The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) is proud to announce the promotion of Trevor Sutton to Vice President of Economic Development, where he will spearhead efforts that drive business attraction, job creation and capital investment across the Greater Birmingham Region.  

The BBA, the Birmingham regional chamber for economic prosperity, delivers economic development services for the region as a whole. As Vice President of Economic Development, Trevor will provide leadership, long-term visioning, strategic planning and the implementation of best economic development practices in terms of business recruitment, retaining existing businesses, growing the tax base and job opportunities.   

Previously, Trevor served as Senior Director of Economic Development in 2024 after two years as Director of Economic Development. In these positions, he played a key role in attracting and expanding businesses across the Birmingham region, consulting and advocating for companies while securing financial incentives to support relocations and expansions. In 2024, BBA’s economic development team, alongside regional allies, secured 17 projects, resulting in 1,001 new jobs and $490 million in capital investment across the seven-county region. 

Beyond project management, Trevor streamlined business relocation and expansion processes, strengthened public-private partnerships and tackled ecosystem-wide challenges to enhance Birmingham’s business climate. From facilitating connections between startups and major corporations to improving access to key resources, his efforts have positioned the region as a top destination for growth and investment.  

“Trevor has a deep understanding of what it takes to attract and retain businesses, and his ability to collaborate and foster meaningful relationships across sectors make him a perfect fit for this role,” said BBA President & CEO Steve Ammons. “I have no doubt he will continue to elevate our region’s economic development efforts to position Birmingham as a competitive market for growth.”  

In addition to his work supporting companies and ecosystem building, Trevor has championed talent attraction and retention efforts. He joined the BBA in 2022 as Talent Solutions Partner, launching Onboard BHM, now Fuel BHM, a regional talent initiative with over 100 participants in its first year designed to bring in and keep top talent in Birmingham. His leadership in developing a summer internship initiative further solidified BBA’s commitment to workforce development, helping companies connect with emerging professionals and strengthening the region’s workforce pipeline.  

“Economic development is not possible without workforce development, but it’s not easy to find someone who truly understands the needs of the audience they are serving,” said Ammons. “Oftentimes, many in the workforce development ecosystem fall into the trap of getting so caught up in the immensity of the problem, that they forget the people behind it all.”  

Prior to joining BBA, Trevor held leadership roles at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he served as Assistant Director in the Division of Student Affairs, and Southern Methodist University, where he specialized in strategic planning, relationship-building and program development. His expertise in creating buy-in, managing partnerships and executing growth strategies has been a driving force throughout his career.  

A Birmingham “boomerang,” Trevor was born and raised in the Magic City and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Berry College in Georgia before receiving his Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina. Trevor found his way back to Birmingham a few years after graduation and now resides in Hoover with his wife and two children.  

In his new role as Vice President of Economic Development, Trevor will continue to lead efforts to attract businesses, strengthen economic opportunities and position Birmingham as a leading hub for metal and advanced materials, mobility, technology and bioscience industries.  

"The Birmingham region’s opportunity to have an international presence as a top business destination is stronger than ever," said Trevor. "Our region’s foundation in metals, advanced manufacturing and bioscience has created a thriving, diverse business ecosystem. With our high quality of life, affordability and commitment to innovation, we have a unique opportunity to attract high-paying jobs in industries that will benefit not just today’s workforce, but future generations—including my own children. I look forward to accelerating this momentum by working diligently and creatively to attract new companies, identify solutions and strengthen regional collaboration to ensure sustainable economic growth for the entire Birmingham region." 

The BBA has supported more than 700 economic development projects, that represent the creation of approximately 34,000 jobs and produced $9.2 billion in capital investments to the region since its inception in 2009. The BBA is funded by over 500 investors comprised of private companies, government, foundations and academia. With the announcements of Coca Cola United's expansion and the relocation of CModel Inc. headquarters, among others, the BBA has a wealth of opportunities ahead.  

"By breaking down silos and fostering strong partnerships across communities, industries and organizations, we can drive greater opportunity—ensuring that the Birmingham region grows stronger together,” added Trevor.  

Trevor’s leadership will continue to shape Birmingham’s economic future. To learn more about Trevor, click here.