Alabama Power CEO Jeff Peoples and PowerSouth Energy CEO Gary Smith have been appointed to the Lieutenant Governor’s Commission on 21st Century Workforce, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth announced today.
The commission was created in 2019 to assess Alabama’s workforce and make recommendations that will increase its competitiveness with other states. The panel released its initial report and recommendations, entitled “Alabama Workforce Development – Accelerating the Transformation to Excellence,” in 2020.
“Because their companies are committed to meeting the needs of employers ranging from small businesses to large industrial operations and also play an important role in economic development, Jeff Peoples and Gary Smith understand the skills and training that a 21st century workforce must possess,” Ainsworth said.
“By combining their insight and experience with that of the other commission members, we can ensure Alabama remains the nation’s leader in recruiting, retaining, and expanding the long-lasting, well-paying, 21st century jobs that every state desires.”
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Smith joined PowerSouth in 1989 and was named president and CEO in January 2000. He was previously employed by Pemco Aeroplex and also practiced law.
A former chairman of the Business Council of Alabama, Smith serves on the boards of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, the University of North Alabama, the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives, the Southern Independent Bank, and the South Alabama Regional Airport Board.
Peoples has held several leadership positions at Alabama Power and the Southern Company. He was the executive vice president of Customer and Employee Services and oversaw customer services, marketing and economic development strategy and operations, as well as the company’s six geographic business divisions.
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In addition, he was responsible for Alabama Power’s labor relations, human resources, safety, wellness, health and disability management functions.
Recognized as a national leader in labor relations and workforce development, Peoples serves on numerous industry and nonprofit boards, including the Business Council of Alabama, Paths for Success Foundation, and TradesFutures. He is board chair of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama.
Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
