Alabama Policy Institute Market Research Report
Background
Overview
The Alabama Policy Institute (API) is a non-profit, non-partisan educational and research organization headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Established in 1989 as the Alabama Family Alliance, API is dedicated to promoting public policies that uphold free markets, limited government, and strong families. The organization engages in research, advocacy, and public education to influence state policy debates and foster a prosperous society.
Mission and Vision
- Mission: To improve the lives of Alabamians through public policy that honors the principles of free markets, limited government, and strong families.
- Vision: To set the standard for conservative governance in Alabama by generating and communicating conservative principles and policy positions, while building broad coalitions among like-minded organizations and individuals.
Industry Significance
As a leading conservative think tank in Alabama, API plays a pivotal role in shaping state policies by providing research and analysis on various issues, including economics, education, environment, government, family, and society. Its influence extends to legislative processes, public discourse, and the promotion of conservative values within the state.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Advocate for policies that promote free markets, limited government, and strong families.
- Conduct in-depth research and analysis to inform policymakers and the public on critical issues.
- Build coalitions with like-minded organizations and individuals to advance conservative principles.
Areas of Specialization
- Economics: Research on fiscal policies, taxation, and economic development.
- Education: Advocacy for school choice, charter schools, and education reform.
- Environment: Analysis of environmental policies and their impact on the state.
- Government: Promotion of limited government and fiscal responsibility.
- Family and Society: Support for policies that strengthen family structures and societal values.
Key Technologies Utilized
API employs data analytics, policy modeling, and digital platforms to conduct research, disseminate information, and engage with stakeholders. These technologies enable the organization to effectively influence public policy and maintain a robust presence in state affairs.
Primary Markets and Conditions Targeted
API focuses on the state of Alabama, aiming to influence state legislation, public opinion, and policy implementation. The organization addresses a range of conditions, including economic challenges, educational disparities, environmental concerns, and social issues, advocating for conservative solutions to these problems.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
API is funded through donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. While specific donor information is not publicly disclosed, tax filings indicate contributions from organizations such as the National Christian Charitable Foundation and the Jaquelin Hume Foundation.
Total Funds Raised
In the fiscal year ending June 2024, API reported total revenue of $728,909.
Recent Funding Rounds
Specific details regarding recent funding rounds are not publicly available.
Notable Investors
API's funding sources include individual donors and foundations that support conservative policy initiatives. However, detailed information about individual investors is not publicly disclosed.
Utilization of Capital
The funds raised are utilized for research, advocacy, public education efforts, and operational expenses to advance API's mission and objectives.
Pipeline Development
Key Initiatives
- BluePrint for Alabama: An annual 30-point conservative policy agenda released prior to each legislative session, addressing issues such as free markets, limited government, and strong families.
- Research Publications: API produces reports and publications on various policy issues, providing analysis and recommendations to inform policymakers and the public.
Stages of Development
API's initiatives are in the research and advocacy stages, focusing on influencing policy decisions and public opinion through evidence-based recommendations.
Target Conditions
The initiatives target conditions related to economic policy, education reform, environmental regulations, government operations, and social issues affecting Alabama residents.
Anticipated Milestones
API aims to achieve policy adoption of its recommendations, increased public awareness of key issues, and the formation of strategic partnerships to advance its objectives.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
API utilizes data analytics tools and policy modeling software to analyze complex issues and develop informed policy recommendations.
Significant Scientific Methods
The organization employs quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including statistical analysis, surveys, and case studies, to support its policy positions.
AI-Driven Capabilities
While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, API likely leverages advanced data analysis techniques to enhance its research and advocacy efforts.
Leadership Team
Stephanie Smith – President and CEO
Stephanie Smith serves as the President and CEO of API. With over 25 years of experience in governmental affairs and policy, she has held positions such as Director of Governmental Affairs for Regions Financial Corporation and President of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.
Justin Bogie – Senior Director of Fiscal Policy
Justin Bogie joined API in March 2020. He holds a bachelor's degree from Auburn University and a master's degree in public administration from Auburn University Montgomery. Bogie has over a decade of federal and state policy experience, including roles at The Heritage Foundation and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Budget.
Susanna Hernandez – Director of Operations
Susanna Hernandez is a graduate of The University of Alabama, where she studied social work and political science. She has served in various roles in Alabama and Washington, D.C., focusing on grassroots organizing, event management, and public policy.
Anastasia O’Neill – Communications Manager
Anastasia O’Neill is set to graduate from Auburn University in December with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. She completed API's Internship Program in Summer 2025, focusing on developing and managing multimedia content across major platforms to advance the organization’s policy messaging and outreach.
Eric Parker – Fellow
Eric W. Parker is pursuing a PhD in Public Theology through the Kirby Laing Centre in partnership with Union Theological College. He is an Associate Professor of Cultural Studies at Highlands College and has taught college-level courses in Bible and theology, as well as the Great Books program at Samford University.
Dr. Michael Brown – Senior Fellow
Dr. Michael Brown is a Huntsville native who began solo private practice in gastroenterology in 1984. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Society in 1979. Brown focuses on healthcare and public health policy as a Senior Fellow for API.
Sen. Bill Hightower – Distinguished Fellow
Senator Bill Hightower was consistently ranked among the most conservative members during his tenure as a State Senator. He is a graduate of the University of South Alabama and received his M.B.A. at Vanderbilt University. Hightower is a Distinguished Fellow at API.
Prof. John Hill, Ph.D. – Fellow and Resident Scholar
Dr. John Hill is a Fellow and Resident Scholar at API. He has authored more than thirty publications on education, energy, the state of the environment, the health of families, gambling, and government growth. Hill is a professor at Amridge University and an adjunct professor at Faulkner University.
Bishop Jim Lowe – Distinguished Fellow
Bishop Jim Lowe is the Senior Pastor of The Guiding Light Church in Birmingham, Alabama. He is also a founding member of the Gatekeepers Association of Alabama, a diverse association of pastors and church leaders organized to extend the influence of God’s Kingdom into the governmental realm.
Scott Stantis – Distinguished Fellow
Scott Stantis joined API in October 2020. He has a long and successful career in journalism and media, including work with the Chicago Tribune and The Birmingham News. Stantis' editorial cartoons are syndicated to over 400 newspapers worldwide.
Senator Bryan Taylor, J.D. – Distinguished Fellow
