Becky Blalock was elected today as vice president of Georgia Power’s Community and Economic Development department. In this role, she will oversee the company`s efforts to help bring new industry to Georgia, as well as efforts to help existing industries grow and prosper in Georgia.

"Becky`s strong leadership and her past experience in Economic Development make her ideal for this position," said David Ratcliffe, Georgia Power`s president and CEO. "I know the company`s support of responsible growth and development, and all the work we do to encourage urban planning, will thrive with Becky at the helm."

Georgia Power`s Economic Development department already consistently ranks among the top economic development departments in the world.

Blalock was most recently director of Corporate Communication department for Georgia Power. In that position, she was responsible for the company’s overall strategy and implementation of internal and external communication initiatives, including media relations, advertising, sponsorships and employee communication.

Since beginning her career at Georgia Power in 1978, Blalock has held a variety of positions, including executive assistant to the president and CEO; manager of Facilities Location within the Economic Development organization; lobbyist and financial analyst. She also has held positions in the company`s Accounting and Customer Service organizations. Before assuming the role of director of Corporate Communication, Blalock served as chief information officer for Southern Company Services` Georgia Region.

Blalock is involved in numerous civic and professional organizations. She currently serves on the boards of the YWCA of Atlanta, the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, the University of Georgia’s Journalism Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees of the State University of West Georgia. Blalock is a graduate of Leadership Atlanta and Leadership Georgia. She is a past member of the Corporate Council of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. In 1996, she was the state chair of the Red Carpet Tour of Georgia.

In 1991, Site Selection Magazine named Blalock as one of the Top 10 young economic development professionals in America. She was recognized by Atlanta Magazine in 1998 as one of 20 women "making a mark" on the city of Atlanta and designated one of Cobb County YWCA`s Women of Achievement.

Blalock graduated from the State University of West Georgia with a bachelor`s degree in business administration. She earned a master`s degree in business administration with honors from Mercer University and has also successfully completed Harvard University`s Program for Management Development.

Blalock resides in Marietta with her husband and daughter.