Rep. Bill Poole Stepping Down To Become State Finance Director

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A local lawmaker and Tuscaloosa resident has been appointed by Governor Kay Ivey to serve as the state's finance director. The news comes less than two weeks after State Rep. Bill Poole, a Republican from Tuscaloosa, threw his hat into the ring to be the next speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives before then removing his name from contention shortly thereafter.

Ivey announced Poole's appointment as state finance director on Friday, saying he will assume his new duties on Aug. 1. Poole will fill the position left open by the retirement of current Finance Director Kelly Butler.

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“Bill Poole is one of the most gifted public servants Alabama has seen in many years and his exceptional leadership qualities, and the respect he commands on both sides of the aisle in the Alabama Legislature, makes him uniquely qualified to serve as Alabama’s next finance director,” Ivey said. “His detailed focus on education funding demonstrates a depth of knowledge in our state’s budget process that few can match and his passion for advancing good public policy gives him an added platform to help me and my administration continue to seek out new solutions to solving many of Alabama’s long-neglected challenges. I’m more than pleased he agreed, once-again, to serve our state in this new role, and I know he will do a bang-up job.”

Poole has served as the House Ways and Means education chairman — the committee that oversees the Education Trust Fund (ETF) — for the last eight years. Ivey's Office said the nearly $8 billion budget oversees the funding for K-12 education, community colleges, public universities and various education related agencies and programs.

What's more, Ivey pointed out that Poole also serves as chairman of Innovate Alabama — a statewide commission charged with developing a long-term strategy to expand Alabama's economy.

“I am deeply thankful to Governor Kay Ivey for offering to me the opportunity to serve as finance director for the state of Alabama,” Poole said. “My service in the Alabama House of Representatives has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I extend my sincere thanks to the citizens of House District 63 and the entire Tuscaloosa community for electing and trusting me, and I have always worked hard to honor that trust and fulfill my responsibilities at the highest standard. I also extend my sincere thanks to my colleagues in the Alabama House of Representatives, and particularly my colleagues on the House Ways and Means Education Committee.”

Poole went on to say he was excited for the new challenge and will continue to do his best on behalf of the state.

“As the governor and others have said, Kelly Butler set a high bar for dedicated service, integrity and transparency during his 30-plus years of public service," Poole said. “I am grateful to have Kelly’s full support going forward which will help ensure a smooth transition.”

Poole was first elected to House District 63 in 2010, when Robert Bentley opted to leave the Legislature to pursue what would become a successful gubernatorial bid.

He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama School of Law and has worked in private practice since 2004. Poole and his wife, Niccole, have three children.

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