The Republican who has served as the top-ranking member of the Alabama Senate for four years is leaving that office to join the Gov. Kay Ivey administration.

The governor announced today that Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed, R-Jasper, will serve as her senior advisor om workforce transformation.

Ivey said Reed will be integral in the transition of the Alabama Department of Labor to the Department of Workforce, a change resulting from legislation passed this year.

“Increasing our state’s labor force participation rate and setting us up for long term success remains a priority for my Administration,” Ivey said in a press release. “Greg has effectively represented his district in the Legislature and has been an outstanding partner as pro tem. Alabama is fortunate to continue benefiting from his service.”

Reed was elected president pro tempore of the Senate in 2021. He was elected to the Senate in 2010 and became majority leader in 2014. He represents District 5, which includes Fayette, Jefferson, Lamar, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties.

Reed’s appointment is effective Jan. 1. Reed told senators about the decision at a caucus meeting this afternoon.

Ivey will call a special election for District 5 to replace Reed.

Ivey praised Reed for helping pass legislation to support workforce development, including the CHOOSE Act, which will give eligible Alabama families the option to receive $7,000 to pay for private school tuition starting in the 2025 school year.

The governor also mentioned Reed’s leadership on the Working for Alabama legislative package. That included the bill to consolidate responsibilities for workforce development within one agency. The changes are intended to improve Alabama’s workforce participation rate, one of the lowest in the country.

“Alabama is poised to chart a new path in workforce development and economic growth, and I am immensely grateful to Governor Kay Ivey for giving me the opportunity to be a part of her team as a Senior Advisor to Workforce Transformation,” Reed said.

Ivey said Marty Redden will continue as secretary of the Department of Labor as it transitions to the Department of Workforce, which will officially launch during the summer of 2025.

“Marty has done a bang up job leading the Department of Labor during this transition to the Department of Workforce,” Ivey said.