Bill Poole Lands at Northport’s Harrison Construction Soon After Leaving Montgomery

A week after stepping down as Alabama's finance director, Bill Poole has a new job in Northport.

Harrison Construction Co. announced Monday that Poole is its new vice president of finance, legal and external affairs.

"Bill's impressive background in law, finance, government affairs, and executive leadership, combined with his longstanding relationship with Harrison Construction, makes him a tremendous addition to our team," the company wrote in announcing the hire.

Poole left the state finance director's office on September 28 after five years overseeing Alabama's budgets. Gov. Kay Ivey appointed him to the post in August 2021, and Doryan Carlton, previously the state budget officer, replaced him.

Before Montgomery, Poole spent 11 years in the Alabama House representing Tuscaloosa's 63rd District, including eight as chairman of the Ways and Means Education Committee, where he oversaw the roughly $9 billion Education Trust Fund. The seat was then taken by Tuscaloosa's Cynthia Almond, and then businessman Norman Crow.

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He holds a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Alabama and previously worked on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee and in international trade law.

Company owner Tim Harrison said Poole is no stranger to the firm.

"Bill has been a trusted attorney, advisor, and friend to Harrison Construction for many years," Harrison said. "His experience and knowledge will be a tremendous asset as we continue building for the future."

Harrison is behind a number of high-profile local projects, and has been announced as the contactor who will bring a luxury hotel to Northport's University Beach resort. 

When he announced his departure from state government last month, Poole said his ties to Alabama would outlast the job.

"Serving the state of Alabama has been among the greatest privileges of my professional life," he said at the time. "Those relationships and my interest in helping to continue to improve Alabama's future will remain consistent."

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