Georgia Power announced today the election of Doug Hertz to the company's board of directors. Hertz is an Atlanta native and has served as president and CEO of United Distributors, a beverage wholesaler based in metro Atlanta serving Georgia and Alabama, since 1984.

"Doug's leadership and decades of expertise building brands and developing successful business strategies will be tremendously valuable," said Paul Bowers, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. "In addition to his business success, he is committed to Georgia, its communities and its citizens, and shares our passion for making our state the best possible place to live, work and do business."

Under Hertz's leadership, United, a privately held beverage distribution business for more than 70 years, has grown as one of the top private companies in metro Atlanta employing more than 1,200 people. Prior to assuming a leadership role with United Distributors, Hertz worked in accounting and consulting services with KPMG in New Orleans. He holds a bachelor's in History, as well as an MBA, from Tulane University.

Hertz is a pillar of the community, having founded and currently serving as chairman of Camp Twin Lakes, a network of camping facilities designed for children and adults with serious illnesses, disabilities or other challenges. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Georgia Research Alliance and the Woodruff Arts Center and as a trustee for the Marcus Foundation, East Lake Community Foundation and the Holly Lane Foundation. Hertz serves on the boards of Atlantic Capital Bank, Metro Atlanta Chamber and Narrative Content Group, and is a limited partner in the Atlanta Falcons.

About Georgia Power 

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).