Charles D. McCrary Joins Southern Research Institute Board of Directors

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Officials at Southern
Research Institute, a not-for-profit organization that conducts basic and
applied research in the areas of preclinical drug discovery, drug and vaccine
development, advanced engineering, environmental and energy production, today
announced that Charles D. McCrary, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Alabama Power Company, has joined the company's Board of Directors.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080605/DC24451 )

"Charles McCrary is not only an outstanding leader of one of the South's
preeminent corporations, but a driving force in our community," said Carol Z.
Garrison, Ph.D., UAB President and Southern Research Board chair. "He
understands and appreciates the importance of research, development and
technology transfer to quality of life and economic development, and he
champions that vision. He will be a strong addition to this board."

McCrary brings more than 30 years of industry experience to the board, having
worked in a variety of roles within the Southern Company family since 1970.
Most notably, McCrary has served as President of Southern Company Generation,
as well as President of Southern Power Company. He currently serves as
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alabama Power Company.

"Joining the board of the Southern Research Institute is particularly
gratifying to me, because one of the founders of Alabama Power, Tom Martin,
was a driving force behind its creation," said McCrary. "Although many things
have changed since the Institute was chartered in 1941, its mission has
remained the same: to develop science and technology in a way that improves
the overall quality of life for everyone."

Born and raised in Alabama, McCrary graduated from Auburn University with a
B.S. in mechanical engineering. In addition to his work at Alabama Power, he
serves on the board of directors for Regions Financial Corporation,
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc., Protective Life Corporation, Business
Council of Alabama, Birmingham Museum of Art, and the State of Alabama
Archives and History Foundation.

"We are honored to welcome Charles McCrary to our Board of Directors," said
John A. "Jack" Secrist, III, Ph.D., president and CEO of Southern Research
Institute. "His experience and leadership in the fields of power and energy
will be a valuable asset to the board as we look to further expand our
research and development capabilities, specifically when it comes to
environmental and energy production."

About Southern Research Institute
Southern Research Institute is a not-for-profit organization that conducts
basic and applied research in the areas of preclinical drug discovery, vaccine
and drug development, advanced engineering, environmental research and energy
production. To date, Southern Research has discovered six FDA-approved cancer
drugs and discovered six additional drugs that are currently in late stage
preclinical and early clinical trials. No other company or institution has
brought six of its own cancer drug discoveries to market. For more
information, please visit www.southernresearch.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Rhonda Jung
(205)581-2317
Southern Research Institute
Jung@southernresearch.org

Nicki Polatin
(781)684-0770
Schwartz Communications
Southern@schwartz-pr.com

SOURCE Southern Research Institute

Rhonda Jung of Southern Research Institute, +1-205-581-2317,
Jung@southernresearch.org; or Nicki Polatin, +1-781-684-0770,
Southern@schwartz-pr.com, for Southern Research Institute