. “I truly believe that Birmingham has the resources — people, place and passion — to reinvent what economic prosperity means in America.”
The hiring of Kitchens follows the departure of CEO Kenny Coleman in November. Fred McCallum has served as interim CEO since then.
