Walt Farrell Named President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas

Rhea-AI Summary

Southern Company Gas has announced the appointment of Walt Farrell as president and CEO of Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas, effective March 31, 2025. Farrell will oversee southern operations serving approximately 1.8 million customers across Georgia and Tennessee.

Farrell joins from his current position as vice president of economic development at Georgia Power, where his team earned recognition as a 'Top Utility in Economic Development' by Site Selection magazine for the 26th consecutive year in 2024. His previous experience includes roles at the Georgia Department of Economic Development and positions with Electric Cities of Georgia and MEAG Power.

In his new role, Farrell will serve on the Southern Company Gas Management Council, focusing on delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas to customers across both states.

Positive

• Strategic appointment of experienced economic development executive to lead gas operations
• Demonstrates strong leadership track record with consistent industry recognition
• Brings extensive expertise in business recruitment and regional development

Negative

• None.

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ATLANTA, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Company Gas today announced that Walt Farrell has been named president and chief executive officer of Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas, effective March 31. In this role, Farrell will serve on the Southern Company Gas Management Council and oversee all aspects of the company's southern operations, bringing clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas to approximately 1.8 million customers in Georgia and Tennessee.

Farrell currently serves as vice president of economic development for Georgia Power, where he leads a team dedicated to recruiting new businesses and fostering job and investment growth in Georgia. His team is also instrumental in supporting regional economic development initiatives and pioneering economic development innovations. Their focus spans marketing, data analysis, site analysis technologies and engineering. In 2024, under Farrell's leadership, Georgia Power was named a "Top Utility in Economic Development" by Site Selection magazine for the 26th consecutive year and by Business Facilities magazine for the third consecutive year.

"Walt brings critical experience and proven leadership in economic and workforce development at a crucial time for our companies, as we navigate the essential role of natural gas in serving increased energy demand in Georgia and Tennessee," said Southern Company Gas Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer James Y. (Jim) Kerr II. "In his current role and as one Southern Company team, we have worked closely with Walt in serving our customers and communities in Georgia, and we are excited to have him lead Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas."

Farrell's expertise in business recruitment is well established across Georgia. In his prior role as manager of statewide economic development for Georgia Power, he oversaw business recruitment and attraction efforts to bolster new business growth in the state.

Before joining Georgia Power in 2015, Farrell served as a director of the advanced manufacturing team at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), where he was responsible for recruiting domestic and international companies to Georgia, leading tax incentive negotiations on Georgia's behalf and directing the Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development Program, the state's industrial site certification program. Prior to his work with GDEcD, he worked in community and economic development for both Electric Cities of Georgia and MEAG Power.

Active in the communities he serves, Farrell currently sits on the board of directors for the Georgia Lottery Corporation, Georgia 4-H Foundation, CareerRise and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the board of advisors for GDEcD, is a working partner for the Georgia Allies and a proud member of the Georgia Economic Developers Association.

Farrell is a Georgia Trend magazine "40 Under 40" recipient and a graduate of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2015 and the Young Game Changers Class of 2017.

Farrell holds a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University and a Bachelor of Science in marketing from Clemson University. He and his wife, Emily, reside in Atlanta with their three daughters.

About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers, and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

About Atlanta Gas Light

Atlanta Gas Light is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Atlanta Gas Light provides natural gas delivery service to approximately 1.7 million customers in Georgia. In operation since 1856, the company is one of the oldest corporations in the state. For more information, visit www.atlantagaslight.com.

About Chattanooga Gas

Chattanooga Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Chattanooga Gas provides retail natural gas sales and transportation services to approximately 71,000 customers in Hamilton and Bradley counties in southeast Tennessee. The Chattanooga Gas service area includes the communities of Chattanooga, Cleveland, Red Bank, East Ridge, Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain. For more information, visit chattanoogagas.com.

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SOURCE Southern Company Gas

FAQ

When will Walt Farrell start as CEO of Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas (SO)?

Walt Farrell will assume the role of president and CEO effective March 31, 2025.

How many customers will Walt Farrell oversee in his new role at Southern Company (SO)?

He will oversee operations serving approximately 1.8 million natural gas customers across Georgia and Tennessee.

What was Walt Farrell's previous position before joining Atlanta Gas Light (SO)?

He served as vice president of economic development at Georgia Power, leading business recruitment and investment growth initiatives.

What recognition did Georgia Power receive under Farrell's leadership in 2024 (SO)?

Under Farrell's leadership, Georgia Power was named a 'Top Utility in Economic Development' by Site Selection magazine for the 26th consecutive year.