Soul of the South Award Winner Profile: Freddy Padilla

Freddy is the Federal Affairs Manager at Alabama Power Company. His primary responsibilities are the company’s federal governmental relations efforts in Washington., and throughout the state. Freddy has worked for Alabama Power for over 12 years. He began his career in Western Division, headquartered in Tuscaloosa, where he was responsible for relationships with elected officials, civic organizations, and local media while supporting business office managers in communities throughout West Alabama.

While with the company’s Public Relations department, he supported a variety of departments including Economic Development, Generation, Marketing, Customer Service, Corporate Real Estate, Power Delivery, and Environmental Affairs. He also was a company spokesperson on the media relations team. He has served in areas of increasing responsibility in Governmental & Corporate Affairs.

A native of Demopolis and avid outdoorsman, Freddy attended The University of West Alabama and The University of Alabama, where he received a B.A. in Public Relations. Freddy serves on the Board of Directors for Alabama Black Belt Adventures and is an active member of The Alabama Wildlife Federation. In addition, he serves on the board of directors of The ZeroZero Foundation and The Alabama Business Coalition in Washington, D.C. He is a past United Way Loaned Executive and chaired Alabama Power’s company-wide campaign for the United Way of Central Alabama.

SOUL OF THE SOUTH Q&A

1) What was your “aha” moment/When did you decide that this was the industry for you?

In my role at Alabama Power, I work every day toward our mission of making our state the best it can be. The people make our company, and I realized very early on that I wanted to be part of it. We cover a lot of ground, but our commitment to conservation and stewardship helps support our beautiful natural resources and promote eco-tourism.

2) How did your upbringing/time spent in Alabama shape your career?

If you don’t know me, you know where I am from within 5 minutes of talking with me. That is not by design, it’s just who I am. I am very thankful for where my career has taken me. It has only helped my passion to support my home and the Black Belt region. I look up to my parents and had a front-row seat to two of the hardest-working people I know. You would never know if my dad is having a bad day. He treats everyone the same, no matter who you are. I try to live up to his example in everything I do.

3) What keeps you moving forward in the industry? Do you have a quote or motto that you find resonates?

I want future generations to enjoy the outdoors, have access to a quality education and healthcare, and work/raise their families here. It seems simple, but we must evolve and be open to new ideas to leave our state even better than we found it.

4) How has your nominator made a positive impact on your idea of/relationship to the industry?

Mr. Tim Gothard is a good friend, role model, and mentor. His attention to detail and ability to bring people together from all walks of life is special. His organization’s impact is felt throughout our state each day.

5) What would you consider your greatest professional accomplishment?

As far as my career, I try to be the best I can be where I am. In my current role as Federal Affairs Manager, I get to work with our Congressional Delegation and colleagues to move our state forward. I am proud to represent our state and Alabama Power in Washington, D.C. and at home.  I enjoy the collaboration my job allows me to foster through partnerships. The successful projects where everyone sits at the table, from the business community to government agencies to non-profits, are the most rewarding.

6) What would you like to see more of in Alabama as it pertains to your industry?

I have already mentioned this, but collaboration. Our world is changing, and we need diverse voices at the table. We must meet potential partners where they are and listen to what they have to say.

It doesn’t matter the magnitude or the focus of a project. This will allow us to lean into innovation and move our state forward.