Catching up with Kay Lee

Stepping out of her comfort zone and taking risks served Kay Lee well throughout her 26-year career at Georgia Power. A native of Hahira, Ga., Kay initially worked as a summer student at Georgia Power’s Valdosta office. After graduation, she joined Georgia Power as a marketing clerk in Macon and held a series of positions of increasing responsibility across the company, embracing new challenges with each opportunity.

In 1980, Kay moved to Atlanta for a new role as a programmer in the emerging field of Information Technology. There, she programmed testimony for Public Service Commission hearings and was soon exposed to a diverse array of individuals and opportunities. She moved to Governmental Affairs at Georgia Power and later Southern Company, where she learned about legislative processes and political issues affecting the company. Kay returned to Georgia Power as assistant district manager at the Panola Road Office. Later, as assistant to one of Georgia Power’s regional vice presidents, she learned the intricacies of Operations, Marketing, and Customer Service.

While she held many positions at Southern Company - many may know her best for her leadership in coordinating Georgia Power’s efforts as the first “Official Power Source” of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

Olympic-Sized Dreams

Kay’s experience at Georgia Power served her well in one of the biggest roles of her life. In the late 1980s, while serving as assistant district manager, Kay responded to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article seeking volunteers to support Atlanta’s bid to host the 1996 Olympic Games. Even though she was expecting twins at the time (her third and fourth children), she was eager to get involved and contribute and wrote a personal letter to Billy Payne, CEO of the Atlanta Organizing Committee (AOC) for the 1996 Olympic Games.

“I was willing to answer calls, clean the toilets, stamp envelopes and anything else, due to my love of sports, and for the Olympics and to support Atlanta’s bid,” she said.

From 1989 to 1991, while working for the regional VP, she served as an AOC host, introducing International Olympic Committee (IOC) members from India and Mauritius to Atlanta and Southern culture. She built a strong relationship with the AOC team and was included in the core group that travelled to Tokyo in advance of the announcement that brought the world to Atlanta.

When Atlanta was selected as the site for the 1996 Games in 1990, Kay accepted a key role as Olympic project manager for Georgia Power. She led a team of more than 20 employees devoted full-time to the Olympic Games. The team worked closely with 40 other project managers throughout Georgia Power to synchronize the complex requirements of the event while “keeping the lights on” during the Games.

Georgia Power provided unique power supply solutions for the International Broadcast Center and the Olympic stadium. The team executed comprehensive plans to serve each Olympic venue and provide 24/7 support. In addition, they implemented Marketing and hospitality programs, including Operation Legacy, an economic development initiative with state of Georgia officials and other major corporate sponsors; an electric transportation system for the athletes’ Olympic Village; and the Georgia Power Olympic Site, constructed on the corporate campus as a hub for connecting customers, political and Olympic leaders, employees, and special guests during the Games. And, the team recruited and managed more than 2,000 Olympic volunteers for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

The lights never went out during the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, thanks, in part, to Kay and her team’s efforts. She retired from Georgia Power in 2002 as general manager of special projects.

Kay at her home in Covington, GA.

What are you up to now?

For the first 10 to 12 years after retiring, I consulted with a local non-profit in Newton County and co-founded the Center for Community Preservation and Planning. The Center focused on encouraging elected officials to collaborate on decisions impacting education, land use, transportation, and economic development. I later consulted with other communities to help them apply the Newton County model and think differently.

My husband, Gary, and I have spent considerable time with our six children and five grandchildren who are scattered across the country, and, when possible, connecting with old friends. Additionally, I spent time as a caretaker for a close friend in D.C.

Kay and husband, Gary, at home.

Kay and Gary in Crete.

What was your proudest moment at Georgia Power?

On the last night of the Olympic Games, Georgia Power hosted a party attended by the Olympic production team, executives from Georgia Power, Southern Company, Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, top customers, politicians, the Olympic Project Management team, and my family. Looking around at the diverse crowd celebrating the successful Games was truly it for me. The Games transformed lives, including mine.

The entire team at Georgia Power never took for granted the importance of a reliable power supply for the Olympics. We instead enhanced the experience and, I believe, our company’s bottom line. Even today, the legacy and spirit of the Games live on, evidenced by changes in downtown Atlanta. Georgia Power was integral, and we delivered.

Kay carrying the Olympic torch.

Kay passing the Olympic torch to JD Drew.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Georgia Power?

The people. I’m grateful to those who saw my potential, worked alongside me, and provided the tools I needed. I failed many times, but people were supportive, and I didn’t hesitate to try new things and make mistakes. Someone once asked why I contacted Billy Payne, and I answered with what, I suppose, is my philosophy, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Taking chances paid off for me.

I also enjoyed the challenges afforded to me. Every job was different, and sometimes I took on roles that didn’t exist before. It was daunting but also inspiring and stimulating. The variety meant a new adventure around every corner. I grew with the company and had the opportunity to make a difference.

Kay (fourth from right) with core Atlanta Olympic Committee team members during a downtown Atlanta parade to celebrate the Games being awarded to Atlanta.

Can you share your secrets to success?

Don’t feel you have to fit into a certain mold; continue to be yourself even if it's outside your comfort zone. Looking back, I realize extraordinary experiences occurred due to my attitude and belief in embracing joy, exploring, and communicating.

No one accomplishes anything alone; relationships are essential. My successes were shared with a great team working alongside me. It’s important to measure success through honest feedback and recognize the importance of teamwork over individual efforts.

Seek input and knowledge before making key decisions and recognize when consensus is and is not possible. Be confident and firm when needed.

Looking back, is there anything you would do differently?

I wish I had appreciated much more of my life’s experiences as they were happening. Life passes so quickly. Even today, I work to slow down and find satisfaction in each moment and season. It’s a life-long challenge.

Kay in front of the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center under construction.