5 Questions With New West Alabama Chamber President Kyle South

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama President & CEO Kyle South's first day on the job was last week after the former Republican lawmaker stepped down from his seat in the Alabama House of Representatives at the end of the most recent legislative session.

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As Patch previously reported, the 41-year-old Fayette native was hired to replace longtime Chamber President & CEO Jim Page, who stepped down from the role in March to take an executive position with a Huntsville-based company.

With South's unexpired term in the legislature set to end on Nov. 4, 2026, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will now set a special election date to fill the seat. House District 16 includes parts of Fayette, Lamar, Tuscaloosa and Jefferson counties.

Tuscaloosa Patch caught up with South to ask about his time in the legislature and how he plans to approach his new job with the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

Q: Now that your time in the legislature is over, what are some accomplishments you are particularly proud of?

A: "When I was elected in 2014, the state was in a dire financial position to the point we had to raise a small amount of revenue along with using BP settlement funds just to meet our obligations. Since then policies have been passed to sure up the General Fund and curb the chances of getting to that point again in the future. Obviously, the economy bouncing back helped but we put those policies to the test through the pandemic and came out of that period stronger than ever. Serving five years as vice chair of the General Fund [Committee] that’s something I take away as a huge positive."

Q: On the flip side, what are some things you might have done differently?

A: "There are less than a handful of votes that I regret. Mostly legislation that never had a chance to pass both the House and the Senate but a couple stick out. Lessons learned … even had a couple of pieces of legislation that I co-sponsored but ended up voting against. Unintended consequences will bite you if you don’t do your homework."

Q: Would you say you left District 16 better than you found it when you were first elected?

"I think so … I guess time will tell. From infrastructure investment to economic development projects, there’s a lot going on in west Alabama that I think I played a small role in. Some of the results and dividends won’t be realized for several years but I feel good about the 9 years I served."

Q: What are some important lessons you learned in the legislature that you hope to apply in your new role?

"Everything is political! You really have to think strategically through solutions because secondary effects are often the most difficult. But also politics is a relationship business. No one can be successful in the legislature without the support of colleagues so building those relationships and open lines of communication is the key. Having everyone at the table to build consensus is so important."

Q: What is your vision for your first year leading the Chamber?

"I have so much to learn. The team at the Chamber has been so helpful in trying to get me up to speed but I have a ways to go. Jim Page left big shoes to fill and the Chamber has been Uber successful over the years so I want to use the strategic plan that was developed as a roadmap to further success. The region is primed for success in the areas of workforce, community, and economic development so we want to continue to have a seat at the table to support those efforts but also lead on issues where we feel the need."

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