Southern Company Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southern Company has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, human resources, legal, and external affairs.

Focused on delivering reliable energy solutions, Southern Company prioritizes sustainable infrastructure development and customer-centric service models to power millions of homes and businesses across the United States.

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
  • Chief of Staff - Lewis Hensley
  • Manager, Chief Marketing Officer - Sean Krawiecki
  • Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer - Sloane Drake
  • Chief Information Technology Officer - Hans Brown
  • 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 overarching strategic vision for the entire energy holding enterprise. Overseeing the generation, transmission, and distribution of power, the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between long-term sustainability goals and immediate operational requirements. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships while navigating the evolving regulatory landscape of the U.S. energy sector. By prioritizing innovation in renewable energy projects, Chris Womack drives the company toward a cleaner, more efficient future. The Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on delivering consistent value to retail and wholesale customers across multiple states. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation and corporate governance, the executive secures the financial health of the organization. Ultimately, Womack shapes the trajectory of the business to meet the growing energy demands of the modern economy.
    Chris Womack

    David Poroch - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    David Poroch, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Southern Company, manages the financial integrity and capital structure of the energy holding company. Overseeing fiscal planning, treasury operations, and investor relations, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains the liquidity required to fund large-scale infrastructure and renewable energy projects. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of market trends to optimize the balance sheet and support long-term growth. By directing financial strategy, David Poroch enables the organization to navigate the capital-intensive nature of power generation and distribution. The Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to ensure transparency and compliance across all financial reporting. Through disciplined cost management and strategic investment, the executive supports the company's mission to provide reliable energy services. Ultimately, Poroch secures the financial foundation necessary for the company to serve millions of retail and wholesale customers effectively.
    David Poroch

    Stan Connally - Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer

    Stan Connally, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at Southern Company, manages the day-to-day generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity and natural gas. Overseeing the technical operations and grid reliability, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the company meets the energy demands of millions of retail and wholesale customers. This leadership role involves optimizing the performance of power plants and distribution networks to maintain high service standards. By directing operational efficiency initiatives, Stan Connally drives the company's ability to deliver consistent energy across multiple states. The Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer coordinates with engineering and maintenance teams to integrate renewable energy projects into the existing infrastructure. Through rigorous operational oversight, the executive minimizes downtime and enhances grid resilience. Ultimately, Connally ensures that the company's core business functions operate safely and effectively, supporting the organization's commitment to reliable energy delivery.
    Stan Connally

    Bryan Anderson - Executive VP & President, External Affairs

    Bryan Anderson, the Executive VP & President, External Affairs at Southern Company, manages the company's relationships with government entities, community stakeholders, and public policy organizations. Overseeing public relations and legislative advocacy, the Executive VP & President, External Affairs ensures that the company's interests are represented in the development of energy policy. This leadership role involves building partnerships that support the company's mission to provide reliable electricity and natural gas services. By directing external communications, Bryan Anderson drives the company's reputation and public standing across its regional footprint. The Executive VP & President, External Affairs collaborates with other executives to align public affairs strategies with the company's long-term growth objectives. Through effective engagement with policymakers and the public, the executive facilitates the development of renewable energy projects. Ultimately, Anderson secures the social license to operate, ensuring that the company continues to serve millions of customers effectively.
    Bryan Anderson

    Lewis Hensley - Chief of Staff

    Lewis Hensley, the Chief of Staff at Southern Company, coordinates executive workflows and facilitates communication across the senior leadership team. Managing the daily operational priorities of the office of the CEO, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic initiatives receive necessary resources and attention. This role involves synthesizing complex data from various departments to support informed decision-making at the highest levels of the organization. By streamlining internal processes, Lewis Hensley enhances the efficiency of the executive suite. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key energy projects, ensuring that cross-functional teams remain aligned with corporate objectives. Through proactive problem-solving and administrative oversight, the executive maintains the operational rhythm of the company. Hensley bridges the gap between high-level strategy and tactical execution, ensuring that the leadership team functions as a cohesive unit to serve the millions of customers relying on the company for electricity and natural gas.

    Sean Krawiecki - Manager, Chief Marketing Officer

    Sean Krawiecki, the Manager, Chief Marketing Officer at Southern Company, architects the brand strategy and customer engagement initiatives for the energy portfolio. Overseeing market research and consumer outreach, the Manager, Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the company effectively communicates the value of its electricity and natural gas services to millions of retail customers. This leadership role involves developing campaigns that highlight the company's commitment to renewable energy and reliable power delivery. By analyzing regional market dynamics, Sean Krawiecki drives initiatives that improve customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. The Manager, Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with operational teams to align service offerings with evolving consumer expectations. Through data-driven marketing strategies, the executive expands the company's reach and strengthens its market position. Ultimately, Krawiecki ensures that the brand remains synonymous with trust and innovation, supporting the broader mission of providing essential energy services across the diverse states served by the organization.

    Sloane Drake - Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Sloane Drake, the Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer at Southern Company, leads the talent strategy and organizational development for the workforce. Overseeing recruitment, employee engagement, and leadership training, the Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the company attracts and retains the expertise required to manage complex energy infrastructure. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of safety and innovation that aligns with the company's mission. By implementing comprehensive human capital programs, Sloane Drake drives organizational performance and supports the professional growth of the staff. The Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that workforce capabilities match the strategic needs of the business. Through effective talent management, the executive maintains the operational excellence necessary to serve millions of customers. Ultimately, Drake builds the human foundation that allows the company to successfully generate, transmit, and distribute power across its regional footprint.
    Sloane Drake

    Hans Brown - Chief Information Technology Officer

    Hans Brown, the Chief Information Technology Officer at Southern Company, directs the digital transformation and cybersecurity strategy for the energy holding company. Overseeing the IT infrastructure and data systems, the Chief Information Technology Officer ensures that the technology stack supports the complex requirements of power generation and distribution. This leadership role involves implementing advanced analytics to monitor grid performance and improve operational efficiency. By architecting secure digital solutions, Hans Brown drives the company's ability to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. The Chief Information Technology Officer collaborates with other executives to integrate new technologies that enhance customer service and internal productivity. Through the deployment of scalable IT systems, the executive supports the company's mission to provide reliable energy services. Ultimately, Brown ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of technological innovation, enabling the company to adapt to the evolving needs of the energy market.
    Hans Brown
    Sterling Spainhour, the Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer at Southern Company, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance for the energy holding company. Overseeing corporate governance, litigation, and environmental law, the Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer ensures that the company operates within the complex legal frameworks governing the U.S. energy sector. This leadership role involves managing risk and providing counsel on large-scale infrastructure and renewable energy projects. By navigating regulatory requirements, Sterling Spainhour drives the company's ability to expand its operations across multiple states. The Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer collaborates with the Board to ensure ethical conduct and transparency in all business dealings. Through proactive legal oversight, the executive protects the company's interests and supports its mission to provide reliable energy services. Ultimately, Spainhour ensures that the organization maintains compliance while pursuing its strategic objectives in the competitive energy market.
    Sterling Spainhour

    Vicki Grimsley - Executive Assistant, Thomas Fanning

    Vicki Grimsley, the Executive Assistant, Thomas Fanning at Southern Company, manages the administrative priorities and scheduling for the leadership office. Overseeing the flow of information and meeting coordination, the Executive Assistant, Thomas Fanning ensures that the executive team remains focused on high-impact strategic initiatives. This role involves facilitating communication between the Board and senior management to ensure alignment on corporate goals. By organizing complex workflows, Vicki Grimsley enhances the productivity of the leadership team. The Executive Assistant, Thomas Fanning monitors the progress of key projects and ensures that deadlines are met across the organization. Through meticulous attention to detail and proactive support, the executive maintains the operational stability of the office. Grimsley serves as a critical link in the organizational structure, ensuring that the leadership team has the necessary support to manage the company's extensive energy operations and customer service commitments effectively.

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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 10 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, Chief of Staff.