ATLANTA – Georgia Power recently selected Joel Hanner to serve as the company’s local manager for Thomasville/Pelham communities.  Joel will report to Chris Aycock, Georgia Power’s Bainbridge area manager.

Joel received a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida. 

After working as an engineer at BellSouth and Clay Electric Cooperative, Joel joined Georgia Power in 1999 as a Distribution Engineer in Tifton.  In 2003, he completed a one-year job rotation as Customer Service Supervisor in Tifton.  Since 2004, he has been a Distribution Engineer in Hinesville.  He has worked accident-free his entire career.

Joel earned Southern Company Level One and Level Two Power Delivery Certification.  He has worked and managed many storm restoration efforts, including serving as SERP Director for the Hinesville area.  He has served as president of the Hinesville chapter of the Citizens of Georgia Power.

In the community, he has served as a member of the Kiwanis Club and as the Corporate Board Secretary for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Georgia.  He is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Liberty.

“Joel has a broad background in customer service and distribution,” said Chris Aycock.  “I believe that his proven leadership and relationship-building skills will prove beneficial as he takes on his new role as the local manager for the Thomasville/Pelham communities.” 

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation’s largest generators of electricity.  The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility, serving customers in 57,000 of the state’s 59,000 square miles. Georgia Power’s rates are well below the national average and its 2 million customers are in all but six of Georgia’s 159 counties.