Motivated to help others, Southern Company Gas employees’ passion for service is a shining light for their communities

Catherine McNeil, a Southern Company Gas talent development consultant based in Illinois, has always aimed to be a driving force for positive change within her community. A single mother motivated by gratitude toward those who have helped her own career and family flourish, she founded Disruptive INC to provide career and professional development assistance and related wraparound services to single parents between the ages of 18 - 40.

Her passion to fuel families forward has allowed Disruptive INC to improve the quality of life for more than 7,500 Illinois households by offering community enrichment and workforce development services in underserved communities.

In recognition of her selflessness, volunteerism and commitment to her community, Catherine – who doesn’t take a paycheck for her service to Disruptive INC – was selected as this year’s Luminary Award recipient and honored alongside other outstanding finalists.

Collectively, the group contributed more than 1,600 volunteer hours across Southern Company Gas’ Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee and Virginia territories. This year’s honorees were immensely involved in community outreach programs where activation and assistance needs were the greatest.

Their areas of contribution included: fostering and rescuing animals, providing youth mentorship and addressing critical issues ranging from food insecurity and temporary housing needs to the health and well-being of children and adults.

“We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the honorees whose community service is aligned with our values and reflected in the areas where we live, work and serve,” said Serena Levy, vice president of Corporate Responsibility at Southern Company Gas and president of Southern Company Gas Foundation. “It’s always been the giving spirit of our people that fuels the beating heart of our company.”

Honorees were chosen after a comprehensive review process by the Southern Company Gas Foundation Board of Directors. The recipients represent a talented workforce from Southern Company Gas and its family of energy companies across four states – Atlanta Gas Light, Chattanooga Gas, Georgia Natural Gas, Nicor Gas and Virginia Natural Gas.

The Foundation contributed a $5,000 gift to Disruptive INC in Catherine’s honor and issued $1,000 gifts to nonprofit organizations selected by each finalist.

Standing more than 4,800 strong, individuals across Southern Company Gas and its subsidiaries have strengthened neighborhoods and empowered people through volunteerism and community support for more than 160 years. In 2023, employees gave more than 5,000 hours of their time to volunteer with nonprofits across the country. Their willingness to serve not only Southern Company Gas’ 4.4 million customers but also go the extra mile is felt throughout the company’s operations and in its neighborhoods, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.