POWERGRAMS

42 "Technology has exploded in the last few years," said Scroggins. "We've got smart meters, automated distribution devices, a smart grid and even a smart outage system. Technology is changing faster than you can keep up with it. I enjoy technology, but technology without the right people for the job is nothing." Improved technology and instant access to Alabama Power through mobile communications have also affected customer expectations. Customers once became concerned when their lights went out, but now they call the company every time their lights blink, Scroggins said. Scroggins considers his job a 24-hour responsibility. In fact, his co-workers say it's not unusual for him to be the "first one at work and the last one to leave." "He puts his job first and makes sure everything is done right," said Osie Cunningham, crew foreman, Selma Crew Headquarters. "If it means being here from 6 in the morning until 6 in the evening, he's the one who is going to stay until the job is done. He even comes out to the warehouse on Saturdays and Sundays."" Steve Kirkham said Scroggins is one of the company's "most dedicated employees." Kirkham reported to Scroggins as a co-op student in 1988, then as a junior engineer and later as an engineering supervisor in Clanton. "Anything that went on in his operation, Art was involved," said Kirkham, Mobile Division Distribution general manager. "If there was an interruption at 2 a.m., it would be unusual for him not to be involved in some way." "Art is very hands-on and very passionate about the power delivery business and about developing his employees," Kirkham said. "He works all the time, yet he has fun." Southern Division Vice President Leslie Sanders said Scroggins "exemplifies customer service." As an example, Sanders said the company began receiving reports for the first time in years that a lot of street lights in Selma were not functioning. It was discovered that until recently, Scroggins and his son, Scott, had been driving through the city at night recording the location of burned-out street lights. Then, Scroggins would turn in service orders to get the lights repaired the next day. "We just say he does things 'Art's way,'" Sanders said. "I think Art's way is a phenomenal example to all of us on what it means to work here. There isn't anybody who cares about his employees more than Art. He's family to everybody, both internally and externally." Scroggins said he has collected many good memories, but the worst day on the job was when a Clanton employee died after coming into contact with an energized line. "That accident changed me, it changed the crew and it changed the company," Scroggins said. "We changed a lot of our work procedures and refocused on training as a result." Scroggins has spent many hours through the years volunteering in the community. He was chairman of the board of the West Central Alabama Rehabilitation Center, and president of the local Rotary Club, and served on the boards of Easter Seals Alabama and the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce. He was named Selma's Citizen of the Year in 2009 and took part in the first Selma-Dallas County Leadership class. Assisting with the efforts of organizations such as Easter Seals and Camp ASCCA, a recreational facility for disabled children and adults, has been important to Scroggins, whose 32-year- old son was born with spina bifida. As a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Selma, Scroggins is a deacon and was chairman of the building committee for 20 years. Born in Tallassee, Scroggins said he never dreamed he would become an engineer. "When I was younger and obviously immature, I was a huge Alabama football fan," Scroggins said. "My plan back then was to attend the University of Alabama and then apply to medical school. Later in life my Alabama friends would ask me – What happened to you? I would tell them that I was driving to Auburn one day on Highway 14 and, much like Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, I saw the light. I decided to attend Auburn and ended up in engineering. I don't know of anything I would have been happier doing. I love my job." Scroggins said he doesn't plan to slow down when he retires. He wants to spend more time with his wife, Dale, and their two sons, take care of his home "to-do" list and travel. He plans to continue his hobbies, which are fishing, duck and bird hunting, working in the yard and volunteering in the community. "I'm ready to retire, yet I'm apprehensive," said the 67-year-old. "This is not a job out here. It's a way of life. I enjoy the satisfaction of seeing things to completion, restoring service and working with these people. Retirement will be a big change." Scroggins has been in the Selma Office most of his career.

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