Governor Ivey Appoints Jo Bonner as Chairman of the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council

MONTGOMERY – Governor Ivey today appointed Jo Bonner to serve as her designee to the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council (Alabama RESTORE Council) and thereby serve as the council’s designated chairman. In her official capacity, Governor Ivey serves as chairman of the Council.
“The Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council is tasked with restoring and protecting one of our state’s greatest natural resources, our Gulf. Its work is important not only because God has called us to be good stewards of the planet He has given us, but also because the major economic impact that the Gulf plays in our state is through tourism, fishing, shipping and other ways,” Governor Ivey said. “I can think of no one better than Jo Bonner to serve as my designee to lead its efforts. Jo has a long history of being a tireless advocate for Alabama’s coast. I am excited to see the great things he accomplishes in this new endeavor.”
As the governor’s designee to the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council, Mr. Bonner will serve as the group’s chairman. In that capacity, he will lead the council’s efforts along with the other members of the council. The Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council is charged with ensuring that monies related to the Deepwater Horizon incident are spent to protect and restore Alabama’s Gulf Coast. This includes mitigation to wildlife damage, workforce development, infrastructure improvements and tourism promotion, among other efforts.
“I am honored to be chosen by Governor Ivey to serve as her designated chairman of the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council. Much of my life and career has been focused on serving the people of Alabama – including a significant role in crafting the RESTORE Act when I was in Congress,” former Congressman Jo Bonner said. “I look forward to ensuring that the Council’s efforts are effective, efficient and transparent. My focus will be on restoring our coast and promoting all our coast has to offer.”
Jo Bonner currently serves as Vice Chancellor for Economic Development for The University of Alabama System. He served in the United States House of Representatives from Alabama’s 1st District from 2003 to 2013. From January 2011 to January 2013, he served as Chairman of the House Ethics Committee. Congressman Bonner is married to Janée and has two children.
Congressman Bonner’s appointment as Governor Ivey’s designated chairman of the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council is effective immediately.
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