James H. Miller, III was elected senior vice president and general counsel by Georgia Power’s Board of Directors at its regular meeting Feb. 18. In his new role, Miller will have primary responsibility for providing legal counsel to the Georgia Power management team. He will report directly to Georgia Power President Mike Garrett and will be on the Georgia Power Management Council.

“Jim has extensive knowledge of the electric utility industry and his ability to successfully navigate the difficult legal issues facing our company will make him a valuable member of our senior management team,” Garrett said. “He is well respected by his peers, both in our company and throughout the industry, and his unique skill set will make our management team stronger.”

Miller, 54, most recently served as senior vice president, general counsel and assistant secretary for Southern Generation and Energy Marketing, Southern Power Company. In that position, he had responsibility for legal issues surrounding the wholesale generation business, as well as external issues relating to the operations of new power plants. A replacement for Miller has not been announced.

Miller joined Southern Company in 1994 as corporate counsel for Southern Nuclear after achieving partner status with the Balch and Bingham law firm in Birmingham. He has also held the position of senior vice president of External Affairs and senior vice president of the Birmingham Division for Alabama Power.

He has been involved in many community activities including current board membership of the Lakeshore Foundation, a non-profit organization that trains people with disabilities in athletic endeavors. He also serves on the board of the United Way and Farrah Law Society.

Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Alabama in 1971. He then spent three years as an Ensign in the Navy and later earned the rank of Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He earned a law degree from the University of Alabama in 1977. He has also a graduate of the Advanced Management program at Oxford University, England. He is currently listed in the Who’s Who in American Law.

He and his wife Kathy have four daughters.