Ralph Williams, Jr. is the new vice president of Alabama Power’s Birmingham Division.

With the company since 2011, Williams will lead the company’s economic and community development initiatives and external affairs activities in the Birmingham metropolitan area.

He previously served in Birmingham Division as community engagement director and division area manager, and has been involved in corporate relations and external affairs.

A Birmingham native, Williams has also served as a campaign manager, governmental affairs consultant and lobbyist, working with the AFL-CIO and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

He studied political science at Miles College and Alabama A&M University.