Steve Ammons resigned Friday from the Jefferson County Commission and has accepted the position of CEO for the Birmingham Business Alliance, the region’s primary economic development agency.

“I am proud of the work the commission has done and for the support of my fellow commissioners in making Jefferson County a great place to live,” Ammons wrote in his resignation letter. “I have great respect for each of you and am confident in the decisions you will make down the road.”

Ammons’ resignation as District 5 commissioner is effective May 31. A release from the BBA said he will begin his new role May 30. He’ll be responsible for leading collaboration between BBA and its community partners across the seven-county region to ensure the alignment and achievement of strategic objectives.

“When we began the process of identifying a new CEO, the goal was to identify a successful candidate who understands the unique fabric of the Birmingham community and who would also bring immediate credibility and confidence to the role,” said Greg Curran, chairman of the firm of Maynard Nexsen and BBA’s board chairman. “Steve Ammons has shown great leadership to the BBA over the years, and we are all energized by his thoughtful vision for the organization’s future.”

He will be replaced in a special election.

Beyond representing Jefferson County Commission District 5, Ammons has been chairman of the commission’s Economic Development Committee. He managed the recruitment of The J.M. Smucker Company to the community, which resulted in a $1.2 billion capital investment, the largest in Jefferson County history.

While economic development will remain a committee responsibility of a commissioner, the responsibility for economic development will be more in the hands of Jefferson Traywick, who was recently hired to be the county’s economic development adviser in the office of the county manager. County Manager Cal Markert said after that hiring that having someone in his office dedicated to economic development removed a possible learning curve if a different commissioner were assigned to economic development.

Ammons also chaired the commission’s Information Technology Committee. Additionally, he played a critical role in driving cohesion for the region through the Jefferson County Mayor’s Association as well as the establishment of the Jefferson County City Council Coalition.

“Steve Ammons has demonstrated experience in understanding what it takes to support businesses of all sizes,” said Joe Hampton, president of Spire Alabama and incoming 2024 BBA board chairman. “He is a proven relationship-builder whose commitment to collaboration will set the organization up for long-term success.”

Before being elected to the county commission, Ammons served two terms on the Vestavia Hills City Council. While on the council, he was mayor pro tem and liaison to Vestavia Hills Public Safety, and he was a member of the Parks and Recreation Board.

In a letter responding to Ammons’ resignation, Commission President Jimmie Stephens said he hates to see a fellow commissioner resign, “especially one that has been so involved in improving our regional cooperation with the Mayor’s Association and City Councilors.

“We know that Commissioner Ammons has a passion for economic development and bettering communities and we wish him nothing but the best in his new role,” Stephens continued. “Per state law, the Jefferson County Election Commission will be setting a date for a special election to fill his seat and we look forward to welcoming a new representative for District 5.”