POWERGRAMS

the presidency of the NHA. "My favorite moment was testifying before Congress in 2017," Johnson said. He spoke last May to the House Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans, and didn't mince words. "There are many nonpowered dams in the Southeast that have significant hydro potential that should appear economically attractive to developers," Johnson testified. "I know at Southern Company, we have occasionally looked at some of these dams for their hydro potential. However, the cost, time and uncertainty of the regulatory process play a prominent role in the decision of developers not to apply for licenses to develop these projects." Johnson was outspoken about the overkill of the relicensing process. "Though we fully understand the role federal and state agencies serve in a FERC licensing proceeding," Johnson testified, "the way in which these agencies sometimes serve these roles can create enormous inefficiencies, delays, duplication and costs." In the same testimony, Johnson said the Army Corps of Engineers reneged on a pledge to consider Alabama Power studies on increasing Coosa River reservoir water levels. The extensive studies were "essentially wasted," Johnson said, and "stakeholders still do not have the changes in lake levels that they sought for years during the FERC relicensing process." While Johnson calls it like he sees it, and is a relentless defender of hydro power, he is likewise known for his friendly, even-keeled demeanor. "In his first year as president, Herbie has demonstrated dynamic and thoughtful leadership," said John Suloway, senior energy regulatory adviser at New York's Gomez and Sullivan Engineers, who himself is a former NHA president. "These characteristics are particularly valuable in these turbulent times in the electric utility industry. His gift for working with people is reflected in his interaction with his colleagues on the NHA board and staff." With the hectic pace of life presiding over the NHA and 32 Southern Company dams, Johnson makes time to get away. "I find my peace while on a bicycle on a path or trail I have never ridden," he said. Raised on a small farm in Prattville, Johnson is the son of a law enforcement officer, also named Herbie Johnson, who served from 1991 to 2015 as sheriff of Autauga County. Johnson married Hannah, his high school sweetheart at Prattville High. They have two daughters: Avery, 16, and Claire, 10. Johnson's focus and determination to defend the water power industry, coupled with his civil engineering degree from Auburn University, should make Americans feel safer at night, as his skills were employed six years in the Air Force, and as the first avionics technician to work on the F-16 fighter jet in the Alabama Air National Guard. With strategic jobs at Southern Company, the NHA, in the military, and his devotion to family, it wouldn't be a stretch to call Johnson a cosmopolitan type of guy, whether he goes to bed early or late. "At all levels, Herbie has embraced the challenges our industry and our organization faces head on," Ciocci said. "Under his leadership, NHA is well-positioned to address our most pressing issues." Johnson introduces U.S. Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania during Waterpower Week in Washington, D.C.; rock climbing in Colorado with family. Johnson with Hancock Photos by LeRoy Coleman 9

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