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Articles by Nancy Prater
This Alabama Power unsung hero excels at helping others succeed
Alabama Power Real Estate Specialist Danielle Hines has her eye on the prize and she’s sharing her success through mentorship and entrepreneurship. “Danielle is a hero for her dedication in trying to improve the lives of the youths in her community by being a mentor and an advocate for better education,” said Alabama Power Land Acquisition Team Leader Jeff Callicott. Danielle Hines is an Alabama Power Unsung Hero from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
This Alabama Power unsung hero is hunting for smiles from others
Tired of working in the textile industry, Recreation Development Assistant T.C. Miller jumped at the chance to work for Alabama Power. Thanks to T.C.’s father, Tommy Miller, who works with the company in Supply Chain Management, T.C. heard about an opening in 2007. With his people skills and background, he was offered the position seemingly tailor-made for him. Miller grew up in Gaylesville, a rural town in Cherokee County. “My childhood was filled with farming and raising livestock,” said Miller.
This Alabama Power unsung hero embraces volunteerism
Alabama Power Field Service Representative Kyle Lawrence’s passion has always been helping people. “Kyle is a hero because he gives his time and money to serve his community in multiple ways,” said Dana McGregor, Customer Operations Field Service supervisor at Alabama Power. “He doesn’t seek any recognition for these activities. He truly enjoys being a volunteer and giving back.” Kyle Lawrence is an Alabama Power Unsung Hero from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
This Alabama Power unsung hero inspires young people in her community
Impactful mentoring doesn’t just happen. Alabama Power Charitable Giving Program Manager Tanganyika Grayson has all the core skills: She listens actively, builds trust, encourages, inspires and cares. As a mentor, Grayson helps youths and young adults develop their leadership abilities, define and achieve their personal goals, explore and acquire career and college skills, and more. “Tan is a role model of quiet dignity and grace,” said Charitable Giving Manager Margaret White.
This Alabama Power unsung hero’s heart is in the community serving others
Alabama Power Information Systems Analyst Ronald Crenshaw is serving on a big stage – The World Games, the largest sporting event in Birmingham since the 1996 Olympics. Crenshaw is on temporary assignment as the assistant to the Unified Command Logistics chief for the Games. Crenshaw works to coordinate local, state and federal partners. Safety is key to ensuring the Games are successful and fun.
This Alabama Power financial analyst is an unsung hero to her community
The balance between problem-solving and fiscally responsible actions helps ensure customers have the best experience. Alabama Power financial analyst JaKeta Williams is dedicated to making it happen. “Above all, I am grateful I get to work with an amazing team,” said Williams. “Our ability to work together has strengthened our work product and relationships.
This Alabama Power mechanic is an unsung hero to his community
Encouraging good health among co-workers is important. Alabama Power Utility Fleet Master Technician Lance Johnson embraces a healthy lifestyle and inspires his community in a heroic way. Johnson has worked for the company as a mechanic for 10 years, maintaining equipment in the Mobile Division. “Managers, foremen and other employees are always praising his work,” said Garage Foreman Paxton Brunson. “He takes care of west Mobile and Bay Minette.
This Alabama Power unsung hero treats her customers like family
Donna Linley continues to deliver exemplary service. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter) Small Alabama towns are like big families. Alabama Power Customer Service Representative Donna Linley grew up in Winfield and has been active in the community her entire life. “People support each other,” said Linley.
This Alabama Power unsung hero leaves a lasting impression
Theia Colvin delivers top-notch service for her customers and her community. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter) Exceeding customer expectations is the best part of the day for Alabama Power Customer Operations Manager Theia Colvin. “What I enjoy most about my job is the positive impact I have on people,” said Colvin.
This Alabama Power unsung hero is shining a light for young men
Jarvis Davis is serving teenage men in Mobile through his volunteer work. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter) Giving back to the community involves bringing people together and working toward a single cause. Environmental Planner Jarvis Davis is lighting the way through the Mobile Chapter of Omega Lamplighters, an organization dedicated to helping high school students from Mobile develop their leadership skills to grow personally and professionally.
Alabama Power’s Dee Anne Odom selected to Mobile Bay Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40
Alabama Power Distribution Support Manager Dee Anne Odom has been named to Mobile Bay Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 list. (Beth Thomas / Alabama NewsCenter) Mobile Bay Magazine recently unveiled its Top 40 Under 40 list for 2021, recognizing emerging leaders. Among those honored is Dee Anne Odom, Alabama Power’s Distribution Support manager for the Mobile Region. Odom is responsible for planning response to major storms and leading restoration efforts.
Why this Alabama Power unsung hero is so well known
Local Operation Lineman Matthew Allen serves his community in multiple ways. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter) Some would say Local Operation Lineman (LOL) Matthew Allen is a one-man band. He may not be performing on a concert tour but he’s a rock star to his neighbors and customers.
High school students LEAP forward with Alabama Power program
Alabama Power brings its LEAP program to high school students. (contributed) Today’s students are tomorrow’s future, and for the energy industry it is essential to develop a workforce pipeline equipped with knowledge and technical expertise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering jobs are expected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030, with most of the demand in infrastructure, renewable energy, oil and gas, and robotics.
This Alabama Power unsung hero finds joy in helping others
Menzella Kiser has worked at Alabama Power for more than 35 years. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter) Alabama Power Southern Division Executive Secretary Menzella Kiser has always enjoyed being the “behind-the-scenes” person who makes the entire operation function smoothly. Her quiet nature may disguise her strengths – she is a hero.
Alabama Power’s Arnab Ghosal is working for a smarter grid
(Birmingham Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40/Contributed) The Birmingham Business Journal recently unveiled its Top 40 Under 40 list for 2021, recognizing emerging leaders in the business community. Among those honored is Arnab Ghosal, Alabama Power’s Grid Inform & Connectivity general manager. Ghosal is part of a team that helps determine and implement strategic initiatives that improve the reliability and resiliency of the electric grid.
This Alabama Power unsung hero is working to strengthen community
Audra Kelley serves the people in her community. (contributed) When she’s not interacting with customers in Alabama Power‘s Enterprise Business Office, Senior Customer Service Representative Audra Kelley works in her community to foster a family friendly environment. “Audra is an individual who works tirelessly behind the scenes, not for the attention, but because she wants to help make a difference,” said Business Office Manager Julie Davis.
Alabama Power’s Arnab Ghosal is working for a smarter grid
Alabama Power Grid Inform and Connectivity General Manager Arnab Ghosal was selected for the Birmingham Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40. (contributed) The Birmingham Business Journal recently unveiled its Top 40 Under 40 list for 2021, recognizing emerging leaders in the business community. Among those honored is Arnab Ghosal, Alabama Power’s Grid Inform & Connectivity general manager.
This unsung hero keeps Alabama Power's mechanics ahead of the curve
The love of mathematics and tinkering with electronics opens the door for many future engineers and so it was for Fleet Services Technology Manager Melissa Stewart. Numerous conversations with her uncle led Stewart to study electrical engineering at the University of South Alabama, where she began her career path. “Fleet Services has a strong team: Melissa plays a significant role in keeping the team strong,” said Fleet Services Manager Jeff Martin.
Alabama Power's Brian Hayes is an unsung hero watching our water
Brian Hayes collects and tests water samples to ensure they comply with permits. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter) Research shows that trees, natural light and outdoor air can positively impact our well-being. Environmental Specialist Brian Hayes has made it his career. After a college internship with the Alabama Power Environmental Affairs department, he knew where he wanted to work. Growing up in Gadsden, he didn’t have to travel far to attend Jacksonville State University.
Force Factory will put Alabama children safely in a tornado’s eye or deep in the ocean - Yellowhammer News
Always the catch-all political crime, an accusation of treason is used to punish rivals and remove them from civic engagement. Autocrats use the insinuation of treason with brutal efficiency to banish, if not execute, a political problem or inconvenient idea. While treason is bandied about to characterize someone with whose political beliefs we disagree, our founders made treason a particularly difficult crime to prove.
7 Things: Cease-fire declared between Israel and Hamas, feds say Alabama prisons are still bad, BCA's Britt could be ready to enter Senate race and more ... - Yellowhammer News
7 Things: Cease-fire declared between Israel and Hamas, feds say Alabama prisons are still bad, BCA’s Britt could be ready to enter Senate race and more … 7. Ivey signed the yoga bill; Literacy Act delay still out there It’s now legal for schools to allow yoga after Governor Kay Ivey has signed the bill that ends the ban that was adopted by the State Board of Education in 1993. Schools can start offering yoga in the 2021-2022 school year.
Force Factory will put Alabama children safely in a tornado's eye or deep in the ocean
Force Factory, an interactive gallery planned at the Anniston Museum of Natural History, will immerse visitors in exciting simulations involving earth, water, fire and air. (contributed) Welcome to a universe where your superpower may be to withstand the power of an earthquake unharmed. Elementary school students: Get ready to have fun while learning about the forces of nature.
Helping customers makes Alabama Power's Teresa Hendon an unsung hero
Teresa Hendon has developed ways to communicate where voice isn’t needed to accomplish her work. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter) Many assume you need a voice and hearing to communicate. You don’t. You just need two people who want to communicate, and the rest will work out. Accounting Assistant Teresa Hendon was born deaf. She attended the Alabama School for the Deaf in Talladega from September 1968 until she graduated in 1983.
Alabama native ‘Big Mama’ Thornton made ‘Hound Dog’ a hit before Elvis
Elvis Presley became an icon of Rock and Roll. Willie Mae Thornton ended up in a pauper’s grave. It was “Big Mama” Thornton who first recorded “Hound Dog” – before Elvis made it a classic. Fans dubbed her Big Mama because of her forceful vocal style and commanding stature. Hound Dog was a hit for Thornton, too. Her version stayed at No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart for seven weeks in 1953 and sold almost two million copies. She earned $500 for her trouble.
Deploying innovation makes Alabama Power's Justin Harrison an unsung hero
Justin Harrison is part of the innovation team at Alabama Power, developing and deploying new technology to improve the reliability, resiliency and security of the power grid. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter) Growing up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama Power Engineering Supervisor Justin Harrison was surrounded by heroes on the football field. As a professional engineer today, Harrison calls plays on the power grid.
Auburn’s first woman mayor honored for decades of service
The year 1980 was a landmark year for the city of Auburn, and Jan Dempsey is the reason. “Jan Dempsey is responsible for one of the most transformative eras in Auburn’s history,” said Lolly Steiner, AuburnBank Community Relations and Marketing director and former president of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.
Southern Company joins other utilities in plans for electric vehicle charging network that includes Alabama - Yellowhammer News
Southern Company joins other utilities in plans for electric vehicle charging network that includes Alabama Southern Company, Alabama Power’s parent company, joined five other energy companies Tuesday in announcing plans to ensure electric vehicle (EV) drivers have access to a seamless network of charging stations connecting major highway systems across significant regions of the country.
Shelby, Tuberville vote against Democrats' $1.9 trillion spending bill - Yellowhammer News
Shelby, Tuberville vote against Democrats’ $1.9 trillion spending bill U.S. Senators Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) on Saturday voted against H.R.1319, the Democrats’ $1.9 trillion spending bill supported by President Joe Biden. The bill originally passed the House with no Alabama Republicans supporting the bill, and — after numerous changes were made in the Senate — the same has now occurred in the upper chamber in a party-lines 50-49 vote.
Alabama’s Helen Keller was more than a hero for the disabled
She could neither see nor hear. But her vision influenced countless millions. Helen Keller’s influence reached far beyond her native Alabama. She became a celebrity at an early age and remained so throughout her life. Born in 1880 in Tuscumbia, Keller was 19 months old when an illness left her deaf and blind. Helen Keller With Anne Sullivan (© CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) With the help of Anne Sullivan, her teacher for 49 years, she was able to learn how to communicate.
Schoolyard Roots growing stronger, smarter kids in Alabama
Schoolyard Roots teaches students in 11 Tuscaloosa-area elementary schools about gardening, nutrition and business, among other subjects, and it produces fresh food for area residents. (contributed) When kids participate in the life of a garden, they see the complete cycle of growing food, cooking and preparing it to eat. School gardens are exciting places for kids to learn basic academic subjects, too.
Arbor Week: Tree giveaways in communities throughout the state
Planting the right tree in the right place can help build a more sustainable future. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter) Arbor Week is celebrated in Alabama the last full week of February. Over 4,000 trees were given away during Arbor Day celebrations in Jacksonville and Anniston through community partnerships with Alabama Power. In Montgomery, winners of the annual Governor’s Arbor Day poster contest will gather Thursday, Feb. 25 on the Capitol grounds.
The Wine Loft has aged well as a downtown Birmingham pioneer - Yellowhammer News
The pandemic forced many schools to switch to remote learning in spring 2020. But it also forced a virtual shift in critical summer academic programs. The big question: Would those summer programs be as effective in keeping kids on track? Results from one major statewide summertime academic initiative indicate the answer is yes. That’s encouraging as leaders with SAIL plan for another summer of virtual programming.
Alabama’s Innovation Portal invests in two Mobile-based startups - Yellowhammer News
Alabama’s Innovation Portal invests in two Mobile-based startups Mobile’s Innovation Portal has announced the first investments from its Portal Fund for early stage startups. “On behalf of the investment council of Innovation Portal, I am excited to announce our initial investments in Deuce Drone and Barkd,” said investment council Chairman Henry O’Connor.
Grace Klein Community donated $2.1 million in food in Alabama in 2020, plans to help more this year - Yellowhammer News
Grace Klein Community donated $2.1 million in food in Alabama in 2020, plans to help more this year Never underestimate the power of your vision. More than 10 years ago, Jenny Waltman and her husband, Jason, saw integral needs in their Avondale neighborhood and wanted to help. That desire led the couple to found Grace Klein Community, a Birmingham-area nonprofit that last year donated more than $2.1 million in groceries to 25,000 households.
SAIL delivers strong academic gains in challenging environment
The coronavirus pandemic forced many schools to switch to remote learning in spring 2020. But it also forced a virtual shift in critical summer academic programs. The big question: Would those summer programs be as effective in keeping kids on track? Results from one major statewide summertime academic initiative indicate the answer is yes. That’s encouraging as leaders with SAIL plan for another summer of virtual programming.
Alabama Power’s Sherri Radney is an Unsung Hero with a heart for helping others
Alabama Power Resource Planning Project Manager Sherri Radney’s father knew she would go into a field like engineering because, as a kid, she would always take things apart and put them back together around the house. “After watching a movie about the Tuskegee Airmen, I became fascinated with them and wanted to become a fighter pilot,” said Radney.
From Slapout through ‘American Idol,’ Jessica Meuse is an Alabama Music Maker on a journey
Jessica Meuse is an Alabama Music Maker enjoying her post-"American Idol" journey. (Phil Free / Alabama NewsCenter) Jessica Meuse would love to become “the dark version of Carrie Underwood.” That might seem ambitious for an Alabama Music Maker from Slapout. But her talents have already taken her from Elmore County to Hollywood for her “American Idol” experience, and she is enjoying a career as a singer-songwriter. “Alabama is definitely the prettiest place I have ever lived,” said Meuse.
Brenda Forte is an unsung hero helping others succeed at Alabama Power
Brenda Forte's expertise in communication and facilitation serves her well as training instructor for Alabama Power. (Dennis Washington/Alabama NewsCenter) Growing up in Smithfield and Fountain Heights, Alabama Power Training Instructor Brenda Forte always had a passion to help others. She experiences joy when others learn, grow and succeed. She wants to share her experience and knowledge.
Alabama Power's Scotty McKelvey is an unsung hero managing our forests
Scotty McKelvey supports Alabama Power's forestry program. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter) Growing up in Tallapoosa County’s Eagle Creek, Real Estate Specialist Scotty McKelvey was naturally drawn to playing outside. He loved it so much as a kid, he turned it into a career at Alabama Power. McKelvey’s been a member of the forestry/surveillance team at the Dadeville Shoreline and Forestry office for 37 years.
Alabama Power's Shenita Baker is a customer service unsung hero
Shenita Baker is a customer service specialist for Alabama Power. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter) Simply treating every customer special has developed customer loyalty for Alabama Power Customer Services Specialist Shenita Baker. Working in the West Jefferson Business Office in Hueytown, Baker exemplifies excellent customer service. Her personal touch and genuine interest keep customers coming back to see her.
Alabama Music Maker Marlowe Shepherd swinging for the fences
Marlowe Shepherd is living out his dream both as a solo artist and singing with the Abraham Becker Orchestra. (Phil Free / Alabama NewsCenter) Music maker Marlowe Shepherd has been in love with Birmingham since 2006 when he became the resident artist at the Blue Monkey Lounge living his dream as a solo artist. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, he spent most of his childhood in Bloomington. His musical journey started at 4 years old with the flute and would take him across the country.
Alabama Power's Donna O'Connor is an unsung hero to people in need, at home and in Honduras
Donna O'Connor at work for Alabama Power Corporate Real Estate. (Dennis Washington/Alabama NewsCenter) Alabama Power Senior Real Estate Specialist Donna O’Connor sees a lot of property — sometimes it includes Honduras. She volunteers with a medical mission team to distribute prescription and reading glasses to hundreds of people in villages around Honduras.
Ron Hodge is an Alabama Power Unsung Hero keeping transformers online
Alabama Power's Ron Hodge analyzes transformer oil in a company laboratory. Like blood work in a doctor's office, Hodge's analysis can spot issues with transformers before they become serious problems that can cause power outages. (Dennis Washington/Alabama NewsCenter) As a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Environmental Affairs Specialist Ron Hodge is used to heckling from his Alabama Power co-workers about football rivalries. He was born in Chattanooga and moved to Alabama in 1983.
Julie McCormick is an Alabama Power unsung hero connecting with customers
Information System Analyst Julie McCormick loves projects that improve Alabama Power customers' experience. (Dennis Washington/Alabama NewsCenter) Information System Analyst Julie McCormick is a customer service hero with contagious enthusiasm.
From Three on a String to Ken Burns documentaries, this Alabama Music Maker is making history
Bobby Horton made a name as a member of Three on a String but it is his work with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns that spreads his music to a larger audience. (Phil Free / Alabama NewsCenter) Bobby Horton has been interested in the Civil War since he was 9 years old, igniting his lifelong love of history. “Every adult male in my life, from my dad to my uncles to my baseball managers and even my band director were all World War II veterans,” said Horton.
‘Danny Mac’ is an Alabama Power unsung hero and the ‘go to’ guy in emergencies
Danny McDaniel is an Alabama Power unsung hero focused on the safety of those in the company's facilities. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter) In the event of a building emergency, Alabama Power employees know who to call: Danny McDaniel, also known as Danny Mac. As a Corporate Facilities coordinator, McDaniel ensures that employees are notified during an emergency and that life safety systems operate properly. He manages and oversees fire and life safety functions.
Frances Lucas is an Alabama Power unsung hero guiding the next generation
Alabama Power's Frances Lucas has a gift for helping other employees develop their careers. (Dennis Washington/Alabama NewsCenter) Frances Lucas creates devotional lessons in her spare time. (contributed) Frances Lucas has a passion for training. She is an unsung hero inspired by faith and wisdom. For more than 20 years, she has created and taught classes for Power Delivery at Alabama Power. She has a gift for listening to employees and identifying their next career step.
Willie Hightower is an Alabama Music Maker with a lasting legacy
Willie Hightower started making records in the 1960s and later sang with the Drifters for years. He lives in Gadsden and released his latest album last fall. (Phil Free/Alabama NewsCenter) One of Willie Hightower’s fondest memories was singing with the Drifters. Today, he lives a tranquil life taking care of his 93-year-old mother at his Gadsden home. He is a singer, songwriter, producer and an Alabama Music Maker. Hightower has always been passionate about music.
Raymond Buchanon will leave a legacy of reliability, mentorship at Alabama Power
Raymond Buchanon is an Alabama Power unsung hero for his role in getting power restored and his commitment to mentoring others. (Brittany Faush / Alabama NewsCenter) Someone who often sees beyond what seems possible, Raymond Buchanon, Alabama Power Distribution system operator, has been an unsung hero for a while now. As a child, he loved taking things apart. “Anyone who’s spent significant time creating with their hands can appreciate the distinctive satisfaction it evokes,” Buchanon said.
Clarence Carter is a legendary Alabama Music Maker still performing the hits
Clarence Carter has enjoyed a long and successful career recording hit records. (contributed) Clarence Carter taught himself to play guitar while attending the Alabama School for the Blind in Talladega. This Alabama music maker, a rhythm and blues singer from Montgomery, still performs at age 83. Carter is best known for his 1970 hit “Patches,” about a boy who was forced to care for his family after his father died, which the child does by working the fields and continuing his education.
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