Emphasizing the need to continually look for ways to better serve its customers, Gulf Power Company announced changes to its executive leadership team on Thursday.

The following Gulf Power organizational changes are effective March 29, 2014:

Bentina Terry, Gulf Power’s Vice President-External Affairs & Corporate Services, will move into the position of Vice President-Customer Service & Sales.

In this position, Terry will oversee Customer Service, Marketing and Community and Economic Development for Gulf Power.

“This new role will build on Bentina’s strong connection to the community and business experience to help us be even more proactive in serving our customers,” said Gulf Power President & CEO Stan Connally.

Terry began her career in 2001 at Georgia Power Company, a Gulf Power sister company, and came to Gulf Power in 2007. She has progressed through leadership roles in Customer Service and Operations, Compliance, Power Delivery and External Affairs. Terry holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Michigan Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in English from North Carolina State University. Recently, she was named the 2013 Community Leader of the Year by the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce.

Jim Fletcher will serve as Vice President-External Affairs & Corporate Services.
 
Fletcher will assume most of the responsibilities held by Terry, managing the company’s external efforts including Regulatory Affairs, Governmental Relations, Environmental Affairs, Corporate Services, Compliance and Corporate Communications.
 
In his current role as Georgia Power Vice President-Governmental & Regulatory Affairs, he is primarily responsible for leading the company’s various state governmental efforts and relationships and managing activities with the Georgia Public Service Commission. Fletcher has held a variety of positions since starting with the company in 1985.
A native of Macon, Ga., Fletcher is a graduate of Auburn University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business, specializing in industrial and operations management.

“Jim's front-line customer service experience and knowledge of energy policy make him an important addition to the Gulf Power team,” Connally said.

Wendell Smith will serve as Vice President-Power Delivery.

Smith will be responsible for Distribution, Transmission and the company’s Safety & Training organizations.
 
“Delivering electricity in a safe and reliable way is a vital part of our business,” Connally said. “Wendell’s background and experience prepare him well to lead a dedicated team in continuing that effort.”

Smith currently works as Distribution Engineering, Construction and Maintenance general manager for Georgia Power and his responsibilities include managing the power distribution system for the metro Atlanta area. Previously, Smith served as the Transmission Construction manager with statewide responsibilities including transmission line and substation construction. He also has experience in leading storm restoration efforts.

Smith is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Electrical Engineering and has more than 30 years of experience with Southern Company.