Almond To Leave Legislature To Lead Public Service Commission

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday announced State Rep. Cynthia Lee Almond, a Republican from Tuscaloosa, will serve as president of the Public Service Commission.

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Almond, who previously served as the president of the Tuscaloosa City Council before her time in the Legislature, will fill the seat vacated by Twinkle Cavanaugh, who has taken a role with the administration of President Donald Trump.

“Cynthia has proven to be an extremely effective public servant and leader, and I am confident the people of Alabama will be even better served when she takes the helm at the Public Service Commission,” Ivey said. “Since 2021, I have been able to count on Cynthia to get real, meaningful work done in the Legislature, and while I know the people of Tuscaloosa will miss her representation in the State House, every person across this state will now benefit from her leadership on the Public Service Commission.”

Almond, an attorney who works in her own private practice who chairs the Tuscaloosa County Local Legislative Delegation, will lead the three-person board responsible for regulating utilities in Alabama.

She is also a member of the Ways and Means Education Committee, Judiciary Committee, Rules Committee and serves as vice-chair of the Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee.

“I am honored to have been asked by Governor Ivey to fill this important position. It is one I accept with great enthusiasm,” said Almond. “I know how important this commission is to the people of Alabama and to the industry sectors it regulates. I believe my training as an attorney and legislator will prove to be helpful in performing this role. I appreciate greatly the confidence shown in me by Governor Ivey, and I will work hard for her and for this great state of Alabama.”

Ivey touted Almond's work on the governor's priorities such as the governor’s Safe Alabama public safety package, the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences, and the Game Plan economic development legislation.

Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Almond attended Vanderbilt University and is a graduate of both the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama School of Law.

Almond will vacate her seat in the Legislature on Sunday, June 15, with the Public Service Commission appointment effective Monday, June 16.

The governor will now be tasked with setting a special election date to fill out the remainder of Almond's unexpired term.

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