MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Kevin Taylor is the new executive director of Alabama Industrial Development Training, the state’s nationally recognized workforce recruitment organization.
Though he’s new to the top leadership post, Taylor is a veteran of AIDT. He started with the organization when he was a junior at Troy University more than three decades ago.
Taylor was deputy director under Ed Castile, who retired last week. Both men joined the agency in 1993. Other previous posts for Taylor include project manager and training manager.
“It’s not lost on us that Kevin has spent his entire professional career with AIDT, helping to place countless Alabamians into high-quality, in-demand careers of their own,” said Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. “Kevin has the experience, vision and relationships to seamlessly continue AIDT’s mission. We’re grateful he’s here.”
Since 1971, AIDT has trained about 1.06 million job seekers for 5,822 companies across the state. In addition to the main office in Montgomery, AIDT operates seven training centers plus several additional satellite locations throughout Alabama.
“I am both honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as AIDT’s next director,” Taylor said. “AIDT has been an incredible part of my life for more than three decades, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that has made such a significant impact on Alabama’s workforce and economic development.”
As a college student, Taylor worked part-time in the agency’s media department and gained firsthand experience supporting AIDT’s training initiatives through instructional media and communications. Three years later, in October 1996, he joined AIDT as a full-time employee.
After serving in AIDT’s administrative division, Taylor transitioned into one of the organization’s most visible roles as a project manager. For more than a decade, he worked directly with new and expanding manufacturers throughout Central and Southeast Alabama, helping companies build highly skilled workforces through AIDT’s customized recruiting, screening, assessment, selection and training services. During this time, he supported numerous suppliers to Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) across the region, working closely with automotive manufacturers and suppliers to develop workforce strategies that supported new product launches, plant expansions and ongoing operational success. His experience partnering with the automotive industry provided valuable insight into the workforce needs of one of Alabama’s largest manufacturing sectors and helped strengthen the state’s automotive supply chain.
Taylor’s work with industries ultimately led to his promotion as training manager, where he provided leadership for AIDT’s statewide team of project managers. In that role, he coordinated workforce development strategies for major economic development projects across Alabama while ensuring consistent, high-quality support for companies investing in the state.
Taylor later advanced into executive leadership, first serving as assistant director and then deputy director. During this time, he oversaw several of AIDT’s premier workforce development assets, including the Alabama Workforce Training Center in Birmingham, the Robotics Technology Park in Tanner and Alabama’s automotive OEM training centers supporting Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.
Today, Taylor continues to work closely with employers by promoting AIDT’s comprehensive workforce development services, including the Pre-Employment Training and Selection Program, Post-Employment Training, On-the-Job Training, Safety Assistance and Training, Maintenance Assessments and Leadership Development programs. He also regularly showcases the capabilities of the Robotics Technology Park, home to one of the nation’s premier robotics and automation training facilities.
As Alabama’s automotive industry continues evolving toward electrification and advanced manufacturing, Taylor has played a key role in preparing the state’s workforce for the future.
Recognizing the rapid growth of electric vehicle technologies, he helped establish an Electric Vehicle Advisory Group that brings together Alabama’s automotive original equipment manufacturers, the Alabama Community College System, the Alabama Training Network, the Alabama Mobility and Power Center at The University of Alabama, Auburn University’s Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS) and leading training equipment providers.
Looking ahead, Taylor remains focused on building upon the strong foundation established by AIDT while positioning the organization to meet the workforce challenges of tomorrow.
“Our focus will continue to be strengthening partnerships with industry, education and workforce organizations while addressing emerging needs in advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, life sciences, automation, artificial intelligence and increasing workforce participation,” Taylor said.
“At its core, AIDT’s mission remains the same—providing workforce solutions that help Alabama companies succeed while creating opportunities for Alabama’s citizens.”
Reflecting on his journey from a part-time college employee to executive director, Taylor credits the people of AIDT for shaping his career.
“I’ve been blessed to work alongside exceptional leaders and dedicated employees throughout my career,” he said. “Every position I’ve held has taught me something valuable about serving Alabama’s industries and our citizens. It has been a privilege to watch companies grow, careers begin and communities prosper because of the work AIDT does every day.”
