New leaders named at University of Alabama Office of External Affairs

Ken Roberts, Tuscaloosa News
·3 min read

The University of Alabama System has named new leaders in the Office of External Affairs, a key department that works closely with lawmakers and private sector officials.

Charlie Taylor will serve as vice chancellor for external affairs, while Porter Banister will serve as vice chancellor for state affairs and Ray Cole will serve as vice chancellor for federal affairs.

More: GOP debate to be held in University of Alabama's Moody Music Building

The leadership changes come after the departure of Clay Ryan, the system's senior vice chancellor for external affairs who left for a similar role with the Alabama Power Co.

The University of Alabama announced that Charlie Taylor, left, will serve as vice chancellor for external affairs, Porter Banister, center, will be vice chancellor for state affairs and Ray Cole, right, will serve as vice chancellor for federal affairs.
The University of Alabama announced that Charlie Taylor, left, will serve as vice chancellor for external affairs, Porter Banister, center, will be vice chancellor for state affairs and Ray Cole, right, will serve as vice chancellor for federal affairs.

“Working with our local, state and federal leaders is instrumental as we continue advancing the University of Alabama System’s mission to improve the lives of all Alabamians through teaching, research and service,” said UA System Chancellor Finis St. John in a Tuesday news release. “Charlie, Porter and Ray are highly accomplished leaders in this field, and their efforts will reinforce the UA System’s steadfast commitment to enhancing the quality of education and healthcare in our state.”

According to the news release,  the Office of External Affairs works with government officials to improve education and health care in Alabama. The office also coordinates with state and local leaders in the public and private sectors to ensure that the UA System plays an integral role in the development of the state’s workforce.

The Office of External Affairs also serves as the liaison between UA board of trustees and the state and federal governments' legislative and executive branches.

“The University of Alabama System greatly benefitted from Clay’s tremendous leadership over the years, and we thank him for his distinguished service to our institutions and to our state,” said Scott Phelps, the UA System board of trustees' president pro tempore. “The UA System plays a pivotal role in the continuous growth and development of the state of Alabama, and I look forward to our talented external affairs team continuing the work that provides crucial support to our institutions.”

Here's a closer look at the new leaders:

Charlie Taylor

As vice chancellor for external affairs, Taylor will be responsible for all state and federal governmental issues for UA System institutions: the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the UAB Health System.

Charlie Taylor is the vice chancellor of external affairs at the University of Alabama System.
Charlie Taylor is the vice chancellor of external affairs at the University of Alabama System.

Taylor previously served as the UA System director of external affairs and has several years of experience working in various aspects of the political arena. He earned a juris doctorate degree from the UA  School of Law in 2017 and a bachelor of arts degree in political science from UA  in 2014.

Porter Banister

As the vice chancellor for state affairs, Banister will lead UA's efforts with the Alabama Legislature in Montgomery. He will also serve as the system's liaison for economic development efforts statewide.

Porter Banister is the vice chancellor for state affairs at the University of Alabama.
Porter Banister is the vice chancellor for state affairs at the University of Alabama.

Banister graduated with a degree in political science from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. He joined the UA System in 2003 and previously worked for the Business Council of Alabama.

Ray Cole

As vice chancellor for federal affairs, Cole will advocate the UA System’s positions on legislation, appropriations and regulatory matters affecting its campuses and health system at the federal level.

Ray Cole is the vice chancellor for federal affairs at the University of Alabama System.
Ray Cole is the vice chancellor for federal affairs at the University of Alabama System.

Cole joins the UA System from Van Scoyoc Associates, a government affairs firm. He has spent 24 years with Van Scoyoc Associates, managing government relations campaigns for clients across various industries and issues, including higher education and health care.

Before joining Van Scoyoc Associates, Cole was a senior staff member for now-retired U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby. He has also served as an adviser to the U.S. Department of Commerce, and he has worked in the political consulting field.

Cole earned a bachelor of science degree in commerce and business administration at UA.

Reach Ken Roberts at ken.roberts@tuscaloosanews.com

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: University of Alabama external affairs office gains new leaders