Host of young, female lobbyists have taken over the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers, Guest Columnist

As I observe the legislature, it occurs to me that I am getting older.  A lot of the legislators and lobbyists I have known over the years have moved on.

Montgomery is no longer an “Old Boys Club.”  A cursory look at a typical day at the Alabama Statehouse would surprise you.  An increasing number of professional women are a major part of the lawmaking process.  There are a host of brilliant women under 40 who are at the forefront and yield a great deal of influence over the process of policy making in Alabama.

First on most lists is of course Katie Boyd Britt, who has recently been selected as head of the Business Council of Alabama.  She is not only the first female to lead the organization, but by far the youngest at 37.  Katie is dynamic, fierce and talented.  She will be an outstanding advocate for the business community in the state.  She is the former student body president of the University of Alabama as well as a graduate of the University of Alabama Law School.

Mary Margaret Carroll was the first female to join the state’s oldest governmental relations firm, Fine, Geddie and Associates.  She is a brilliant superstar.  Mary Margaret is from a prominent Ozark family and possesses a temperament professional demeanor that depicts class, character and intelligence. She has a proven combination of analytical, problem solving, legal and communications skills.  She is known for her quiet confidence and conscientious discernment.  Mary Margaret manages a broad array of interests in tech, insurance, natural resources, energy and education.

Mary Margaret Carroll and Katie Boyd Britt have amazingly similar backgrounds.  Both are daughters of the Wiregrass.  Mary Margaret is from Ozark and Katie Britt is from Enterprise.  Both were student government presidents and were Chi Omegas at the University of Alabama.

Alison Hosp, who represents the Alabama Retail Association, has proven to be one of the most effective and professional governmental relations spokespersons for several years.

Maci Martin Walker is an outstanding contract lobbyist with the Christie Group.  She has worked on dozens of policy measures over the years for major corporate clients.