POWERGRAMS

44 Power for energy sales and purchases. Jones said Alabama Power today is quite different from when she came on board. "The biggest changes I have seen involve Alabama Power's emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and its improved financial standing," she said. "I can remember in the '70s, the company didn't have enough money to pay its bills, and the vast majority of employees were white males. Now the company is very strong financially. It has evolved until there are more women and minority employees, and many of them are in management positions. I like seeing this diversity because it takes all kinds of people to make the world go around." Jones said through the years, she has tried to mentor young employees and help them as they climb the career ladder. "I don't try to criticize them or tell them what to do," Jones said. "I just listen and offer advice." Stuart Griffin is one of those employees who benefited from Jones' experience. But as her co- worker for 20 years, he said Jones became much more than a mentor. "We, as a company, say that we are family," said Griffin, Corporate Accounting manager. "Mary was all facets of the family to me. She was a parent instructing me and reminding me of a big picture perspective and what's most important. She was also like a sister – one I could share stories with and always laugh with. At the same time, Mary was about business and making sure things got done." When she's not at work, Jones focuses on her family and church. She is raising her 13-year-old granddaughter, Alexandria, and is president of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at the teen's school. At St. Patrick Catholic Church, Photos by Nik Layman Jones with two-tier 'Best Wishes' cake. Executive VP, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer Phil Raymond was among speakers at Jones' retirement reception.

• Cover