Southern Company Strengthens Commitment to Military Community Through Strategic Partnership with Army Reserve

In a significant move to bolster employment opportunities for military personnel, Southern Company has proudly signed an agreement with the United States Army Reserve’s Private Public Partnership (P3) on Tuesday, August 26, reaffirming its dedication to supporting Army Reserve soldiers, veterans and their families. This partnership furthers Southern Company’s commitment to providing meaningful career opportunities to those who have served.

Southern Company veterans were joined at the signing ceremony by representatives from the Army Reserve, including Lt. Col. Malisa A. Hamper, director of the P3, Lt. Col. Kerick C. Gesse, P3 operations officer and Maj. Long N. Pham, P3 public affairs and outreach officer, as they marked this pivotal agreement.

Lt. Col. Hamper expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Private Public Partnership and the Army Reserve is proud to continue our strong relationship with Southern Company as an employer who shares our common goal of providing meaningful employment to our nation’s most cherished resource, the brave men and women who serve in our Army, their families, and veterans. Southern Company has proven that they are “Military Ready” not just “Military Friendly” when it comes to understanding the commitment and dedication Army Reserve servicemembers put forth to not only serve the country but their communities as well. We are proud that Southern Company recognizes and values the leadership, knowledge, and skills that Army Reserve soldiers developed through their military service which directly contributes to a talent-rich workforce. Private Public Partnership looks forward to continue building on our successful affiliation with Southern Company.”

This partnership places Southern Company on the esteemed employer list distributed by P3’s Army Reserve Employment Specialists (ARES) across the country. These specialists are dedicated to matching the skills and experiences of Army Reserve soldiers with suitable job openings, ensuring a seamless transition from military service to civilian employment. Southern Company’s inclusion in this list underscores its understanding of the unique commitments of Army Reserve soldiers, including their military service obligations, and its commitment to accommodating these within their employment framework.

Jeremy Foshee, Southern Company's talent acquisition manager and former group level chaplain assistant supporting the unit ministry team of the 81st Regional Support Command, 5th Medical Group in Birmingham, Ala., highlighted the strategic advantage of this partnership. "The partnership between P3 and Southern Company will open a pipeline of local ready-now, top-trained talent for our key critical jobs across Southern Company."

Southern Company was initially introduced to Army P3 in 2019. However, the collaboration faced challenges due to the COVID pandemic, leading to a pause in its operations. The Army restructured the P3 program in 2022, enhancing its alignment between soldiers and employment partners through local state career employment counselors nationwide. This restructuring promises a more robust and effective affiliation, ensuring that Southern Company can directly access reserve career-ready talent nationwide.

As Southern Company continues to grow and innovate, this partnership exemplifies its unwavering commitment to supporting the military community and fostering an inclusive, talent-rich workforce. Through this alliance, Southern Company is increasing awareness around our careers, facilitating connections and building futures for those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.