ATLANTA, May 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power announced today that Valerie Hendrickson has been elected by its board of directors to lead the company's Corporate Communication organization. Hendrickson will oversee the company's overall communication with internal and external audiences, including advertising, creative and production services, electronic communications, employee communications, media relations and social media efforts.

"As we work to complete the historic expansion at Plant Vogtle, grow renewable energy and ensure reliable and affordable power for customers every day, how we speak to and listen to employees and external stakeholders is more important than ever," said Chris Cummiskey, executive vice president of External Affairs for Georgia Power . "Valerie's experience in ensuring clear and consistent communication across channels, as well as her overall knowledge of our business, will enable us to maintain strong credibility with our all of our audiences."

Hendrickson brings nearly 18 years of communication experience to this role, including positions at Southern Company, SouthernLINC and Turner Broadcasting Systems Inc. As director of Corporate Communication, Hendrickson was instrumental in developing and implementing internal and external communication strategy for Georgia Power. She also previously served as media relations manager for Georgia Power.

Prior to joining Georgia Power, Hendrickson served for five years in various communication roles at Southern Company, where she developed a strong record of effectively communicating company positions on energy, environmental and other policy issues at the national level. She joined the Southern Company family in 2007 at Southern LINC, supporting communication as well as community outreach initiatives.

Hendrickson earned her bachelor's degree in communications from Georgia State University, where she graduated magna cum laude. She currently serves on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), the premier energy company serving the Southeast through its subsidiaries. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, advanced coal and natural gas, renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind, as well as a variety of energy efficiency programs. Consistently recognized as a leader in customer service, Georgia Power was recently ranked highest in overall business customer satisfaction among large utilities in the South by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

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SOURCE Georgia Power