Georgia Transmission Corporation has named Joseph E. Sowell as Vice President of System Planning, effective July 1.

In his new position, he will oversee the corporation’s bulk system planning, member planning and system protection functions.

“It’s an honor to be named to the position of vice president, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” said Sowell. “I look forward to continuing our success in System Planning as well as overcoming new challenges with our group of talented and dynamic professionals.”

Sowell began his electric utility career as a co-op student for Okefenokee Rural Electric Membership Corporation in Nahunta, Ga. He has served in various capacities since he joined Georgia Transmission in 2002, including manager of Member Planning Services and manager of Bulk System Planning.

“Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position,” said Jerry Donovan, president and CEO of Georgia Transmission. “In addition, he has strong, established relationships with our member systems, Georgia’s Integrated Transmission System Participants and numerous industry trade organizations and corporations. We’re pleased to recognize his impressive accomplishments by advancing him to this crucial role in our organization.”

Prior to joining Georgia Transmission, Sowell worked for various companies in the aerospace, two-way radio and fiber-optics industries. He has more than 20 years of management/leadership experience in the power utility and electrical industry.

A native of Nahunta, Ga., Sowell earned his B.S. in electrical engineering technology from Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta. He has been a registered professional engineer since 1997. Joe and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 26 years and have two children, Emily and Hunter. Emily is a registered dental hygienist and resides in Canton, Ga. Hunter will be pursuing a doctor of pharmacy degree at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., in the fall.