POWERGRAMS

24 ENERGIZERS Gulley and other employees help the children learn independent living skills. While ensuring that kids are in school each day, the ranch offers children a chance to take part in extracurricular sports, activities and family vacations. House parents even teach teens to drive: everything kids learn as part of a family. "We take every opportunity to prepare them for what life may throw at them," Gulley said. "The longer a child is with us, the more successful we are in helping them. We have a girl who is in her senior year at Troy University, another is attending Auburn University, and several are mothers who are doing a great job at raising their families." Gulley said she expects more success stories under Smith's leadership. "Michael was able to look at our organization and say, 'How do we get this working more efficiently?" she said. "He came in with fresh eyes, working on communication, unity and openness. We're all working together and seeing so much growth, activity and output. "He's invested in the children and shows up at high school graduations and for proms," Gulley said. "Michael is out here, and they know him by name. We try to show up – we are family. We are setting that example that you show up." SMITH'S SOUTHERN COMPANY CAREER PREPARED HIM FOR NEW ROLE Smith worked 24 years for Southern Linc and retired in January 2019 as director of Business and Government Sales. For many years, he helped with Southern Linc's annual Customer Appreciation Golf Tournament to benefit the Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches. "We'd call on sheriffs throughout our territory to take part in the tournament," he said. "We charged $20 to play in the tournament, and 100% of the proceeds went to the ranches." Southern Linc donated about $350,000 to the ranches during the 20 years Smith assisted in the tournaments. "I would never have been in this position without being a part of Southern Company," said Smith, a graduate of Troy University. "Southern Company really teaches you about life – it's been priceless to me. People know you are ethically connected in Southern Company, and it brings instant accountability. I learned so much about being ethical and operating within the guardrails of the company. Always being transparent is the key." He looks forward to meeting with Southern Division Energizers after the pandemic. "It's been tough for us with this COVID pandemic," said Smith, who enjoys working on fundraisers for charitable groups in the Montgomery area. In the meantime, he relishes his new role. "I wanted to give my heart and soul for these kids, and my family supports me in this," Smith said. "I'm the one to be truly blessed by working with the Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches." (Note: If you know a child who needs assistance, call the Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches at 334-213-2071.) By Donna Cope

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