Business Alabama has awarded Stephanie Bryan, Chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with its first ever CEO of the Year award.

Hundreds attended the Birmingham luncheon where Business Alabama held its inaugural awards event honoring the best in business around the state. In bestowing Bryan with its first ever CEO of the Year award, Business Alabama specifically cited the success Bryan has had leading a variety of businesses across the state.

Chairwoman Bryan thanked Business Alabama for the award.

“No business is successful without a great team of employees, and at Poarch we are blessed to have wonderful people who work hard and believe in what we are trying to do for the state. She continued, “I am honored to receive this award, and I promise to continue to do what I can to create good jobs and have well-run businesses that create a positive economic impact in our state.” Bryan also recognized the many other business leaders at the event who have successfully navigated through the last few years of economic uncertainty. “You are Alabama’s best and brightest, and I am honored to be in your company,” said Bryan.

The selection process for this first year of awards actually began in the Fall of 2022. Business Alabama solicited nominations for awards in a variety of business categories that included CEO of the Year, as well as best Large Company, Small Company, Commercial Project, Start-up Company, and nominations for Lifetime Achievement awards. The selection process was based on the individuals’ distinct achievements and their contributions to the state.

Nominees within the CEO of the Year category included Josh Carpenter, CEO of Southern Research in Birmingham; Mark Crosswhite, former CEO of Alabama Power in Birmingham; Bill Roark, founder and CEO of Starfish Holdings in Huntsville; and Tim Vines, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.