Southern Electric Corporation (SEC) has named Mike James, of Salem, Alabama, as its Power Player for the first quarter of 2026.
A Power Player is someone with integrity and high moral standards, possessing strong leadership qualities, a track record of safe production, and dedication to our company and industry, who is hard-working and represents SEC well in everything that they do, allowing us to Power Forward.
Mike, SEC’s Manager of Employee Development, has been with the company for eight years and plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of leaders. He oversees all training efforts across the organization, including field training, maintaining the safety handbook, and onboarding new employees.
Mike brought decades of experience to SEC, having spent 39 years with Mississippi Power. He began his career as a meter reader and worked his way up through the ranks, gaining extensive experience in underground and overhead distribution, as well as transmission and substation work. He credits this journey with equipping him with the tools needed to succeed in his current role.
His work ethic began early, working construction alongside his father – a heavy equipment operator in New Orleans – while still in high school. He later spent time with Asplundh Tree Service before joining Mississippi Power, where his long and impactful career began.
Mike believes his role is more than a job – it is a calling. With a natural ability to coach and train, he has dedicated himself to developing others by sharing lessons learned from both his own experiences and those of others. He thrives in hands-on, in-the-field environments where he believes he can make the greatest impact. “You have to leave a legacy and train the next generation,” Mike says. And he values the flexibility to go where he is needed most, ensuring teams across the company receive the training and support necessary to succeed.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Mike’s role is his involvement in SEC’s apprentice program. “When we send them to Northwest Lineman College and they come back so excited and eager to learn, or when you show them something new and you see that they truly get it – it’s one of the most satisfying parts of the job,” he said.
“Mike has been an integral part of our T&D PowerSkills Apprentice Program, ensuring all qualified apprentices are successful in their efforts to become a certified journeyman lineman,” said Keith Kinchen, Director of Human and Organizational Performance. “Mike has certainly proven his value to SEC and epitomizes the values and characteristics of a true Power Player.”
Mike has been married to his wife, Diane, for 16 years. Together, they have two daughters and one grandson. They reside in Salem, Alabama, and enjoy spending time outdoors – hiking, visiting waterfalls, and going to the beach.
