MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey today announced the launch of the Alabama Department of Workforce (ADOW), a milestone that marks the most comprehensive transformation of workforce efforts in state history.
The new department was officially unveiled during a kickoff event on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol, bringing together industry leaders, education partners, government officials and community representatives from across the state.
Governor Ivey said the goal is to get more Alabamians into the workforce, reversing a trend that has seen the state have one of the lowest labor participation rates in the nation.
“Many of our potential workers are sitting out the game. Some are unable to suit up and join in the play due to personal barriers in their lives,” she said. “They may live far from training centers and job sites. Others might have chosen not to join the team because they didn’t finish high school, or they don’t have access to childcare.
“To all these folks and others, we have good news. Alabama is launching a new recruitment plan of more accessible job training and employment services to put these sideline-sitters in the game,” she added.
Secretary Greg Reed, who leads the new department, said ADOW’s mission is to remove barriers and create clear pathways connecting people to prosperity through integrated services.
“We’re not just fixing problems — we’re building Alabama’s competitive future,” Secretary Reed said. “Alabama’s greatest resource is its people, and when they thrive, we all rise. This Department represents our commitment to meeting every Alabamian where they are and guiding them to where they want to be.”
Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said Governor Ivey’s creation of ADOW represents a transformative step in aligning Alabama’s workforce and economic development goals.
“A strong workforce is the foundation of every successful economic strategy, and by bringing these programs under one roof, Alabama is ensuring that opportunity reaches every corner of the state,” Secretary McNair said.
“This unified approach will give our businesses the talent they need to grow and help more Alabamians build rewarding, sustainable careers in our state’s dynamic economy.”
AIDT, Alabama’s renowned workforce development agency, remains part of Commerce as a key economic development tool. Some other workforce-related functions at Commerce have transitioned to ADOW.
See the Governor’s full announcement.
