The influential Business Council of Alabama announced Wednesday it has chosen Helena Duncan, the organization’s senior vice president of operations and investor relations, as its next president and CEO — the first Black person to be the group’s president.
“Helena Duncan has the experience, talent and perspective to lead the BCA effectively and enhance its role as the voice of Alabama business,” said BCA Chairman Mike Kemp in a statement. “She is an experienced businesswoman who has worked with a broad cross-section of businesses. She speaks the language of business. Her leadership qualities, management experience and work ethic will be valuable assets to BCA as we chart our course for the future.”
Duncan, who joined the BCA in 2020 as director of strategic operations and growth, will lead the BCA starting Thursday.
She takes over for Robin Stone, who lead the organization as interim executive director in 2021 after ex-BCA President and CEO Katie Britt departed to run for U.S. Senate.
“I am honored to be chosen and entrusted with the responsibility of leading such a prestigious organization. I look forward to implementing our strategic plan that has been developed over the past year,” said Duncan. “My previous roles at BCA have given me a strong knowledge of the organization and our members. As we begin this new chapter, our priority will be to refine and refocus our efforts on energetic, effective advocacy on behalf of our members in Montgomery and at the federal level.”
Before joining the BCA, Duncan served as regional president for Liberty Bank & Trust. She has more than 30 years of experience in the financial industry.
Duncan is also a board member of Dixie Electric Cooperative, YMCA, the Montgomery Committee of 100 and Board of Controls Committee of 100 and Synovus Bank.
