Alabama Power Elects New Senior Vice President of External Affairs

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Clay Ryan has been elected senior vice president of External Affairs for Alabama Power, succeeding Zeke Smith who retired after 40 years. Ryan will be responsible for Governmental Affairs, Corporate Affairs, and Charitable Giving. He previously served as the senior vice chancellor for External Affairs for the University of Alabama System and chaired the Governmental and Regulatory Affairs practice group at Maynard Nexsen. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts from Birmingham-Southern College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law. He is recognized in the Birmingham Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40 and Yellowhammer News' Power & Influence 50. Ryan is also involved in various boards and organizations.

Clay Ryan succeeds Zeke Smith, who retired from the company after 40 years in October. 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Nov. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Clay Ryan has been elected senior vice president of External Affairs for Alabama Power, effective immediately.

Ryan will be responsible for Governmental Affairs, Corporate Affairs and Charitable Giving. Zeke Smith, who previously served as Alabama Power's executive vice president of External Affairs, announced his retirement last month after more than forty years with the company.

"Clay is a proven leader who shares our commitment to serving the state," said Alabama Power President and CEO Jeff Peoples. "We look forward to working together to meet the current and future needs of our customers." 

Ryan previously served as the senior vice chancellor for External Affairs for the University of Alabama System, where he was responsible for federal, state and local governmental affairs activities for the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and UAB Health System.

Prior to his time with the University of Alabama System, Ryan chaired the Governmental and Regulatory Affairs practice group at Maynard Nexsen, an Alabama-based law firm with 24 offices across the United States.

Ryan earned a Bachelor of Arts from Birmingham-Southern College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law, where he was editor of the Alabama Law Review. Ryan is a graduate of both Leadership Birmingham and Leadership Alabama and has been recognized in the Birmingham Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40 and Yellowhammer News' Power & Influence 50.

In addition to his new position at Alabama Power, Ryan currently serves as a member of the board of directors of the Business Council of Alabama and has served as a board member of the Glenwood Autism & Behavioral Health Center. He is also chair of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama's Roundtable. 

About Alabama Power
Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), provides reliable, affordable electricity to 1.5 million customers across the state. Learn more at alabamapower.com.

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SOURCE Alabama Power Company

FAQ

Who is the new senior vice president of External Affairs for Alabama Power?

The new senior vice president of External Affairs for Alabama Power is Clay Ryan.

Who did Clay Ryan succeed in his new position?

Clay Ryan succeeded Zeke Smith, who retired after 40 years.

What will be Clay Ryan's responsibilities in his new role?

Clay Ryan will be responsible for Governmental Affairs, Corporate Affairs, and Charitable Giving.

What were Clay Ryan's previous roles?

Clay Ryan previously served as the senior vice chancellor for External Affairs for the University of Alabama System and chaired the Governmental and Regulatory Affairs practice group at Maynard Nexsen.

What are Clay Ryan's educational qualifications?

Clay Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts from Birmingham-Southern College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law.

What recognition has Clay Ryan received?

Clay Ryan has been recognized in the Birmingham Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40 and Yellowhammer News' Power & Influence 50.

What other boards and organizations is Clay Ryan involved in?

Clay Ryan is a member of the board of directors of the Business Council of Alabama, a board member of the Glenwood Autism & Behavioral Health Center, and chair of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama's Roundtable.