Governor Bentley Appoints Dr. Marquita Davis Director of the Alabama Finance Department

MONTGOMERY— Governor Robert Bentley today announced the appointment of Dr. Marquita Davis as Director of the Alabama Finance Department.  Dr. Davis currently serves in the Governor’s Cabinet as Commissioner of the Department of Children’s Affairs. 

“I am pleased to announce Dr. Marquita Davis as the state Finance Director. She is highly accomplished and has the right amount of experience and knowledge to lead this important state agency,” said Governor Bentley. “I have enjoyed working with Dr. Davis in her role at the Department of Children’s Affairs. I admire her work ethic and intelligence and I know she will do a great job for the people of Alabama.”

Dr. Davis has been Commissioner of the Department of Children’s Affairs since 2008. She has over 20 years experience in higher education, in non-profit service and in state government. Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, Dr. Davis was Director of the Office of School Readiness and “First Class,” Alabama’s voluntary pre-K program.

Dr. Davis has experience in managing a staff of over 350 employees and an annual budget in excess of $20 million. 

“I’m honored for the opportunity to work with Governor Bentley and to serve the people of the state in my new capacity. I appreciate his confidence in my abilities,” said Dr. Davis. “I am committed to tackling the financial challenges we face as a state.”

The Finance Director is the chief financial officer of the state, advisor to the Governor and the Legislature in financial matters and is responsible for protecting the financial interests of Alabama citizens.

Dr. Davis received a B.S. in Family Social Services from Northern Illinois University, a Masters in Family Studies from Alabama A&M University and received her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education and Child Development from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Davis also served as Deputy Director of Child Development Services at the Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity in Birmingham.

Davis serves on numerous civic and community boards and organizations including the Board of Directors for the United Way of Central Alabama and the boards of Birmingham’s McWane Science Center, YWCA of Central Alabama and American Village.

Dr. Davis is married to Michael A. Davis of Birmingham.  The appointment is effective in September.