Gov. Ivey Issues Statement on State Finance Director’s Retirement

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued the following statement:

“Earlier this week, Alabama Finance Director Kelly Butler notified me that he will be retiring on August 1^st due to complications that may be associated with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

“Director Butler will undergo additional testing in the coming days. His local physician said early symptoms pointed to a possible diagnosis of ALS.

“Without exception, Kelly Butler has been the finest Finance Director to have ever served the State of Alabama,” Ivey stated. “He is the epitome of a dedicated public servant; he is as honest and hard working as he is good and decent. The people of Alabama owe Kelly a profound debt of gratitude for his extraordinary example of what a true servant leader is and should be.”

Butler has worked for the State of Alabama for some 36 years.  He started as a revenue examiner with the Alabama Department of Revenue before moving to the Legislative Fiscal Office where he worked for 19 years. Prior to becoming Finance Director in 2018, he served as Assistant Finance Director for Fiscal Operations and State Budget Officer.

“Throughout my career, I have been so incredibly fortunate to work with many great people on behalf of our wonderful state,” Butler said. “Serving as Governor Ivey’s Finance Director has been the honor of a lifetime. While this was not the news anyone would hope for, I take comfort in my faith and am grateful for the support I know Beverly, my family and I will receive going forward from so many friends, colleagues, and relatives. Looking ahead, I’m going to do everything humanly possible to help the doctors and researchers find a cure for ALS so that one day, this becomes a disease that people talk about in the past.”

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