GULFPORT, Miss. – Mississippi Power’s board of directors has elected Thomas Dews and Dr. Mark Keenum to the board. Dews, 66, is the president of C.L. Dews & Sons Foundry & Machinery Co., Inc. and Keenum, 52, is the president of Mississippi State University (MSU).

“We are pleased to add these very accomplished gentlemen to our board,” said Mississippi Power President and CEO Ed Holland. “Their commitment to the betterment of the state will prove advantageous to our customers and company.”

Dews has held numerous positions with C.L. Dews & Sons Foundry & Machinery Co., Inc. before being named president in 1989. He served on the board of several area business and economic development entities while continuing his family-owned and operated company’s commitment to customer service. C.L. Dews & Sons Foundry & Machinery Co., Inc. was established in 1941 in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Keenum became Mississippi State University’s 19th president in 2009 following a distinguished public service career. Keenum is presiding over a period of record growth at MSU with enrollment figures setting all-time highs. The totals also include record numbers of freshmen, who report the highest grade point averages in the university’s history.  In addition, Keenum represents the university and the state by serving on various regional and national collegiate boards and councils.

“Mr. Dews’ and Dr. Keenum’s extensive knowledge of Mississippi combined with their dedication, experience and business acumen uniquely position them to provide immediate value to the board,” Holland said.

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 186,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Recognized throughout the utility industry for excellence in storm restoration and recovery efforts, Mississippi Power is the 2013 winner of the Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Assistance Award. Visit our website at www.mississippipower.com, Follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook.

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