Waters appointed director of Workforce and Economic Development

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Dr. Mark Heinrich, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, recently appointed Terry Waters of Tuscaloosa to the position of Senior Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development, effective Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013. He will be responsible for the department’s critical efforts in promoting economic development and developing skills and competent workforce
“For me, Terry was an obvious selection for this position,” Heinrich said. “I have worked closely with him for many years, and his considerable experience eminently qualifies him for this assignment. He will be a valuable asset to the department as we establish an effective organizational structure and new initiatives for workforce and economic development that will benefit the entire state.”
“I am looking forward to working with Mr. Waters to meet the current and emerging workforce demands in our community,” said Dr. Vicki Karolewics, President of Wallace State Community College.
Waters, a resident of Tuscaloosa, is a native of Maryville, Tenn. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. During a 38-year career with Alabama Power Co., he served in many leadership capacities, including at 15-year stint as its Western Division vice president. He retired from Alabama Power in 2010 as senior vice president, marketing and customer service.
Waters has been very active in business organizations and has worked extensively to help recruit new business and industry to Alabama. He has served both as chairman and executive director of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and as chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority. Additionally, he served for several years as the chairman of the Region 3 Workforce Development Council as well as the chairman for workforce development on the state’s Rural Action Commission – Region 3.
“I have talked extensively to Terry about this assignment and know he is excited to accept the challenge,” Heinrich said. “He understands it is critical that Alabama’s postsecondary system is properly positioned to encourage business location and expansion by being able to deliver skilled workers. I know he will work hard in collaboration with our partners in other organizations and agencies to help advance economic and workforce development in Alabama.
“I believe Terry will lead our economic and workforce development efforts to new heights.”