Smith serves as vice president of sustainability for Georgia Power. In this role, she is responsible for leading efforts to develop, implement, communicate and monitor the progress of the company’s vision of building a clean and sustainable energy future. With more than 20 years of experience in the utility industry, Smith has held positions of increasing responsibility within the Southern Company system, including roles in Fuel Services, Operations Services, Resource Planning and Transmission.

Smith

Most recently she served as vice president of charitable giving at Alabama Power where she led the company’s philanthropic, volunteerism and community support initiatives. She was also president of the Alabama Power Foundation and executive director of the Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund.

“I previously worked with HudsonAlpha in my role at Alabama Power and the mission of the Institute really inspired me,” said Smith. “I am excited to share my expertise with the HudsonAlpha Foundation to help them in their mission to continue to create a healthier, more sustainable world.”

Smith was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 1999 and a Master of Business Administration from UAB in 2003. She earned a Master of Arts in Communication Studies: Organizational Leadership from the University of Alabama in 2019. Smith has been active in the civic, philanthropic and leadership development arenas, applying her knowledge, experience, and expertise toward improving the community. She holds board positions with the UAB School of Engineering, HudsonAlpha Foundation, and Stonehenge Capital Community Development.

Pursell

Pursell grew up in Sylacauga, Alabama and spent his entire career in his family’s fertilizer business beginning at an early age. Pursell worked in most facets of the company including production, sales, marketing and management. The Pursell family companies were acquired in 2006 by Agrium (now Nutrien) of Calgary, Ontario, Canada.

Pursell is currently Chairman of Pursell Agri-Tech which produces patented controlled release fertilizers for agricultural crops as well as specialty markets including golf courses, horticulture and consumers. Pursell Agri-Tech is focused on sustainable agriculture including new technologies for nutrient delivery to crops.

“I am honored to join the HudsonAlpha Foundation Board of Directors,” said Pursell. “HudsonAlpha’s focus on sustainable agriculture and crop improvement are issues that are very important to me and I look forward to sharing my skills with the Foundation to support these programs.”

Pursell currently serves on the EPA/USDA Task Force on reducing the environmental impact of fertilizers. In addition, he serves on the boards of Jones Valley Teaching Farm and GirlSpring which focus on child nutrition, empowerment of girls and young women and education. He is also actively involved in supporting the United Way of Central Alabama.