John W. Atherton

John W. Atherton

Vice President, Public Relations and Corporate Services

John Atherton, Mississippi Power's vice president of Public Relations and Corporate Services, is responsible for Environmental Affairs, Corporate Services (includes Safety & Training, General Services, Facilities and Security), Public Relations and Corporate Communication.

Atherton also oversees Supply Chain Management (includes Procurement, Contracts and Storeroom Operations) and Information Technology (includes Client Services, Field Operations and Telecom).

He began working for Mississippi Power in 1985 and has held various leadership positions within the company.

Throughout his career, Atherton has been an active participant in many community and professional organizations along the Gulf Coast and throughout Mississippi. He serves as a board member for several groups, including the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, Mississippi Economic Council, Gulf Coast Business Council, USM Research Foundation, Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum and Mississippi Coast Foreign Trade Zone.

Atherton is on the business advisory board for USM Gulf Coast and is a member of the Southern Miss 100 advocacy group. He also serves as commissioner for the Harrison County Development Commission.

He is a graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast and Leadership Mississippi and has been involved in executive training programs at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and Northwestern University's Kellogg School.

Atherton is a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and attended Gulfport High School. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in marketing.

He is a member of St. James Catholic Church and resides in Gulfport with his wife, Lori.