News Release
Contact: Barry Dillon
Phone: (770) 270-7835
Email: barry.dillon@gatrans.com
Georgia Transmission Promotes Tom Parker to Vice President
TUCKER, Ga. -- Fayette County resident Tom Parker has been promoted to vice president of external affairs and member relations at Georgia Transmission Corporation, a not-for-profit electric company that delivers bulk power over high-energy electric lines to 39 of the state's 42 electric member cooperatives (EMCs).
Mr. Parker joined GTC as the director of external affairs and member relations in March 2003. His promotion marks the elevation of this corporate function to one of seven vice presidential functions. His department is responsible for managing outreach to employees, EMCs, government officials, communities and other audiences.
Mr. Parker has more than 20 years of marketing and business development experience in corporate, government and non-profit sectors. He served as chief of staff to former U.S. Rep. Fletcher Thompson, R-Ga., and director of public affairs and communications for the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
In the state's electric cooperative business, he served on the Coweta-Fayette EMC board of directors for 19 years, including eight as chairman. In addition, he was the director and chairman of Georgia Electric Membership Corporation, an association that represents Georgia's 42 EMCs. Mr. Parker is a past chairman of the Fayette County Republican Party and a past president of the Parent Teachers' Organization for Fayette County High School and North Fayette Elementary School. He is a member of New Hope Baptist Church.
"More than two decades with an EMC give Tom a customer's perspective, and his insight is helping shape our corporate direction," said Mike Smith, president and chief executive officer. "His counsel is highly valued, as is his leadership of a strong team that is enhancing our reputation with internal and external audiences."
Mr. Parker and his wife, Gayle, reside in Fayette County. They have one daughter, Julie Martin, and one granddaughter. Mr. Parker was raised in East Point, and is a graduate of Headland High School. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Georgia.
About Georgia Transmission Corporation: Georgia Transmission is one of the nation's few electric transmission-only businesses. The not-for-profit is owned by, and transmits power to, 39 of Georgia's 42 electric membership cooperatives. These 39 EMCs provide electric service to more than 3.8 million customers. GTC plans, builds and maintains nearly 2,700 miles of electric power lines and 580 substations. The company completes about $100 million in construction each year to keep pace with Georgia's energy demand. Please see www.gatrans.com for more information.
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