Mississippi Power Welcomes Pedro Cherry as New Chairman and CEO Amid Century Celebration
In a pivotal move, Mississippi Power has appointed Pedro Cherry as the new chairman and CEO during its centennial year. This leadership change marks a significant milestone for the company, which has been serving communities in Southeast Mississippi for the past 100 years. Pedro Cherry's appointment comes after the retirement of Anthony Wilson, who dedicated over four decades to the organization, instilling a legacy of safety and reliability in energy production. Cherry took on the role of president at Mississippi Power in March, becoming the 14th president in the company's storied history. His extensive background in the energy sector spans 30 years, with nearly 25 of those years dedicated to the Southern Company system. Notably, before joining Mississippi Power, Cherry served as president and CEO for two of the region's natural gas utilities, Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas. Under his leadership, these utilities catered to approximately 1.8 million customers across Georgia and Tennessee.
Following his election, Cherry expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to lead Mississippi Power. He noted the honor of working alongside Anthony Wilson during the transition, recognizing the deep impact Wilson had not only on the company but also on the state of Mississippi. "I look forward to continuing Mississippi Power's legacy of safety, reliability, and service to our communities," Cherry stated, projecting optimism about Mississippi's prospects for growth and development.
A committed community leader, Cherry has been proactive in engaging with various organizations, customers, and employees to better understand the needs of those he serves in Southeast Mississippi. His intent is to build strong relationships and foster a collaborative approach as the company steps into its next century of service.
Cherry remarked, "It's evident that the future is bright for Mississippi. I've witnessed firsthand the commitment Mississippi Power has to its customers and the overall success of the state. That dedication will persist as we enter our next century of service.” This proactive vision is crucial, considering the current landscape of the energy industry and the ongoing transitions towards sustainable practices and technological innovations.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Mississippi Power’s lasting impact on its customer base of over 192,000 in 23 Southeast Mississippi counties cannot be understated. The company has been recognized multiple times for its commitment to safety and reliable service. In 2024, it earned the Top Safety Performance recognition in the generation category from the Southeastern Electric Exchange. Moreover, it has received numerous awards from the Edison Electric Institute for its exemplary storm response efforts. Mississippi Power is excited about the future and looks to build on its strong foundation while adapting to the evolving demands of the energy sector. As Pedro Cherry steps into his new dual role of chairman and CEO, his leadership is anticipated to guide Mississippi Power towards innovative solutions that meet the energy needs of its customers while maintaining its unwavering commitment to service excellence.