CLANTON, Ala. (AP) — Gov. Robert Bentley chose the president and CEO of Protective Life Corp., Johnny Johns, and the publisher of The Birmingham News, Pam Siddall, on Monday to lead his Tornado Recovery Action Council.

Bentley announced the creation of the council in Clanton. Bentley said retired aerospace executive Ron Gray will serve as executive director.

The governor said the council will hold forums in seven communities affected by the April tornadoes, and it will issue recommendations by mid-January on disaster preparedness, warning, response and recovery.

Other members are: Suzanne Durham, CEO of the YWCA of Central Alabama in Birmingham; Dallas Fanning, retired director of urban development in Huntsville; Grayson Hall, president and CEO of Regions Financial Corp. in Birmingham; David Hannah, a business owner from Crossville; Evelyn Mauldin, vice president of Bank Independent in Sheffield; Dr. Max Michael, dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; Dr. Keith Morrow, a physician in Hackleburg; and Brenda Parker, principal of Alberta Elementary School in Tuscaloosa.

Also, Malcolm Portera, chancellor of the University of Alabama System, from Tuscaloosa; Cathy Randall, chairman of Pettus Randall Holdings in Tuscaloosa; Isabel Rubio, executive of the Birmingham-based Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama; Guice Slawson, senior president of Southeast Wood Treating in Montgomery; Zeke Smith, executive vice president for external affairs at Alabama Power Co. in Birmingham; Finis St. John IV, attorney from Cullman; Rex Vaughn of Vaughn Farms in Huntsville; W. Michael Warren, president and CEO of Children’s Health System in Birmingham; and Randall Woodfin, assistant city attorney in Pratt City.