POWERGRAMS

2 On March 31, Chris Womack became president of Southern Company and a member of the board. He officially becomes CEO on May 24. Womack was named president and CEO of Georgia Power in 2021, which was the latest leadership promotion in a career that began at Alabama Power in 1988. Womack left APC in 1998 after serving as senior vice president of Public Relations and Corporate Services. The Greenville native reflects on his home state and former company in the following Q&A. 1: What are your memories of Greenville … good and bad? WOMACK: For me, Greenville was a small, closeknit community where I enjoyed growing up with family around me. I had cousins, uncles, brothers and others who I spent a lot of time with. My best memories are with my grandmother, who loved going fishing. I always looked forward to getting home after school, grabbing my fishing rod to go sit on the creek bank with her, and then bringing home the fish we caught to cook together. Some of the tougher memories are around the segregation and discrimination that was prevalent in south Alabama in the 1960s that provided limitations and disadvantages for African Americans during that time. 2: When's the last time you visited? WOMACK: I visit Greenville often to see my mother who is 98 years old, doing well and still living there. I enjoy spending time with her and reminiscing about my days growing up there. 3: How did you become associated with Leon Panetta? Are you still in touch? WOMACK: Growing up, I had a desire to work in public policy in Washington, D.C. I had a friend who was working for another member of Congress, and he introduced me to Congressman Panetta's office. I had the opportunity to interview with several members of his staff, as well as with Leon himself, and as a result of that interview and some tests – including writing samples – I was hired. Leon and I remain long-lasting friends since our initial relationship working together. I continue to spend time with him and his wife, Sylvia, and his son, Jimmy, who is the congressman who replaced him in office. 4: After your time in D.C., did you ever consider running for elected office? WOMACK: Yes, I considered public office earlier in my life. However, after spending time with Alabama Power and other parts of the Southern Company, that interest has lessened so that I no longer have that interest. I place a great deal 6 Questions for Chris Womack

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