FloridaWest Board of Directors selected Brian Hilson as its new CEO. Hilson has more than 40 years of experience leading programs that address all phases of community-based economic growth. His efforts in Alabama resulted in more than 100,000 new jobs and more than $3 billion in investment over the past 40 years.
Hilson served as President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, President & CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance, and Executive Director of the Japan-America Society of Alabama, in addition to other roles.
“Brian comes with significant wins in Alabama, a close competitor for business recruitment,” said Rick Byars, FloridaWest board chair. “His leadership helped lure Toyota and three Mercedes facilities, which resulted in $2.3 billion in investment and 2,700 jobs. These are just two highlights of dozens of economic development successes under his leadership. We’re excited to get Brian on board and engaged in the community.”
Other big wins for Hilson include attracting 4,700 jobs in a U.S Army Base Realignment & Closure project, the Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology with 1,000 jobs and $120 in investment, a Raytheon project that brought 300 jobs and a $75 million investment and a new Amazon facility that resulted in 1,500 jobs and $180 million in investment.
