Lora McClendon finds her work as Governmental & Public Affairs Representative at PowerSouth fulfilling.
In both this role (a position she’s held for two years) and previous jobs, she’s continually motivated by the results her efforts bring, results that make measurable positive impacts on many. But she doesn’t take all the credit; she’s most energized when working — and winning — as a team.
Helping Hand
I currently serve as a Board Member for Goodwill Industries of Central Alabama, the Alabama FFA Foundation, Friends of the Alabama Archives and River Region Trails; as an advisory board member for the Alabama Trails Commission; and as a member of the Outreach Committee at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery.
I also had the opportunity last year to serve on the Children’s of Alabama Committee for the Future. Children’s is such an amazing place that you hope you never have to use but are grateful for it when needed. I can’t say enough about how lucky we are to have such a resource right here in Alabama.
On the Job
PowerSouth is a generation and transmission electric cooperative that serves the wholesale electric power needs of 20 distribution members—16 electric cooperatives and four municipal electric systems in Alabama and northwest Florida. In my role, I represent the company at the federal, state and local levels in Alabama, Florida and Washington, D.C.
Fulfilled
My work is interesting, and project-based, yielding tangible results. I also work with a great team and for a great company that cares about its employees, which makes all the difference!
Personal Best
I have had the opportunity to work on several big projects that have felt like “wins.” Most of these have been team-based accomplishments. One was working with leaders who advocated for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to come to Alabama. More recently, the River Region Trails organization, for which I am a member of the board, recently released a strategic plan to develop a comprehensive trail network in Montgomery. On a personal note, I am proud to be a mom and to have completed an MBA through COVID and with a newborn!
Top Tip
Stay true to yourself and what you really want out of work and life. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, but be quick to learn and move on when you do.
Future-Focused
PowerSouth is a great company, and the energy industry finds itself in a period of dynamic change, so there are plenty of opportunities to continue to learn and grow in my current position and beyond. I hope to continue to enjoy the work that I do and sharpen my level of expertise in my field.
Love List
- Shop Stops: Al’s Flowers, Welle Studio and Southern Homes & Gardens
- Power-Up Place: Vintage Café
- Go-To Tune: Higher Power by Coldplay
- Quotable: “He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17
- Main Motto: Never give up.
