Outgoing Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman will join the Alabama Farmers Federation as a political consultant.

The announcement came Monday.

Chapman, a Butler County native and graduate of Fort Dale Academy, announced on July 1 that she was resigning from her office as secretary of state effective Aug. 1.

According to a statement issued by the Alabama Farmers Federation on Monday, Chapman will begin her new job Aug. 1.

Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said Chapman’s knowledge, character and experience with the electoral process will serve the organization well.

“Beth is a friend of farmers and shares the values, goals and concerns of our members,” Parnell said. “She is respected for her integrity and citizenship. We look forward to working with Beth as the Federation supports candidates who will fight for Alabama families.”

Brian Hardin, director of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Department of Governmental Affairs, said Chapman will serve as a contract employee in charge of research and campaign services.

“We are excited to have Beth on our team,” Hardin said. “As we prepare for the 2014 elections, Beth will help surface candidates, conduct research, organize grassroots activities and advise Federation-endorsed candidates on campaign strategies.”

Chapman, who has 17 months remaining in her second term as secretary of state, was first elected to the office in 2006.

Prior to serving as secretary of state, Chapman served as state auditor. Chapman also served as state executive director for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, appointments secretary for former Gov. Fob James, and press secretary for former Lt. Gov. Steve Windom.

Chapman was not eligible to seek re-election. Alabama’s secretary of state may serve only two consecutive terms before having to vacate the office for at least one term.

Before her announcement, three Republicans had already announced their intentions to seek the office in the 2014 election: Rep. John Merrill of Tuscaloosa, Crenshaw County Probate Judge Jim Perdue and former Montgomery County Probate Judge Reese McKinney.