Alabama GOP – The Alabama Republican Party says it has reorganized its staff structure to strengthen party operations and expand statewide communications efforts as it builds momentum heading into the next election cycle. Scott Stadthagen, who has chaired the party since Ma
When Scott Stadthagen took over as Alabama Republican Party chairman on March 7. 2026. he promised sharper organization. better operations. and stronger backing for county and district leadership across the state.. Now. ALGOP says it is making good on that pledge with a staff overhaul meant to “strengthen party operations and enhance statewide communications efforts as the Party continues building momentum ahead of the upcoming election cycle.”
In a Thursday press release, the Alabama GOP said the changes come after a comprehensive internal review and “ongoing conversations” with party leaders statewide. The goal, the party framed it, is a strategic realignment of responsibilities to improve long-term performance.
At the center of the update is Jeannie Burniston. who is set to shift from her previous role as director of communications and legislative affairs into a newly expanded position as director of state party development and field operations.. In the expanded job. Burniston will oversee county party infrastructure. coalition engagement. grassroots training. volunteer coordination. and statewide organizational alignment—duties ALGOP said are meant to strengthen the party’s political operation throughout Alabama.
Burniston’s background, according to the party, spans more than a decade of communications, legislative strategy, and political operations work.. ALGOP pointed to her experience as executive director of the Jefferson County Republican Party and said she has worked on dozens of campaigns across Alabama.
The communications side of the reorganization also got attention.. Madeline Priestley has been named communications and marketing director after previously serving as director of member services.. Priestley will lead the party’s communications strategy. including social media. website management. and press releases and statements. among other duties.
ALGOP said Priestley is a graduate of The University of Alabama with a degree in Communications and Information Sciences, with a major in Public Relations and a minor in Political Science. The party added that she brings experience in messaging, marketing, and brand strategy.
Chief of Staff Shannon Whitt said the restructuring is designed to put staff strengths to work more directly.. “We are incredibly excited about the direction our team is heading.. This restructuring allows each staff member to operate in the areas where they are strongest. ultimately providing enhanced support and stronger resources for Republicans across Alabama.”
For more information about ALGOP, the party directed readers to www.algop.org.
Alabama Republican Party ALGOP Scott Stadthagen Jeannie Burniston Madeline Priestley Shannon Whitt party leadership communications strategy field operations election cycle