ALM : Cox to head Alabama Power’s information technology

The Alabama Power board of directors has elected David Cox vice president of the company with responsibility for information technology, effective Aug. 1.  In his role as chief information officer, Cox will lead the development and implementation of information technology (IT) strategy and operations for the company.

"The efficient operation of our IT systems is vital to fulfilling our obligation to provide reliable service to our customers," said Charles McCrary, Alabama Power president and CEO. "David brings a wealth of experience to the CIO position."  

Cox has been with Southern Company for 18 years and has held a wide variety of positions at Alabama Power and Southern Company Services (SCS). He began his career in Alabama Power's Corporate Real Estate department where he served as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyst, project manager and team leader. He played an instrumental role in creating Southern's GIS business, which provides analysis and mapping services. He later moved into the role of business development coordinator, where he was responsible for expanding the GIS business to Georgia Power within the Land Department.

In 2000 he joined the SCS IT organization, where he has held several leadership positions. Most recently he served as the IT group manager for Generation and Transmission, where he directed an organization that provides technology strategy and support for Southern Company Operations, including Fleet Operations and Trading, Financial and Contract Services, Fuels, Engineering and Construction Services, Plants, and Transmission. There he provided leadership in implementing Southern Company's energy auction, Southern Power separation protocol, and Operations wholesale billing systems strategy.

Cox has a Bachelor of Science degree from Samford University in biology and geography with a concentration in environmental management and GIS. He has a Master of Business Administration degree from Auburn University. He is a graduate of the Emory Managerial Leadership Program and Center for Creative Leadership.

Cox lives in Birmingham with his wife, Terri, and their three children. He is a member of the Alabama Power Service Organization and has held leadership roles supporting United Way of Central Alabama's annual campaign and Children's of Alabama Playtime Extravaganza. He is a deacon at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church and also coaches youth sports.