Georgia Power added diversity and depth to its board of directors on May 21 with the naming of two new members, entrepreneur and community leader Robert L. Brown Jr. and banking executive D. Gary Thompson.

Brown is president and chief executive officer of R.L. Brown and Associates Inc., and Thompson is chief executive officer Georgia banking and executive vice president of Wachovia Corp.

“Robert’s role as a key leader in the community and his extensive knowledge of the communities we serve, coupled with his sound business background will make him a perfect fit as a member of our board of directors,” said David Ratcliffe, president and chief executive officer.

“Gary’s wealth of experience in both the civic and non-profit arenas as well as his strong financial background will make him a tremendous asset to our company and the board. I am pleased to add both of these exemplary businessmen to our board roster.”

Brown, 51, has led R. L. Brown and Associates since 1984. Prior to establishing his own architecture company, Brown held positions as staff architect for Dillingham Construction Co. from 1980 to 1984 and project architect for Stevenson and Wilkinson from 1976 to 1980. He began his career in 1973 as an intern architect for Lord, Aeck & Sargent.

Brown graduated magna cum laude from Tuskegee University in Alabama, with bachelor of arts degrees in Architectural Science and Architecture.

He currently serves as a member of the board of directors of 11 civic and business organizations, including the DeKalb Convention Center Authority, Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Perimeter College, Georgia Smart Start, Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

Thompson, 56, embarked on his career with Wachovia Bank in 1969 and has held positions of increasing responsibility throughout his 34 years with the company.

Thompson holds a business administration degree in Economics and Business from Guilford College and completed the executive program with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He is a member of the board of directors of the United Way of Atlanta, past United Way Chair (2000-2001) and chair of the 1997 Atlanta United Way Capital campaign. He also serves on the boards of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Carter Center, the Atlanta Chamber and Central Atlanta Progress.

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 more than 15 percent below the national average and its 2 million customers are in all but six of Georgia’s 159 counties.