Catching Up with Willie Green

Keeping Current

Catching Up with Willie Green

Willie Green grew up on a farm in Warren County, Georgia. After graduating high school, Willie joined the U.S. Army where he did a tour in Vietnam before settling in Atlanta and working for Georgia State University. A friend suggested Willie interview for an open general clerk position at Georgia Power, and he was hired by the company in 1974 and spent the next 42 years working in various roles throughout the organization.

We caught up with Willie over the phone. The below excerpts have been edited for space.

What are you up to now?

My wife and I love traveling. We went to Paris for our 50th wedding anniversary, which was just wonderful. We walked everywhere, saw everything we wanted to see—it was beautiful.

Our youngest son is in the military and currently stationed in Maryland, so we plan trips around wherever he’s based, and we’re also really active in our church.

What was your proudest moment at our company?

For me, it was the people. Being in a leadership position gave me the opportunity to really get to know our team members—not just them, but their families too. I tried to understand what their needs were and match those with the company’s goals. That part of the job meant a lot to me.

We worked on a lot of materials for rate cases and for the Vogtle project. I remember taking several trips down to Vogtle and seeing the progress—from early construction all the way to when the reactors started to come online. That was really exciting.

 

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

For me, it was the people. Being in a leadership position gave me the opportunity to really get to know our team members—not just them, but their families too. I tried to understand what their needs were and match those with the company’s goals. That part of the job meant a lot to me.

I had incredible support – both from the company and my family. I went back to school at Georgia State while I was working. We had kids at the time, and I never took a break from classes—not even during the summer. I couldn’t have done that without my wife.

Can you share your secrets to success?

I was told early on: whatever job you’re doing, do the best job you can—and the rest will take care of itself. Even if it’s not in your job description, take it as a learning opportunity. Be willing to step in, stay focused and work hard. And if you’re lucky, you’ll have the kind of support I had from my family along the way.