Chapter 18 Anthony James 2004 Black Engineer of the Year THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS FROM THE 2004 BLACK ENGINEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS CEREMONY SPEECHES HONORING ANTHONY JAMES. THE THEME OF THE CONFERENCE THAT YEAR WAS “50 YEARS AFTER BROWN.” Allen Franklin, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Southern Company: How do you become an electric utility CEO for one of the largest power companies in the world—an electric utility with a service area of 2,000 square miles of prime southern real estate, revenue of more than $300 million, and 137,000 customers? Well, if you are born with the drive and determination of Anthony James, it’s just a matter of time. Let’s begin at the beginning. In 1973, Procter & Gamble hired a young engineer from the University of South Florida to work in its paper-products plant. Within five years, he advanced through six managerial positions, winning promotions faster than anyone in the history of his division. When he moved to Southern Company in 1978, Anthony again began a steady rise through the ranks. He progressed from supervisory positions to executive management by demonstrating an eagerness to think strategically and analytically, be proactive, work hard, and generally make the entire team better. Anthony’s combination of engineering, managerial, and people skills was evident when he simultaneously managed five Georgia Power generating plants, one of which was the largest coalfired power plant in America, while also serving as vice president of power generation for Savannah Electric. In 2001, Anthony became president and CEO of Savannah Electric. And the city of Savannah, Georgia, welcomed its first AfricanAmerican corporate CEO with proud, open arms. As CEO, Anthony continues to be a mentor for young minority engineers and professionals, both inside and outside our company. He strives to give back to his community what others gave him growing up. Anthony James is an
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