POWERGRAMS

PAG E 5 PROFILE Eufaula Business Office Manager Frank Straughn has spent the past 50 years quietly building a solid reputation as a model employee and bridging a legacy at Alabama Power that spans almost a century. Straughn celebrated his 50th anniversary with the company last month and, true to form, it was with as little fanfare as possible. "He would have been just as happy to let his employees go on break and enjoy his cake and ice cream while he cashiered," said Southeast Division Vice President Richard Hutto. "That's just the kind of person he is." Straughn, a Eufaula native, began his career in 1965 as a utility assistant in Montgomery. After a few months, he returned to Eufaula as a member of a tree crew and has remained in his hometown ever since. Through the years, he worked in Power Delivery as a truck driver, apprentice lineman, engineering aide, Distribution specialist and service supervisor. He became the Business Office manager in 1995. "He is the best boss one could hope for," said Customer Service Representative Laura Taylor, who has worked with Straughn for nearly 25 years. "He is kind and generous and he doesn't expect anything from his employees that he is not willing to do himself. It has been a joy to work for him and we certainly don't want him to go anywhere anytime soon." Employees describe Straughn as a quiet leader – one who guides by deed and example. Co-workers speak of his work ethic and willingness to give of himself. "Frank will come in and cook a meal for Eufaula Business Office employees just because he wants to," said Customer Service Representative Chloe Davis. "And he is a good cook. We love those days." But Straughn was not the first member of his family to build a legacy at Alabama Power. His father, Willard F. Straughn Sr., retired in 1977 as a substation foreman in Eufaula after working nearly 43 years. And Frank won't be the last. His daughter, Ann Michelle, began working at Alabama Power in 2007. She is a Customer Service representative in Ozark. All told, the Straughn family has more than 100 years of service with Alabama Power. In addition to his service to Alabama Power customers, Straughn has served on the Barbour County Commission 21 years. He is a member of the board of directors of the Eufaula/Barbour County Chamber of Commerce and is chairman of the Barbour County Economic Development Board. He was instrumental in founding the Eufaula Education Foundation and is its president. He was an inaugural member of the Alabama Power Service Organization and remains active; another legacy passed on to his daughter. "Frank is a model of commitment to Alabama Power and to our customers, and I assure you even after 50 years, he is working at his job today as if having it tomorrow literally depends on it," Hutto said. By Linda Brannon 5 Golden Reputation EU FAU L A M ANAGER WI D ELY ADM I RED AF TER 50 YE ARS O N JO B Straughn has been Eufaula Business Office manager for 20 years. Straughn Photos by Linda Brannon

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