The Board of Directors of Alabama Power today elected Steve Spencer as senior vice president for external relations. He will be responsible for economic development, community relations and governmental relations.

Spencer returns to Alabama Power after five years at Southern Co. in Atlanta, where he served as senior vice president. For the past two years, Spencer led Southern Co.'s external organization. Before that he served as assistant to Southern Co. Chairman and CEO A. W. "Bill" Dahlberg.

Prior to joining Southern Co., Spencer held a number of management and executive positions at Alabama Power and Southern Nuclear Operating Co.

"Steve Spencer will bring to our company a strong combination of new thinking and practical, proven leadership," said Elmer Harris, President and CEO of Alabama Power. "Steve's leadership and influence has brought our parent company great success over the last few years and he will bring that with him to our company and our state."

"It's an honor to join the dedicated employees that make this company what it is and to be a part of a company as committed to its customers and the success of the community it serves," Spencer said.

Spencer, a native of Birmingham, is a graduate of Woodlawn High School and Auburn University. He is married to the former Lynne Baker of Birmingham, and they are the parents of two children, Dylan, 9 and Emily, 6.

"These leadership changes will help us continue to move forward in Alabama's changing business, economic and political environment," Harris added.

SOURCE: Southern Company