Since 2007, through The Alabama Baptist’s “About Alabama” column, Jim Williams has sought to “familiarize readers with the different aspects of what’s going on in Alabama, particularly focused on state and local government and public schools.”
Covering topics such as budget reform, correctional systems, high school dropout rates, quality health care, public services and gambling, Williams said it has been “a joy working through the paper to inform an important statewide audience … and helping them understand the issues related to ‘good government.’”
But Williams doesn’t just write “About Alabama” columns. He has been the only executive director of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) since its inception in 1988. But after recently announcing his retirement Williams will hand the task of leading the nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization off to Ryan C. Hankins, executive director of Birmingham’s M-POWER Ministries (a former Birmingham Baptist Association ministry and now supported by the association and area-Baptist churches). Hankins will begin Oct. 1.
He said in a press release of his upcoming position, “I am honored and humbled to succeed Jim Williams and to continue the legacy established by Governor Albert Brewer. I look forward to working with (PARCA) staff, board members and leaders across the state to magnify (PARCA’s important) voice and, together, navigate the difficult policy choices facing Alabama now and in the future.”
(TAB)
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