Alabama Power has named Bobbie Knight, a 30-year company veteran and deeply engaged civic leader, vice president of the Birmingham Division, the electric utility’s largest division.

Knight, the former vice president of Public Relations, will be responsible for providing service to about 410,000 customers in north central Alabama. The Birmingham Division encompasses all of Jefferson County, most of Shelby County and parts of four other counties.

“Bobbie Knight has proven her value to Alabama Power throughout her career,” said Alabama Power President and CEO Charles McCrary. “Not only does Bobbie have the perfect resume and business experience for this position, she also has a deep understanding of, and love for, her hometown.”

Knight’s career with Alabama Power spans more than 30 years. She served in management positions in the company’s Western Division, Human Resources, Corporate Services and Supply Chain before being named to head Public Relations in 2002.

“I am honored that this company has the confidence in me to carry out the many responsibilities of this position,” Knight said. “It is especially rewarding to be able to serve a community that means so much to me.”

Integrally involved in the Birmingham community, Knight was recognized as a “Top Birmingham Woman” by the Birmingham Business Journal in 2003.

A graduate of the MOMENTUM Women’s leadership program and the 2005/2006 class of Leadership Birmingham, Knight currently serves as president of the Leadership Birmingham Members Council.

In 2008, Knight received the 10th Annual Women’s History Award from the NAACP Birmingham chapter for her outstanding community service.

Knight serves on the boards of the Railroad Park Foundation, the University of Alabama School of Communications Board of Visitors and the Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund.

She has served on many other local and state boards, including VOICES for Alabama’s Children, the A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club and United Way of Central Alabama.

“We are very fortunate to have Bobbie heading our Birmingham Division,” said McCrary. “She grew up in a time when Birmingham was facing and overcoming daunting challenges, so she is well-equipped to help lead through today’s challenges.”

Knight is a graduate of Banks High School, the University of Alabama and the Birmingham School of Law.

She is a 2002 graduate of the Kellogg School of Management Executive Development Program at Northwestern University.

In 2005 she was named an “Outstanding Alumna in Public Relations” by the University of Alabama School of Communications.

In 2007 Knight was recognized by the women of the Alabama State Legislature for her outstanding achievements in business and the community.

Knight was also one of 22 women selected worldwide to participate in the International Women’s Forum Leadership Foundation Fellows program, which included studies at Harvard University and the University of Cambridge in England.

Knight lives in Birmingham with husband Gary Burley, a former NFL player and president of Pro Start Academy and Pro Start Scholarship Foundation.

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state.