W. George Hairston, III, president and CEO of Southern Nuclear Operating Company, was inducted into the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame during ceremonies held in Huntsville, Alabama on February 24.

The State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame was founded in 1987 in recognition of the sesquicentennial of formal engineering education in the state of Alabama. It honors, preserves and perpetuates the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of individuals, projects and corporations/institutions that have brought and continue to bring significant recognition to the state of Alabama. They serve as symbols inspiring others to pursue rewarding and challenging careers in all engineering fields.

A native of Birmingham, Hairston graduated from Auburn University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. He received a master's degree in nuclear engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1971. In 1991, he completed the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Program for Senior Executives.

Hairston is a veteran of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, having served in the United States and Viet Nam from 1968-70.

Hairston's career with Southern Company began in 1967 as a junior engineer at Alabama Power. He was named President and CEO of Southern Nuclear in 1993. Recognized as one of the foremost leaders in the U.S. commercial nuclear industry, Hairston serves on the boards of directors for the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, the World Association of Nuclear Operators Atlanta Center Governing Board, and the Nuclear Energy Institute.

SOURCE: Southern Nuclear Operating Company