Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Alabama Transportation Institute Executive Director Dr. Allen Parrish is the newest Senior Policy Advisor for the Energy Institute of Alabama.

Parrish will provide expert guidance to EIA, serving as the leading voice and advocate for public policies that ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for state residents.

“The addition of Dr. Parrish’s experience, expertise and voice as a Senior Policy Advisor will greatly benefit EIA for years to come,” EIA Chairman Seth Hammett said. “His accomplishments speak for themselves and we are grateful for his vision and ongoing commitment to the people and economy of Alabama.”

Parrish began his career at the University of Alabama, working 26 years as a Professor of Computer Science and serving as the founding director of the Center for Advanced Public Safety.

In 2016, Parrish left Alabama to become the founding chair of the Cyber Security Program at the U.S. Naval Academy. He most recently served as the Associate Vice-President for Research at Mississippi State University before returning to Alabama as ATI Executive Director in February.

“At the Alabama Transportation Institute, we are focused on innovative research solutions to build and maintain a transportation system that propels Alabama forward by increasing safety, furthering economic growth and conserving our energy resources,” Parrish said.

“Whether it’s smart cities, electric vehicles, freight delivery efficiency or simply ensuring quality roads and bridges, we are committed to a 21^st century transportation system that supports our state’s economic vitality.”

Alabama Power Company employee Houston Smith, the EIA Vice-Chairman, said that Parrish will be a great addition to the organization.

“EIA, ATI and the state of Alabama are lucky to have someone like Dr. Parrish leading the collaborative transportation efforts and policy development that continues to modernize our state’s transportation system,” Smith said. “We fully support these efforts and modern infrastructure initiatives, like electric vehicles, that are major drivers of our state’s economy.”