West Alabama Chamber President Kyle South Stepping Down For New Job

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama President and CEO Kyle South announced Thursday that he will resign at the end of October to accept a position with the University of Alabama System.

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South informed the Chamber's board of directors of his decision in a letter Thursday, saying he will become assistant vice chancellor for state affairs for the UA System after approximately three and a half years leading one of West Alabama's most prominent business organizations.

"This is not a decision I came to lightly," South wrote. "In fact, if not for what I genuinely believe is a dream opportunity to serve as Assistant Vice Chancellor for State Affairs at The University of Alabama System, I would not be looking to leave the Chamber."

As Patch previously reported, the former Republican state representative from Fayette County was hired to lead the Chamber in 2023.

South officially began his Chamber role July 1, 2023, succeeding longtime president and CEO Jim Page. Before joining the organization, South represented Alabama House District 16, which included portions of Fayette, Lamar, Tuscaloosa and Jefferson counties.

He was first elected in 2014 and previously served as president and general manager of his family's West Alabama TV Cable Company.

In Thursday's letter, South reflected on several accomplishments during his tenure, including the renovation and expansion of the Chamber's Workforce and Community Development Center, legislative initiatives and an extensive review of local education.

He also pointed to the Chamber's efforts to maintain productive relationships between employers and employees throughout the region.

"My three and a half years at the Chamber have been some of the most rewarding of my professional life," South wrote. "I came into this role believing in the mission of this organization, and I leave believing in it more than ever."

South acknowledged that his tenure included significant challenges, specifically recalling the retirement of legendary Alabama football coach Nick Saban and the United Auto Workers' announcement of an organizing campaign at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Tuscaloosa County.

Those developments, he said, created uncertainty for the region's business community, but he praised Chamber members for their willingness to work together.

"That, more than anything, is what gives me confidence about the Chamber's future," South wrote.

South also praised the Chamber's staff and board, expressing confidence that the organization will continue advancing its priorities following his departure.

"The strength of this organization has never rested with one person," he wrote. "It comes from the engagement, support and leadership of the members who make up the Chamber."

He then said his move to the UA System will keep him involved in state affairs and public policy, while also providing an opportunity to continue advocating for West Alabama.

"I am not going very far, and I certainly am not going to stop caring about this organization," South wrote. "In my new role, I will have the opportunity to work on behalf of the University of Alabama System and our state, and I hope that will allow me to continue being a strong partner for West Alabama."

South concluded by thanking the board for its trust and the Chamber staff for its work during his tenure.

"I will also remain one of the Chamber's biggest advocates — just from a different seat on the bus," he wrote.

The Chamber has not announced a successor or publicly detailed its plans for selecting its next president and CEO.

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