Anthony Topazi MEC's chair for 2008-2009

Mississippi Business Journal, The, Jun 30, 2008

Anthony Topazi, president and CEO of Mississippi Power, has been elected the Mississippi Economic Council's chair for 2008-2009.

Topazi says his goal is to continue the legacy of excellence, fairness and respect MEC has achieved through the leadership of its past chairs and members.

"I don't view MEC as an organization. I view it as an institution. MEC is a respected institution whose advice and support are sought out on virtually every public policy issue that occurs in this state. I am committed to sustaining this level of excellence." Topazi says.

MEC also announced lack Reed Jr., president of R.W. Reed Company Incorporated in Tupelo, will serve as the 2009-2010 Chair. Mayo Flynt, president of AT&T Mississippi, will serve as Anthony Topazl 2010-2011 chair, while Jerry Host, president and COO of Trustmark National Bank, has taken the position of treasurer. Roy Ward, chairman emeritus of HORNE LLP, will become MEC's treasurer emeritus.

MEC's 2007-2008 chair Carolyn Shanks, senior vice president of Enexus Energy Corporation and former Entergy Mississippi president and CEO, handed over the reigns to Topazi at MEC's 59th Annual Meeting May 7, 2008. Topazi says he is honored to become chair of MEC at a time when Mississippi is positioned for a new era of growth.

"MEC stands ready to be involved and to partner with pubic officials as we continue our efforts to move Mississippi forward," Topazi says.

Topazi took on his current job with Mississippi Power in 2004. Previously, Topazi was executive vice president of Southern Company Generation and senior vice president of Southern Power, which owns and manages new generation assets dedicated to the wholesale markets.

Topazi is also chairman of Momentum Mississippi, a public-private partnership appointed by the Governor to enhance the state's economic development future. He previously served on the steering committee of Blueprint Mississippi and co-chaired its economic development work group. He serves as chairman of the Gulf Coast Business Council omd The Renaissance Corp.