Alabama Power’s Susie Harris is dedicated to enhancing the Black Belt region
Susie Harris, community relations manager for Alabama Power serving three West Alabama counties, works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for residents of communities in the region. Her roles range from driving improvements in park services to supporting a wide range of charities and serving on several boards dedicated to economic development and education. She matches her leadership with hands-on service on projects such as cleaning a concession stand or painting a basketball goal. (contributed)
Susie Harris is the community relations manager for Alabama Power serving Hale, Greene and Pickens counties. In her role, she is responsible for ensuring economic and community development growth in her area by identifying and implementing strategic initiatives that improve the overall quality of life for the Black Belt communities.
Being community-minded, Harris has been successful in leading change by offering her leadership, resources and expertise. Most recently, she worked with the city of Greensboro to secure a $15,000 grant from the Tombigbee Resource Conservation and Development Council to make significant improvements to Smith Park for children and families to enjoy. Due to the rise in COVID-19 at the time, children had limited access to safe activities outside their homes. Harris organized the construction of a pavilion and installation of picnic tables, and partnered with Auburn Rural Studio to clean up debris from previous tornado damage and update the basketball court.
Additionally, she led an effort to restore the Lions Park Community Baseball program by bringing together local leaders and organizations, securing funding and restoring the ballfields. Her contributions helped relaunch the baseball program and resulted in more than 100 children registering for the upcoming season.
Harris serves in several leadership roles in Hale, Greene and Pickens counties. She is chairwoman of the Hale County Industrial Development Board, president of the city of Greensboro Park & Recreation Board and vice president of the Greensboro Lions Club. Additionally, she serves on the boards of Project Horseshoe Farm, Shelton State Community College Foundation, Pickens County Industrial Development Authority, the Aliceville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hale County College and Career Academy Advisory Board.
She also serves as president of the Western Division Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization, an employee-led volunteer organization. This past year, Harris was integral in implementing several projects and fundraisers. One of note was the chapter’s annual game day parking fundraiser, for which members contributed 122 volunteer hours and raised more than $32,000 to support seven area nonprofit organizations – Arts ‘n Autism, Baseball Country, Five Horizons, Civil Air Patrol, Eagles’ Wings of Tuscaloosa, Bridge Builder Friendship Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama.
Harris began her career at Alabama Power in 1997 and has years of experience in the company’s business operations and in customer service. She began her role as a community relations manager in 2020. Harris’ passion for serving others extends beyond her role at Alabama Power, and she is dedicated to helping enhance the West Alabama region by ensuring it is a great place for its residents to call home.
This story previously was published on the Tuscaloosa Thread website.
