On Monday, Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield announced that Barbara Tuck has been named the department’s first Rural Development Manager, a position that will have her assisting rural counties and communities in competing for job-creating projects.

“Brenda has extensive experience working on the front lines of economic development in rural Alabama counties, so she knows the specific challenges these areas face when it comes to competing for projects,” Canfield said. “Her background in both economic and workforce development makes her the ideal choice to help rural communities navigate the economic development process.”

Tuck previously served as Regional Workforce Council Liaison in the department, where she worked alongside councils, employers and educators to ensure that workforce needs were being met at the local level.

Before joining the department, Tuck served in economic development positions in Marengo, Dallas and Wilcox counties and spent seven years as a partner with Alford and Associates, LLC and five years with Pioneer Electric Cooperative, both located in Selma.

As Rural Development Manager, Tuck will provide technical assistance to communities being considered for economic development projects and ongoing assistance and training for rural communities looking to enhance their competitiveness for new jobs and investment.

“Rural communities in Alabama can benefit from having a go-to person who can connect them with the resources they need to improve their economic development prospects,” Tuck said. “I look forward to working with the leaders from rural counties and communities across the state in this important role.”