Two experienced government relations professionals to join UA System Office of External Affairs, bolstering state and federal advocacy efforts
TUSCALOOSA, AL – The University of Alabama System has named Brennan Johnson Assistant Vice Chancellor for Federal Affairs and Kyle South Assistant Vice Chancellor for State Affairs in the Office of External Affairs, strengthening efforts to advance institutional priorities and foster relationships that support the teaching, research, service and health care missions of its universities and health system.
Johnson will support the UA System’s federal affairs efforts by helping advance strategic priorities, strengthening relationships with federal policymakers and agencies, and monitoring legislative and regulatory developments affecting higher education and health care. He joins the UA System from the Retirement Systems of Alabama, where he served as assistant legal counsel and supported legislative efforts involving the Alabama Legislature and congressional delegation. Johnson previously served as Senate Liaison for Gov. Kay Ivey and spent more than eight years in the Office of U.S. Senator Richard Shelby. He earned his J.D. from George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from The University of Alabama.
“Throughout his career, Brennan has earned the trust of government officials and stakeholders by pairing thoughtful policy analysis with a deep understanding of Alabama,” said Vice Chancellor for Federal Affairs Ray Cole. “His experience in both federal and state government will help strengthen our ability to demonstrate the impact of the UA System and advance priorities that benefit our institutions and those we serve across the state.”
With more than 15 years of experience in government affairs, public policy and stakeholder engagement, South will help advance the UA System’s state priorities through legislative advocacy, relationship building and strategic external engagement. South will join the UA System on Nov. 2 from the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, where he serves as CEO and leads efforts related to regional economic development, workforce development and public policy. He previously served nine years in the Alabama House of Representatives, representing District 16 and working on issues related to fiscal policy, appropriations, economic development and infrastructure. South also served as Floor Leader to House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter. He earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce and business administration from UA.
“Kyle has spent his career working at the intersection of public policy, business and community needs,” said Vice Chancellor for State Affairs Porter Banister. “His experience navigating complex policy issues, fostering collaboration and advancing initiatives that benefit communities throughout Alabama positions him to be a strong advocate for the UA System and its mission.”
The Office of External Affairs works with legislative and executive branch officials to improve education and healthcare in the state, coordinates with state and local leaders in the public and private sectors to ensure that the UA System continues to play an integral role in the development of the state’s workforce and serves as the liaison between the UA System Board of Trustees and the legislative and executive branches of state and federal government.
About the University of Alabama System
Committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the University of Alabama System includes three doctoral research institutions – UA, UAB, and UAH – and the world-class UAB Health System. The UA System educates more Alabamians than any other university system and provides transformational research in areas ranging from aerospace to biomedicine to transportation. Its hospitals and clinics care for millions of patients annually and serve people in every county of Alabama. As the largest employer in the state, the overall economic impact of the University of Alabama System exceeds $18 billion a year.