Southern Company recognized as a top company for diversity and inclusion by DiversityInc for the fifth consecutive year

ATLANTA, May 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Company earned the 26(th) spot on the 2020 DiversityInc "Top 50 Companies for Diversity" list. The announcement was made during a virtual event hosted by DiversityInc on May 5, 2020. Southern Company was also recognized on multiple specialty lists, including:

    --  No. 2 for Top Company for Veterans, moving up 7 spots from No. 9 last
        year
    --  No. 5 for Top Company for Board of Directors
    --  No. 7 for Top Company for Supplier Diversity
    --  No. 8 for Top Company for Employee Resource Groups

"Southern Company is committed to creating a workplace environment where employees from different backgrounds and perspectives can realize their full potential," said Tom Fanning, President, Chairman and CEO of Southern Company. "Our longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion is embedded in our culture, and allows us to better anticipate change, see around corners and achieve success as we build the future of energy."

DiversityInc announced that Southern Company moved up 7 spots, landing at No. 26 from No. 33 last year on the Top 50 Companies for Diversity list. This is the fifth consecutive year Southern Company has been recognized as a Top 50 Company for diversity and inclusion, as well as recognition for the system's efforts to hire, retain and promote women, minorities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ and veterans.

DiversityInc's annual survey yields an empirically-driven ranking based on talent results in the workforce and management, senior leadership accountability, talent programs, workplace practices, philanthropy and supplier diversity.

"Our people are the power of Southern Company. Their energy enables us to build a brighter future for customers and the communities we call home," said Sloane Drake, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Southern Company and Georgia Power. "We drive results by valuing different opinions, backgrounds and experiences, and by welcoming diverse points of view. We celebrate our progress and are committed to a diverse and inclusive organization."

This award recognizes Southern Company's continued commitment to Our Values by promoting and advancing an inclusive and diverse work culture and environment where our people and company thrive. Southern Company is committed to continuing to advance the future of energy by creating and maintaining a workforce that reflects the communities we live in and the 9 million customers the system serves.

About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy company serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices below the national average. For more than a century, we have been building the future of energy and developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, advanced carbon capture technologies, natural gas, renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation and a low-carbon future, Southern Company and its subsidiaries develop the customized energy solutions our customers and communities require to drive growth and prosperity. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and govern our business to the benefit of our world. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have been recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, Fortune's "World's Most Admired Companies" list, Forbes and the Women's Choice Award. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

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SOURCE Southern Company