Southern Company Chairman, President & CEO Chris Womack statement on the passing of Tom Cousins

Southern Company Chairman, President & CEO Chris Womack today issued the following statement on the passing of Tom Cousins:

“I am very saddened to learn of the passing of Tom Cousins, a friend and a distinguished leader whose legacy has left an indelible mark on me, on Atlanta and beyond. My deepest condolences go to his beloved wife, Ann, and the entire Cousins family during this time. Tom was a visionary in real estate and development and a compassionate leader dedicated to uplifting people and communities and fostering positive change.”

As a past chairman of the East Lake Foundation, I witnessed firsthand 'The Miracle at East Lake’. Once one of the most violent and economically challenged communities in the country, Tom's vision and tireless work transformed East Lake into a model of urban renewal that provided hope and opportunity to the community and its residents and dramatically improved the quality of life for this now thriving neighborhood. His commitment revitalized the East Lake Golf Club into the home of the TOUR Championship while also replacing distressed public housing with mixed-income housing. His deep commitment to the educational needs of the children of East Lake led to the formation of the Drew Charter School. His efforts fostered community engagement, attracted new residents, spurred new businesses and eliminated food desserts while seeing crime reduced and boosting economic growth.

Tom set a precedent for urban renewal that prioritizes inclusivity and sustainable growth. He continued his work with Purpose Built Communities, expanding the successful model developed at East Lake to neighborhoods nationwide, demonstrating the scalability and profound impact of his approach.

His belief in collaboration and community-driven solutions, coupled with his unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of others stands a s a testament to his character and enduring spirit. Tom's tireless dedication to his community serves a s a beacon of hope and a model of what can be achieved when one acts with vision, compassion and determination. His legacy will inspire generations to come, reminding us of the profound difference one person can make."