For Tony Ferguson, regional director of Georgia Power's northeast region, completing a degree while working full time is nothing new. He began his career with Georgia Power more than 32 years ago while still in school, taking classes at night at the University of North Georgia (UNG).
"I wanted to work for a company that provided opportunities to work in multiple disciplines and rewarded employees for hard work," Ferguson said. "I also respected the men and women at Georgia Power for the work they performed during storms and how the company brought businesses to Georgia through its involvement in economic development."
In addition to giving him the opportunity to advance in his career while earning degrees, balancing his professional and college life taught Ferguson many lessons outside of the classroom as well.
"My time at UNG taught me a lot about time management, hard work, building a network and relationships, working as a team and perseverance," Ferguson said. "I will never forget those years of climbing poles and working on the line crew at Georgia Power during the day, and then attending class at UNG at night. I knew that if I could earn my degree at UNG, I could move into any position at Georgia Power."
Admittedly, it may have taken him a little longer – "I was on the nine-year plan." – but Ferguson earned an associate degree, then completed a Bachelor of Business Administration with a double major in marketing and management in 1995. He later completed an MBA at Louisiana State University, Shreveport.
His hard work paid off and helped him advance in leadership. As Georgia Power's northeast regional director, Ferguson leads a team and has direct responsibility for the company's external activities for 189,000 customers in a 24-county area. In addition, he provides leadership and support for power delivery, customer service, sales, and community and economic development.
"Working at Georgia Power has given me the opportunity to do many things. I have worked in supply chain, power delivery (distribution and transmission line), sales, assistant to the executive vice president and external affairs," Ferguson said. "I have had the opportunity to live in multiple parts of the state and lead/manage teams across Georgia. I am blessed to work in communities to improve education, workforce development and economic development."
Of all the roles he has held, Ferguson said developing employees has been the most rewarding.
"My most meaningful work is when I develop and mentor employees," he said. "I strive to be an empowering leader with a focus on people development."
He also believes that a good manager empowers employees, allowing them to thrive. Ferguson's additional advice for those who seek to become successful business leaders?
"Build and nurture relationships; it's easy to start a relationship, but it takes work and effort to sustain it," he said. "Know who you are, in your core, and manage to it. Be confident in your beliefs, morals and sense of right and wrong."
In addition to leading Georgia Power's community initiatives in the region, Ferguson serves on the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce board, the Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation board, Envision Athens Implementation Oversight Committee, and is a member of the Athens Manufacturers Executives Roundtable and the Rotary Club of Athens.
