Southern Company Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southern Company has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, human resources, marketing, finance, operations, legal, external affairs, and executive support.

Driven by a commitment to reliable energy, Southern Company focuses on delivering essential electricity and natural gas services, fostering innovation in renewable energy, and serving millions of customers across its operational footprint.

Leadership Roles at Southern Company

  • Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer - Chris Womack
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - David Poroch
  • Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer - Stan Connally
  • Executive VP & President, External Affairs - Bryan Anderson
  • Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer - Sloane Drake
  • Manager, Chief Marketing Officer - Sean Krawiecki
  • Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer - Sterling Spainhour
  • Executive Assistant, Thomas Fanning - Vicki Grimsley
  • Chris Womack - Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Chris Womack, the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Company, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the energy holding company. This leadership role involves guiding the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity and natural gas services to millions of customers. Womack oversees the company's expansion into renewable energy projects and ensures alignment with market demands and regulatory frameworks. The Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that enhance service reliability and customer satisfaction across multiple states. By focusing on sustainable growth and operational efficiency, Chris Womack positions Southern Company for continued success in the evolving energy landscape. This executive's purview encompasses all major business units, ensuring cohesive strategy implementation and robust financial performance.
    Chris Womack

    David Poroch - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    David Poroch, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Southern Company, manages the comprehensive financial strategy and fiscal operations supporting the energy holding company's extensive infrastructure. This executive oversees all aspects of financial planning, capital allocation, investor relations, and risk management, ensuring the financial health necessary for generating, transmitting, and distributing power. Poroch guides investment in renewable energy projects and the maintenance of existing energy assets, serving millions of customers across numerous states. The Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with financial regulations and drives initiatives for cost optimization and revenue growth. By maintaining robust financial discipline, David Poroch enables Southern Company to fund its critical operations and strategic expansion. This leadership position is central to securing the capital required for large-scale energy infrastructure development and service delivery.
    David Poroch

    Stan Connally - Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer

    Stan Connally, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at Southern Company, directs the day-to-day operational execution of the company's energy services, encompassing electricity and natural gas. This executive oversees the complex systems involved in power generation, transmission, and distribution, ensuring reliability for millions of customers across multiple states. Connally leads efforts to integrate and manage renewable energy projects alongside traditional infrastructure, optimizing operational efficiency and service delivery. The Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer is responsible for maintaining the integrity and performance of the vast energy network, addressing operational challenges, and implementing best practices. By ensuring seamless operational flow, Stan Connally underpins Southern Company's ability to meet energy demands safely and effectively. This role is critical for managing the physical assets and workforce that deliver essential utility services.
    Stan Connally

    Bryan Anderson - Executive VP & President, External Affairs

    Bryan Anderson, the Executive VP & President, External Affairs at Southern Company, leads the company's engagement with external stakeholders, including government, regulatory bodies, and community partners. This executive manages public policy, government relations, and corporate communications to support the company's mission of providing reliable electricity and natural gas services. Anderson oversees strategies that shape public perception and advocate for policies favorable to the energy sector's growth and innovation, particularly in renewable energy development. The Executive VP & President, External Affairs ensures effective communication with millions of customers and stakeholders across multiple states. By fostering strong external relationships, Bryan Anderson champions Southern Company's commitment to service excellence and community investment. This leadership function is vital for navigating the complex external environment impacting the energy industry.
    Bryan Anderson

    Sloane Drake - Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Sloane Drake, the Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer at Southern Company, architects the human capital strategy essential for powering the energy services provided. This executive oversees talent acquisition, development, and retention programs designed to support a workforce engaged in generating, transmitting, and distributing power. Drake's responsibilities include fostering a culture of safety and innovation across all operational areas, from renewable energy projects to traditional utility services. The Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that employee relations and compensation structures align with the company's mission to serve millions of customers reliably. By cultivating a skilled and motivated workforce, Sloane Drake directly contributes to the operational excellence and long-term sustainability of Southern Company's extensive service network. This leadership function is critical for managing organizational change and driving employee engagement across diverse business units.
    Sloane Drake

    Sean Krawiecki - Manager, Chief Marketing Officer

    Sean Krawiecki, the Manager, Chief Marketing Officer at Southern Company, spearheads the strategic marketing initiatives that communicate the value of energy and natural gas services. This role involves developing and executing campaigns to reach millions of retail and wholesale customers across multiple states, highlighting the company's commitment to reliability and innovation. Krawiecki oversees market research and customer insights to inform product development and service enhancements, particularly in the growing renewable energy sector. The Manager, Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent brand messaging and drives customer acquisition and retention strategies. By understanding market dynamics and customer needs, Sean Krawiecki plays a vital part in strengthening Southern Company's market position and fostering customer loyalty. This executive's focus is on translating the company's operational strengths into compelling market propositions.
    Sterling Spainhour, the Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer at Southern Company, provides critical legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the energy holding company. This executive manages regulatory compliance, litigation, corporate governance, and legal aspects of energy generation, transmission, and distribution projects. Spainhour ensures that Southern Company operates within the legal frameworks governing its services to millions of customers across multiple states, including its renewable energy initiatives. The Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer advises leadership on legal risks and opportunities, safeguarding the company's interests and reputation. By navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes, Sterling Spainhour supports the company's strategic objectives and operational integrity. This role is fundamental to maintaining compliance and mitigating legal exposure across all business functions.
    Sterling Spainhour

    Vicki Grimsley - Executive Assistant, Thomas Fanning

    Vicki Grimsley, the Executive Assistant, Thomas Fanning at Southern Company, provides essential administrative and operational support to facilitate the executive functions of Thomas Fanning. This role involves managing complex schedules, coordinating communications, and organizing critical documentation to ensure the smooth operation of executive-level activities. Grimsley supports the strategic initiatives and daily responsibilities associated with leadership in the energy sector, contributing to the company's provision of electricity and natural gas services. The Executive Assistant, Thomas Fanning ensures efficient workflow and timely execution of tasks delegated by the executive. By maintaining organizational precision and proactive support, Vicki Grimsley enables effective decision-making and operational continuity within the executive office. This position is key to maintaining the high level of organizational efficiency required for a major energy provider.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Southern Company Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Southern Company?
    Southern Company is led by Chris Womack (Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as David Poroch (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer) and Stan Connally (Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Southern Company’s executive team?
    The executive team of Southern Company includes leaders such as Chris Womack (Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer), David Poroch (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), Stan Connally (Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Southern Company have?
    Southern Company has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Southern Company’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Southern Company includes roles such as Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer, Executive VP & President, External Affairs, Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer.