The Governor of Alabama is the head of executive branch of the U.S. state of Alabama. Elected every four years by the voters of the state, the governor serves as both the chief executive officer and highest-ranking official in Alabama's government. Primary responsibilities include enforcing state laws, appointing heads of departments within the state's executive branch, addressing the state legislature, and vetoing or approving legislation passed by the Alabama Legislature. The current governor, as of 2021, is Kay Ivey. The role of the Governor of Alabama is defined in the Alabama Constitution.