John Hutchinson Retiring From Gulf Power

November 18, 2014

John L. Hutchinson, Gulf Power’s director of Community and Economic Development is retiring on November 21 after 24 years of service for the local utility and a total of 32 years working for the utility industry.

In his current role, he is responsible for the company’s job creation, community building and charitable and civic programs as well as ensuring the company maintains strategic and credible relationships with key community stakeholders.

Before taking over economic development, John served as the face of Gulf Power as director of Corporate Communications for 22 years. He was the utility’s spokesperson during some of the company’s most challenging storm events, including Hurricane Ivan.

John has worked extensively with local, regional and state economic development organizations and has helped Gulf Power build strong community relationships and manage important public policy issues.

“John has helped Gulf Power become the company it is today,” said Stan Connally, Gulf Power president and CEO. “He has worked hard over the years to not only help ensure Gulf Power is providing our customers with what they need, but also has continued to invest personal time and energy into moving Northwest Florida forward as a region. His creativity, passion and guidance has made him a well-respected leader and friend to many at our company and across Northwest Florida and he will be missed.”

In recent years, John participated in several economic development trade missions with Enterprise Florida and Florida’s Great Northwest and worked closely with local economic development organizations across Northwest Florida to help attract new businesses and to help existing businesses expand.

An active member of the community, he also represented Gulf Power in many different venues, from making frequent public presentations to serving on community and civic boards and task forces. He is currently serving as Community Economic Development Association president, University of West Florida Foundation chairman, and is on the executive committee for Florida’s Great Northwest.

He has been named both Community Leader of the Year (2002) and Volunteer of the Year (1997) by the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce. He also was named Communicator of the Year in 2009 by the Florida Public Relations Association.

A graduate of Louisiana State University, John held various positions with Gulf Power, Mississippi Power and Southern Company Services during his 32 years in the electric utility business.

Comments

One Response to “John Hutchinson Retiring From Gulf Power”

  1. Duke of Wawbeek on November 20th, 2014 7:41 am

    Even with a golden parachute, any landing you can walk away from is a good landing.

    Live long and enjoy your retirement John Hutchinson.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News