Charles McCrary and Mark Crosswhite | Outgoing / Incoming CEO | Alabama Power
The Alabama Power CEO has almost always been a major factor in state politics, but McCrary has taken it to new heights since he assumed the role just over a dozen years ago. He has used every bit of leverage available to him to advance to Company’s priorities. From legislation and elections to regulatory policy and economic development, McCrary’s influence on the state has been undeniable.
The past decade has seen a seismic shift in the Alabama political landscape. Governors and legislators have come and gone. Entire political parties have risen and fallen. One of the only constants through all of that has been Charles McCrary. He is the only person who would have been an immovable part of this Top 10 list over the last ten years.
“Alabama Power is for me” have become the magic words for any political candidate in the state under McCrary’s watch. Even though he is stepping back from his role as CEO in March, it will be entirely up to him whether or not he remains near the top of this list in future years. His personal clout is so strong that he doesn’t need a title to keep moving the needle. But regardless of what he does next, his legacy is secure.
Mark Crosswhite has already begun making waves as McCrary’s successor. He visited the State House last week and the buzz in the hallways was deafening. Senators who are used to being courted all day long were suddenly lining up for a chance to make a strong first impression.
It’s been clear for a long time that Southern Company was grooming Crosswhite for one of the company’s top spots. He served as Alabama Power’s Executive Vice President of External Affairs for almost three years. Then became CEO and President of Gulf Power, another Southern Company subsidiary. He has been Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Southern Company since mid-2012. On March 1, at just over 50-years-old, he’ll become CEO of Alabama Power.
Birmingham business leaders have been raving about the choice since it was announced a few weeks ago. One Birmingham executive told Yellowhammer that Crosswhite’s ability to “see over the horizon” will be one of his greatest assets as he assumes his new role as the state’s most prominent CEO.
Crosswhite has already hit the ground as a major political player. His visit to the State House before even officially assuming his new job sent a message that he clearly plans to build on the successes of his predecessors and carve out a legacy of his own. The whole state will be watching. But if the last few weeks are any indication of things to come, Crosswhite is more than up to the challenge.
