Venessa Harrison Joins Southern Company Gas Board to Drive Infrastructure Growth
Venessa Harrison, who previously held the position of president at AT&T’s Southeast Coastal States, has been elected to the board of directors for Southern Company Gas, effective April 24, 2025. Her appointment is expected to greatly influence the strategic direction of the company, especially in navigating the evolving landscape of natural gas services necessitated by rising energy demands.
During her tenure at AT&T, Harrison demonstrated exemplary leadership in advancing both wireless and wireline infrastructure across several states including Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Her visionary approach significantly shaped the company's service capabilities and broadened access to crucial telecommunication services in the region. Notably, Harrison directed nearly $2 billion in annual network investments, which greatly facilitated the expansion of AT&T’s fiber network and wireless services.
In addition to her infrastructure expertise, she played a vital role in advancing public policy related to telecom and tax reform, actively representing the interests of the telecommunications industry before legislative bodies. Her efforts have not only improved the telecommunications landscape but also set the groundwork for progressive policy changes that benefit both consumers and businesses.
Harrison was instrumental in the initiation of the North Carolina Next Generation Network (NCNGN), a collaborative framework that unified various community leaders and government entities to foster broadband development projects. This initiative serves as a model for other states seeking to enhance their broadband infrastructure and drive technological advancement.
The leadership at Southern Company Gas believes Harrison's extensive experience and commitment to community development aligns perfectly with their vision. James Y. (Jim) Kerr II, Chairman and CEO of Southern Company Gas, expressed confidence in her capabilities, stating, "Venessa's proven leadership in expanding vital infrastructure and her understanding of public policy position her well as we prepare to meet the growing needs for natural gas across our territories."
Harrison's current board commitments further cement her status as a leader in business and community affairs. She serves on the executive boards of both the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, alongside participating in other influential roles such as on the boards of the Atlanta Committee for Progress and the Georgia Historical Society. Her involvement showcases her dedication to community upliftment and economic growth.
With a business administration degree, graduating magna cum laude from the University of Phoenix, Harrison brings both academic excellence and a wealth of practical experience to her new role at Southern Company Gas. The company, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company, serves around 4.4 million natural gas utility customers across various states and engages in multiple nonutility initiatives such as interstate pipeline investments and gas storage management.
Harrison’s election to the Southern Company Gas Board not only enhances its governance but also reflects the company’s commitment to integrating diverse viewpoints and experiences in its leadership. Her appointment is anticipated to pave the way for innovative strategies that can respond to the future demands of energy consumers, positioning Southern Company Gas as a trailblazer in the natural gas sector.
This addition to the board marks an important milestone in the journey of Southern Company Gas as it seeks to guide its initiatives towards sustainable growth while fostering community engagement and infrastructure enhancement across its service areas.
During her tenure at AT&T, Harrison demonstrated exemplary leadership in advancing both wireless and wireline infrastructure across several states including Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Her visionary approach significantly shaped the company's service capabilities and broadened access to crucial telecommunication services in the region. Notably, Harrison directed nearly $2 billion in annual network investments, which greatly facilitated the expansion of AT&T’s fiber network and wireless services.
In addition to her infrastructure expertise, she played a vital role in advancing public policy related to telecom and tax reform, actively representing the interests of the telecommunications industry before legislative bodies. Her efforts have not only improved the telecommunications landscape but also set the groundwork for progressive policy changes that benefit both consumers and businesses.
Harrison was instrumental in the initiation of the North Carolina Next Generation Network (NCNGN), a collaborative framework that unified various community leaders and government entities to foster broadband development projects. This initiative serves as a model for other states seeking to enhance their broadband infrastructure and drive technological advancement.
The leadership at Southern Company Gas believes Harrison's extensive experience and commitment to community development aligns perfectly with their vision. James Y. (Jim) Kerr II, Chairman and CEO of Southern Company Gas, expressed confidence in her capabilities, stating, "Venessa's proven leadership in expanding vital infrastructure and her understanding of public policy position her well as we prepare to meet the growing needs for natural gas across our territories."
Harrison's current board commitments further cement her status as a leader in business and community affairs. She serves on the executive boards of both the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, alongside participating in other influential roles such as on the boards of the Atlanta Committee for Progress and the Georgia Historical Society. Her involvement showcases her dedication to community upliftment and economic growth.
With a business administration degree, graduating magna cum laude from the University of Phoenix, Harrison brings both academic excellence and a wealth of practical experience to her new role at Southern Company Gas. The company, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company, serves around 4.4 million natural gas utility customers across various states and engages in multiple nonutility initiatives such as interstate pipeline investments and gas storage management.
Harrison’s election to the Southern Company Gas Board not only enhances its governance but also reflects the company’s commitment to integrating diverse viewpoints and experiences in its leadership. Her appointment is anticipated to pave the way for innovative strategies that can respond to the future demands of energy consumers, positioning Southern Company Gas as a trailblazer in the natural gas sector.
This addition to the board marks an important milestone in the journey of Southern Company Gas as it seeks to guide its initiatives towards sustainable growth while fostering community engagement and infrastructure enhancement across its service areas.
Topics General Business）
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