Charles D. McCrary Joins Southern Research Institute Board of...( BIRMINGHAM Ala. June 5 -- Offici...),Health

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Officials at Southern Research Institute, a not-for-profit organization that conducts basic and applied research in the areas of preclinical drug discovery, drug and vaccine development, advanced engineering, environmental and energy production, today announced that Charles D. McCrary, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alabama Power Company, has joined the company's Board of Directors.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080605/DC24451 )

"Charles McCrary is not only an outstanding leader of one of the South's preeminent corporations, but a driving force in our community," said Carol Z. Garrison, Ph.D., UAB President and Southern Research Board chair. "He understands and appreciates the importance of research, development and technology transfer to quality of life and economic development, and he champions that vision. He will be a strong addition to this board."

McCrary brings more than 30 years of industry experience to the board, having worked in a variety of roles within the Southern Company family since 1970. Most notably, McCrary has served as President of Southern Company Generation, as well as President of Southern Power Company. He currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alabama Power Company.

"Joining the board of the Southern Research Institute is particularly gratifying to me, because one of the founders of Alabama Power, Tom Martin, was a driving force behind its creation," said McCrary. "Although many things have changed since the Institute was chartered in 1941, its mission has remained the same: to develop science and technology in a way that improves the overall quality of life for everyone."

Born and raised in Alabama, McCrary graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. In addition to his work at Alabama Powe
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