Clay Scofield Named President and CEO of the Energy Institute of Alabama
State leaders praise the move as Alabama pushes for energy growth
The Energy Institute of Alabama (EIA) has selected Clay Scofield, Executive Vice President of the Business Council of Alabama and former Alabama Senate Majority Leader, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. The organization announced the leadership change this week, describing it as a key step toward expanding the state’s energy sector.
Scofield will work alongside Blake Hardwich, who will continue with EIA as Government Relations Advisor. EIA Chairman Taylor Williams called Scofield “the absolute perfect leader” for the role. “Our state can’t succeed economically without a strong, dynamic and resilient energy sector,” Williams said in a statement. “Our energy policies must be forward-thinking and innovative, and we’re confident that Clay will bring the leadership that allows that to happen.”
Scofield said he is ready to help strengthen Alabama’s energy infrastructure. “I am honored to join the Energy Institute of Alabama at such a pivotal moment for our state’s energy future,” said Scofield. “Alabama has the resources, innovation, and leadership needed to ensure that we remain at the forefront of energy independence, economic growth, and national security.”
Members of Alabama’s congressional delegation quickly voiced support. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said, “With President Trump back in the White House, the sky is the limit for American energy production. American energy dominance is critical not only to our economy, but to our national security. Alabama already punches far above our weight when it comes to national security, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be a leader in energy production as well.”
Sen. Katie Britt echoed that view, noting that “energy will continue to be one of the most vital pieces of our strategic growth in Alabama, and we need to strengthen this sector to ensure we remain competitive long into the future.”
State leaders highlighted the connection between energy development and economic growth. House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said Scofield “has played a vital role in securing Alabama’s economic future,” citing his past work on broadband expansion and business development. Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger added that a stronger energy industry “will boost Alabama’s economic development, allow our existing industries to grow and expand, and attract even more jobs and opportunities, especially in the rural portions of our state.”
Scofield is expected to help implement the recently passed Powering Growth package, signed by Gov. Kay Ivey earlier this year. The legislation is designed to speed energy projects, strengthen transmission lines, and position Alabama as a national leader in energy production.
For more information, visit the Energy Institute of Alabama.
EIA mission statement:
EIA unites the state's electric utilities with a singular mission: to secure Alabama's energy dominance, drive lasting economic growth, and strengthen national security. We are committed to safeguarding Alabama's energy future—delivering reliability, powering growth, and building resilience for generations to come. Together, it is our mission to chart a future where Alabama sets the standard for energy excellence.
