Gov. Bentley Creates GOMA

A newly created state office will advise Gov. Robert Bentley on issues impacting minorities and women throughout Alabama.

Bentley signed an executive order Wednesday establishing the Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs.

The governor says the office will offer guidance on issues including education, health, political engagement, criminal justice and race relations in hopes of improving the quality of life for minorities and women.

Bentley says Nichelle Nix, a former attorney in the governmental and regulatory affairs division of Birmingham law firm Maynard, Cooper & Gale, will serve as the office’s director.

Nix is from Mobile. She studied political science at Spelman College, public health at Emory University and attended the University of Alabama law school.

Bentley says Nix will serve as a liaison between his office and minority communities.

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