Georgia Chamber of Commerce Hosts Third Annual Future of Energy & Sustainability Event

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Monday, May 5th, 2025

Today, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted the third annual Future of Energy and Sustainability event. The Future of Energy and Sustainability event is the premier statewide event showcasing the Georgia business community’s commitment to clean tech, innovation, resilience and cutting-edge business practices. Norfolk Southernand Oglethorpe Power delivered spotlight presentations. A full list of speakers, panels, and breakout sessions is available below.

The 2025 Future of Energy and Sustainability event took place at the headquarters of the Coca-Cola Company, a global corporate leader in incorporating sustainability into its business practices.

Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber said:

“Today’s event brought together energy and clean tech leaders from across the state to build solutions and partnerships for Georgia’s long-term prosperity. I am heartened to see so many Georgia Chamber members investing now to ensure we can sustainably build on Georgia’s record-breaking economic success for generations to come.”

Savannah Taylor, Research Director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation said:

“The Georgia Chamber Foundation is thrilled to host leaders in sustainable business practices for the third year in a row. This year, we dove into how Georgia’s businesses are strategizing sustainable investment for the future. Our leaders are optimistic for Georgia’s future, paving the way for sustainable energy, growing natural resources, and supporting expanding economic development.”

Josh Raglin, Chief Sustainability Officer, Norfolk Southern said:

“As one of the nation’s largest railroad networks, we strive for resilient, sustainable service for our customers and our communities. Our investment in low-carbon fuels, renewable energy, and our people are leading the way. I was honored to share our story on behalf of my co-workers and left inspired by so many of our corporate neighbors who are working to lessen environmental impacts while driving economic growth.”

Annalisa Bloodworth, President & CEO, Oglethorpe Power said:

“Georgia’s growing energy demand brings both opportunities and challenges, and Oglethorpe Power is working to generate more safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable power for our 38 member cooperatives and the millions of Georgians they serve. With valuable partners like the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and our state leaders, together with our members, we’re helping build a more sustainable energy future.”

Spotlight Session 
Josh Raglin, Chief Sustainability Officer, Norfolk Southern  
Jennifer Singh, Sustainability Catalyst, ATDC Georgia Tech

Spotlight Session   
Annalisa M. Bloodworth, President & CEO, Oglethorpe Power

Innovations in Georgia Forestry  
Katie Childers, Director of State and Local Government Affairs, Delta Air Lines    
Matt Hestad, Senior Vice President, Georgia Forestry Association    
John Mulcahy, Senior Vice President, Georgia Pacific, LLC   
Moderator: Burt Fealing, Executive Vice President, Southwire Company, LLC

The Evolving Energy Grid  
Keith Daniel, Senior Vice President, Transmission Policy, Georgia Transmission Corporation    
Doug Lego, Senior Vice President of Transmission, MEAG Power    
Aaron Mitchell, Vice President, Pricing and Planning, Georgia Power    
Moderator: Anne Rogers, Global Sustainability Manager, Carbon and Climate, AGCO Corporation

Breakout Session 1: Exploring Solar in Georgia   
Ben Oberman, SVP, Strategic Partnerships and Customer Solutions, Silicon Ranch    
Zac Powell, Chief Revenue Officer, Cherry Street Energy   
Jeff Pratt, President, Green Power EMC   
Moderator: Tyler Mauldin, Senior Project Manager, Energy Markets, Microsoft Corporation

Breakout Session 2: Green Investments and Opportunities    
Rex Hamre, Head of Sustainability Consulting North America, JLL   
Maria Saab, Senior Manager, SE for AWS Public Policy, Amazon, Inc.    
Shawn Young, Managing Director, Energy and Natural Resources Group, Regions Bank   
Moderator: Peden Young, Global Impact and Sustainability, Chick-Fil-A

Recasting Clean Tech Jobs   
Glen Burks, Vice President Operations, Archer Aviation    
Stuart Countess, President and CEO, KIA Georgia and 2025 Vice Chair, Georgia Chamber of Commerce   
Moderator: Chris Clark, President & CEO, Georgia Chamber of Commerce

Sustainable Development   
Mason Ailstock, CEO, The Rowen Foundation   
James Marlow, President, Southface Institute    
Moderator: Meredith Lindvall, AVP of Waste, Water and Nature-Biodiversity, Cox Enterprises

Reception Sponsor Remarks
Lavonya Jones, Just Energy Director, Partnership for Southern Equity