David Ratcliffe brings a wealth of knowledge and executive experience to the Forum as the leader of one of America’s largest producers of electricity. Atlanta-based Southern Company generates more than $15 billion in revenue and owns electric utilities in four states across the Southeast.

Ratcliffe joined the Southern Company team in 1971 as a biologist and quickly moved up the management ranks. He has had his hand in nearly all facets of the company, and has held titles such as vice president of fuel services, executive vice president of Southern Company Services, and senior vice president of external affairs. From 1991 to 1995, Ratcliffe was president and CEO of Mississippi Power. He was the CEO of Georgia Power for five years - Southern Company’s largest subsidiary - before being named Southern Company’s president and CEO in 2004.

A native of Tifton, Ratcliffe received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Valdosta State University in 1970. He received a law degree from Woodrow Wilson College of Law in 1975 and is a member of the Georgia Bar Association.

Mercer University's Executive Forum Presented by BB&T