Georgia Power, an electric utility company based in Atlanta, announced Thursday that Chris Womack has been elected by the Georgia Power Board of Directors to succeed its current Chairman Paul Bowers.
Bowers will retire in April 2021, but Womack will begin serving as the president of Georgia Power beginning Nov. 1, 2020, and will take over additional responsibilities as chairman and CEO when Bowers completely steps down.
“It’s an exciting time to be back at Georgia Power, especially when we’re poised to make history with the first new nuclear units in the U.S. in decades,” said Womack, executive vice president and president of External Affairs for Southern Co, the parent company of Georgia Power.
“This company has an incredible legacy of delivering world-class customer service and reliability to Georgians, while also being a leader in the communities it serves. It is an honor to be able to come back and be a part of the wonderful team of people at Georgia Power and help continue their great work.”
Womack, who has been with the company since 1998, has served as the executive vice president and president of External Affairs for Southern Co. since 2009. Womack has also led the company’s governmental and regulatory affairs, corporate communication initiatives, and other external and strategic business engagements.
When Womack takes over as president next month, he will become captain of a ship that serves 2.6 million customers across the state. Womack will be responsible for Georgia Power’s customer service, economic development, generation, transmission, distribution, energy efficiency, charitable giving, and volunteerism efforts.
Womack will also be responsible for the company’s storm response and recovery as well as the company’s efforts to fight climate change and more. Womack is excited to get to work and believes the best days for Georgia Power are ahead.
Bowers, who led Georgia Power for more than a decade, called his time at the company the honor of his life and is excited to see the company continue its commitment to the state.
“For more than a decade, Paul has led Georgia Power to be the premier energy company it is today. From industry-leading storm response and customer satisfaction to the growth of a diverse fuel portfolio and a deep commitment to the communities we serve, he has positioned the company for continued success,” said Tom Fanning, chairman, president, and CEO of Southern Co., parent company to Georgia Power.
“We knew it would take a remarkable leader to follow after him and we’re confident Chris is that leader. He is a pillar of the community and his depth of experience in the energy industry, generation, public policy, governmental and regulatory affairs, and the state will be incredibly valuable as the company works to continue providing clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy for millions of Georgians.”