The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation Announces Southern Company President & CEO Chris Womack as New Board Chair
ATLANTA, October 17, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (Partnership) is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Womack, President and CEO of Southern Company, as its new board chair.
The Partnership extends its heartfelt gratitude to founding board chair Dr. G.P. “Bud” Peterson for his service, dedication and visionary leadership that has driven the organization’s mission from its inception until now. While Dr. Peterson has passed the baton of chairmanship, he will continue to make valuable contributions as a board member and Board Chair Emeritus.
In reflection of his tenure, Dr. Peterson stated, “The opportunity to help launch the Partnership and see it grow to become the catalyst for change it is today has been a privilege beyond measure. I am thrilled to turn over the Board leadership to Chris Womack, a leader whose commitment to our region’s overall prosperity truly embodies the Partnership’s mission.”
The Partnership is committed to supporting innovation across all 12 of Georgia's economic development districts. To date, the organization has cultivated a robust portfolio of 62 projects across 121 project sites, collaborated with 25 institutes of higher learning and formed partnerships with 29 local governments. Through these endeavors, the Partnership has championed nearly 200 entrepreneurs and small businesses, leveraging the state contribution to secure millions of additional dollars for Georgia's economy, including the most recent addition of the $4 million USDA grant to build a pioneering farm of the future.
Mr. Womack's unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive innovation throughout the U.S. South is poised to energize the Partnership’s ongoing mission of catalyzing innovation for shared economic prosperity.
As the leader of a major U.S. energy company as well as his prior experience working on Capitol Hill for the U.S. House of Representatives, Mr. Womack brings a dual perspective that will help propel the Partnership to new heights. In this role, he will focus on scaling the initiative to all parts of Georgia while promoting this new era of public-private partnerships based on long-term value for all both nationally and on the global scale.
In accepting his new role, Mr. Womack expressed, “I am honored to serve as board chair and will work to build upon the progress the Partnership made under Dr. Peterson’s leadership. I look forward to driving our collective efforts to scale our model of inclusive innovation throughout Georgia and beyond.”
Debra Lam, founding executive director of the Partnership, shared her enthusiasm, “Chris Womack’s appointment as board chair markers a new chapter of promise for the Partnership. His leadership will undoubtedly amplify our endeavors to create a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous economic landscape.”
Source: The Partnership For Inclusive Innovation
