Birmingham, AL, January 9, 2026
Jackson Thornton, a respected Alabama-based accounting and consulting firm, has appointed Alan Alexander as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a strategic expansion into Birmingham. This leadership change and commitment to growth reflect confidence in Birmingham’s economic landscape. Alexander, who has been with the firm since 2018, aims to guide the organization into its next growth phase, underscoring the importance of strategic leadership in fostering local business resilience and supporting the professional services sector.
Birmingham, AL – The local business landscape continues to showcase robust growth and strategic leadership, exemplified by a recent executive appointment at a prominent Alabama-based accounting and consulting firm. Jackson Thornton, a firm with a long-standing presence in the state, announced a new Chief Executive Officer on the heels of its recent expansion into Birmingham, signaling continued confidence in the region’s economic prospects and the power of thoughtful business development. This move highlights themes of entrepreneurial innovation and strategic growth, contributing positively to the overall Birmingham economic growth.
This development underscores the dynamic environment for Birmingham AL business, where established companies are expanding their footprints and investing in leadership that can navigate evolving market demands. Such strategic decisions are vital for fostering economic resilience and providing opportunities for Alabama AL entrepreneurs and professionals. The firm’s continued investment in the state, including its Birmingham presence, reflects a commitment to serving a diverse client base and contributing to the local professional services sector.
A New Chapter in Leadership for Jackson Thornton
Effective January 1, 2026, Alan Alexander assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer at Jackson Thornton, a certified public accounting and consulting firm. This leadership transition follows the retirement of John Fendley, who dedicated over four decades to the firm. Alexander, who joined Jackson Thornton in 2018, previously served as its Chief Operating Officer for seven years, demonstrating a clear path of personal achievement and commitment within the organization. In his new capacity, Alexander is responsible for guiding the firm’s strategic direction, as well as overseeing its overall administration and financial management. This internal promotion reflects a belief in fostering talent and rewarding dedication, a hallmark of successful Birmingham small business and larger enterprises alike.
Expanding Horizons in Birmingham
Jackson Thornton’s decision to expand into Birmingham in November, preceding the CEO announcement, demonstrates a proactive approach to growth and market responsiveness. This expansion integrates the firm more deeply into Alabama’s largest city, an area ripe with diverse industries and burgeoning businesses. The firm, which is headquartered in Montgomery, AL, now operates with six offices throughout Alabama, employing over 200 professionals and associates. This strategic expansion is a testament to the potential seen within the Birmingham AL business community and the broader regional economy.
The firm’s presence in Birmingham offers a comprehensive suite of services, including accounting, wealth management, strategic planning, outsourced CFO solutions, business consulting, technology consulting, and specialized industry services. Such a broad offering addresses the complex needs of modern businesses, from nascent startups to established corporations, and supports the ecosystem of Alabama AL entrepreneurs by providing essential professional guidance.
A Leader’s Journey: Alan Alexander’s Background
Alan Alexander brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the accounting profession to his new role. He is a certified public accountant and holds a Master of Accounting with a tax concentration. His educational background includes degrees from Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, grounding him firmly in Alabama’s academic and professional communities. Alexander’s extensive experience as Chief Operating Officer has provided him with an intimate knowledge of the firm’s operations and strategic objectives, positioning him well to lead Jackson Thornton into its next phase of growth. His professional affiliations include membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants, highlighting his commitment to industry standards and ethical practice.
Birmingham’s Growing Professional Services Sector
The accounting and consulting sector in Birmingham, AL, is a vibrant and competitive landscape. Firms like Jackson Thornton are vital contributors to this sector, providing critical support that enables businesses across various industries to thrive. Birmingham hosts several large accounting firms, including Warren Averett, which maintains its corporate headquarters in the city and is recognized as the largest accounting firm in the state of Alabama and one of the largest in the Southeast. The presence of such robust professional services firms creates a strong foundation for ongoing Birmingham economic growth and demonstrates a healthy environment for business development and investment.
The ongoing growth and strategic appointments within firms operating in Birmingham underscore a positive trajectory for the city’s economy. These developments often lead to job creation, increased investment, and enhanced capabilities for local businesses to succeed and expand, further solidifying Birmingham’s reputation as a business-friendly hub in the Southeast.
Conclusion
The appointment of Alan Alexander as CEO of Jackson Thornton, in conjunction with the firm’s expansion into Birmingham, marks a significant moment for the firm and the broader Alabama business community. It exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurial innovation and strategic foresight that drives economic prosperity. As Birmingham continues to attract and nurture diverse businesses, the presence of strong, forward-thinking professional services firms like Jackson Thornton will be instrumental in supporting sustained growth and creating opportunities for all residents.
We encourage our readers to support local businesses and stay engaged with the ongoing developments that shape Birmingham’s economic future. Your involvement strengthens the fabric of our community and helps to foster an environment where Alabama AL entrepreneurs can continue to achieve personal and professional milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions regarding the recent executive appointment and expansion:
- What accounting firm recently named a new CEO after expanding into Birmingham?
- Jackson Thornton, a certified public accounting and consulting firm, recently named a new CEO after expanding into Birmingham.
- Who is the new CEO of Jackson Thornton?
- Alan Alexander is the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Thornton.
- When did Alan Alexander assume his role as CEO?
- Alan Alexander assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2026.
- When did Jackson Thornton expand into Birmingham?
- Jackson Thornton expanded into Birmingham in November.
- What services does Jackson Thornton offer?
- Jackson Thornton offers accounting, wealth management, strategic planning, outsourced CFO solutions, business consulting, technology consulting, and specialized industry services.
- Where is Jackson Thornton headquartered?
- Jackson Thornton is headquartered in Montgomery, AL.
Key Features of Jackson Thornton’s Recent Developments
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Firm Name | Jackson Thornton | State-level |
| New CEO | Alan Alexander | State-level |
| CEO Effective Date | January 1, 2026 | State-level |
| Birmingham Expansion | November (prior to CEO announcement) | Local (Birmingham, AL) |
| Headquarters | Montgomery, AL | State-level |
| Number of Offices | Six offices in Alabama | State-level |
| Number of Professionals | Over 200 professionals and associates | State-level |
| Key Services Offered | Accounting, wealth management, strategic planning, outsourced CFO, business consulting, technology consulting, specialized industry services | Nationwide |
| Founding Year | 1919 | Nationwide |
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Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
