Commissioner Cavanaugh calls herself the working Commissioner because she comes to work each day and strives to keep Alabama’s utility rates some of the lowest in the nation. She has a three pronged approach to regulating utilities. Commissioner Cavanaugh insists on reasonable rates for consumers and reliable utilities for consumers, which facilitates recruiting jobs to our Great State.
In her first year in office, she has taken the EPA to task on their over-reaching regulations, advocated for incentives for businesses in their electric rates, pushed for time of use rates that allow customers an additional way to achieve savings in their home utility bills, promoted ways to help Alabama’s farmers keep their utility costs down, addressed the utility concerns of industries in Alabama, offered a helping hand to victims of the devastating storms in Alabama, pressed for transparency at every opportunity, and sponsored the strongest Ethics Policy at the Alabama Public Service Commission.
Commissioner Cavanaugh brings to the Public Service Commission a diverse background in public service, conservative policy-making, and small business.
Commissioner Cavanaugh has been active in public service for many years. She served in Governor Bob Riley’s cabinet as Senior Advisor during his second term and as Deputy Chief of Staff during Governor Riley’s first term in office. Commissioner Cavanaugh also developed extensive experience in dealing with national issues while working for former Congressman Sonny Callahan.
A deep-rooted commitment to conservative causes and policy is prevalent throughout Commissioner Cavanaugh’s work experience. She worked at the Republican National Committee in Washington, D.C. She also served as Executive Director of the Alabama Republican Party. In 2005, she became the first female chairman of a political party in the state when she was elected Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.
Commissioner Cavanaugh also served as the State Director of Citizens for a Sound Economy (CSE), a national organization promoting lower taxes for American families. At CSE, she worked to push President Bush’s tax cuts through Congress. During her tenure at CSE, she also helped cities and towns across Alabama stop tax increases and fought for tougher tort reform laws.
Having owned several small businesses, Commissioner Cavanaugh understands the challenges facing small businesses and Alabama families. She is the former owner of a restaurant franchise. Currently, Commissioner Cavanaugh and her husband, Dr. Jeff Cavanaugh, own Cavanaugh Bradley Animal Hospital.
Commissioner Cavanaugh is a graduate of Auburn University. She and her husband have three children. They are active members of First Baptist Church in Montgomery, and they are involved in numerous community organizations.