By Alabama NewsCenter Staff Veteran economic developer Ron Kitchens has been named president and CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA). With an economic development career spanning 30 years in Missouri, Texas and Michigan, Kitchens will lead collaborative efforts among partners and stakeholders in Birmingham to accelerate quality job growth and foster a competitive and diverse economy for the region. “Ron is well known among site selectors and location consultants and is a true leader in the economic development industry,” said Jim Gorrie, chairman of the BBA and CEO of Brasfield & Gorrie LLC. “His knowledge, connections and track record of collaborating will serve Birmingham well and help the BBA achieve its strategic goals.”