Southern Co. exec named Power Engineering's Woman of the Year

Southern Company Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kimberly Greene was named Power Engineering magazine's 2015 Woman of the Year on Tuesday.

Greene has worked within the power industry for 24 years and began her career as an engineer with Southern. Greene has served in leadership roles at Mirant, the Tennessee Valley Authority and Southern Company.

"Kim is an extraordinary leader with a unique understanding of the electric-utility industry and the dedicated people who make it run," Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Thomas Fanning said. "Her commitment to finding real energy solutions drives employees at all levels to find new and better ways to serve our customers."

The company said National Carbon Capture Center Director Roxann Laird was a finalist for the award, which recognizes women in the power industry who have played a key role in advancing the industry and inspiring young women to pursue similar fields. For this award, recipients must make an impact on their communities through leadership roles.

Greene earned a bachelor's degree in engineering science and mechanics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; a master's degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham; and a master's degree in business administration from Samford University. She also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.