Catching up with Swann Seiler

Few individuals embody the spirit of leadership and service quite like Swann Seiler, who is well known throughout Savannah and Southeast Georgia, thanks to her many community contributions and leadership.

Swann joined Savannah Electric in 1982 as a manager of Corporate Communications. Following the merger of Savannah Electric and Georgia Power in 2006, she continued her career as manager of External Affairs for Georgia Power's Southeast Region, where she became known as a credible source of information and respected community leader until her retirement in 2024, concluding a 42-year career in the energy industry.

Her professional success was matched by a commitment to community service that continues to this day. Swann’s community involvement spans numerous organizations, including the Georgia Historical Society, Bethesda Academy, the Junior League of Savannah and the United Way, to name just a few. During her time at Georgia Power, Swann also served on the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Board. For more information, watch the video here that recognizes her as the 2026 United Way of the Coastal Empire Woman of the year for decades of leadership and support for the community.

A proud graduate of the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism, Swann has maintained strong ties to her alma mater, becoming the first woman to serve as president of the UGA National Alumni Association from 2005 to 2007 and earning the Southern Company-University of Georgia Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001. She is an emeritus member of the University Athletics Board and the University’s Foundation Board, and she currently serves on the UGA Library Board of Visitors. In addition, Bulldog fans also know her family for starting the proud English bulldog mascot tradition, having provided the first English bulldog, “UGA,” to the University nearly 70 years ago.

We caught up with Swann recently near her home in Savannah.

What are you up to now?

I'm still very involved in the community and on civic committees. I have been involved in the restoration of City Hall and helping the community by feeding the homeless through my local church. I’m currently serving on the state board of the National Society of Colonial Dames. My philosophy is that when you do something for an organization, you should leave it in a better place than you found it.

Swann with extended family.

I also have enjoyed traveling. Being a bit of an Anglophile, I’ve visited London a number of times. I’ve also traveled to Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Tahiti. I recently returned from Greece and am planning a trip this fall to French Polynesia.

What was your proudest moment at Georgia Power?

Being able to run the Olympic torch with Zell Miller and Billy Payne and run down River Street as the torch made its way through Savannah. That was a great honor and a source of pride.

Swann running with Olympic torch through Savannah.

When Savannah Electric became part of Southern Company and the transition was final, I stayed because I loved the industry and knew the community needed us. Although it was a challenging time with new management, we navigated through it, and I was proud to help make that transition successful, ensuring customers of Georgia Power’s commitment to reliable service and to the community.

Swann Seiler, 2026 Woman of the Year, speaks during the United Way of The Coastal Empire's Women Who Rule Luncheon earlier this year.

I'm also proud in general that our company is at its best during storms. There was always a "get the lights on" philosophy at Georgia Power. A former Georgia Power leader once said, "Take everything you've got and throw it at keeping the lights on." I've never forgotten that. Hurricane Matthew stands out as a great example.

There was a massive evacuation of the city, and many of us went to Statesboro. Our Georgia Power External Affairs team members were the last people to leave Savannah. I worked through the night. Trees were everywhere, and there was no power and no air conditioning. It was so dark and was one of the most surreal experiences of my career. But we were a family, and we worked together like a well-oiled machine and got through it.

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

The company gave me some unbelievable opportunities to travel, hear great speakers, participate in educational opportunities, and meet incredible people.

Swann volunteering her time to read to children.

The best part of working at Georgia Power was the people I worked with. My greatest admiration goes out to the linemen who were always on the frontlines, despite whatever weather conditions they faced throughout the year.

Can you share your secrets to success?

In order to have success, you have to surround yourself with the best people, and I was blessed to work with great people.

In addition, you have to work hard, which often means long hours. That translates into community work, too. You can't become a board president or leader and then rest on your laurels.

Swann volunteering with church to help feed the community.

Earn people's trust. Communicate honestly and directly. I learned from the people around me, and I showed them that I respected what they did and wanted to learn from them. I developed internal relationships first and then became a conduit between internal and external stakeholders.

Because I took the time to learn and become knowledgeable about our business and a range of issues as technology changed rapidly, the local media regarded me as knowing what I was talking about.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?

Early in my career, I didn’t manage my priorities as well as I learned to do later on. I would often be the only person left in the office after hours, so I missed birthday parties and family dinners. Looking back, I sometimes wonder if there was another way those situations could have been handled. As I got older, my perspective changed and I learned to focus on the most important things in life. My advice is simple: It's only a job. Take care of your family.

Finally, learn as much as you can and be knowledgeable. The media regarded me as someone who knew what she was talking about, and that credibility matters.

Swann during her time as UGA Alumni Chair.