The Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) today announced changes in the nonprofit corporation's leadership.

Alan Martin, executive vice president, Alabama Power has been named president of PARCA.

"Alan Martin will be a tremendous asset to this organization in the next year as we continue to look at the issues that our state needs to focus on to secure its successful future," said Albert Brewer, chairman of the board.

"His colleagues and peers recognize the passion he brings to the table when it comes to moving the state forward, and our organization intends to tap into that as we work toward more public awareness and more in-depth knowledge of the state's hurdles in the coming year," Brewer said.

Martin succeeds Rex Lysinger, director and retired chairman of the board, Alagasco.

A native of Birmingham, Martin also serves on the Alabama Sports Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors, Executive Board of the Alys Stephens Center, Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, Board of Directors of the Vulcan Park Foundation, UAB Advisory Board, UAB Athletic Committee of the Leadership Council, Co-Chair of Corporate Promotions Committee for Gala XV of Birmingham Southern College and Board of Directors of Opera Birmingham.

PARCA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation founded in 1988 to provide objective information based on factual studies that will lead to the improvement of state and local government in Alabama. Its research staff regularly focuses on studies involving such topics as the state constitution, the tax system, education and economic development.

SOURCE: Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama