Birmingham Business Alliance names Fred McCallum Interim President and CEO

Retired AT&T Alabama executive Fred McCallum has been named Interim President and CEO for the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA).

“We are proud to have Fred join the BBA in this transitional time,” said Nancy Goedecke, 2019 Chairwoman of the BBA. “His leadership and prominence in the business community – both local and statewide – will ensure the BBA remains on solid ground during the search for a permanent CEO.”

Birmingham’s leading economic development organization, the BBA works to unify Birmingham’s efforts in economic development, public policy, workforce development and image enhancement throughout the seven county metropolitan area.

Multiple Roles over the Past Decade

McCallum has been involved with BBA since its creation in 2009. His roles have included helping develop BBA’s first strategic plan – Blueprint Birmingham, membership on the Public Policy Committee and service as Chairman of the BBA in 2013.

A graduate of Auburn University and the University of Alabama School of Law, McCallum retired in August 2017 after a 30-year career with South Central Bell, BellSouth and AT&T, having served as President of AT&T Alabama for the last nine years of his career.

Growing Jobs, Engaging the Community

In a statement to Bham Now, McCallum listed his priorities as Interim President and CEO of the BBA.

“Growing jobs, focusing on our investors and making sure the public and private sector remain engaged in the region’s and the BBA’s growth are priorities for me in the immediate future. I’ll be working with the staff and the community to help remove barriers to growth to support our continued work in economic development, business retention and expansion, workforce development, public policy, image enhancement and innovation and technology.”

Along with his expertise in business, McCallum is also one of Birmingham’s foremost community leaders. Over the years, he has volunteered and provided leadership for numerous organizations, including the United Way of Central Alabama, Birmingham Education Foundation, Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Foundation, Public Affairs Research Council and Southern Museum of Flight.

In Good Hands

In the interim, McCallum will oversee daily operations of the BBA during the search for a permanent president and CEO, being conducted by the BBA’s Executive Committee.

“We are confident Fred will set a strong example of collaboration and cooperation for the organization moving forward,” added the BBA’s Goedecke.