Lisa Miller

Energy Southeast

As Energy Southeast’s Manager of External Affairs, Lisa Miller oversees the joint action agency’s strategic communications and marketing efforts, economic and community development initiatives for its 11 Members, and governmental affairs activities. She joined Energy Southeast in February 2007 as Director of Communications, was promoted to Manager of Communications and Marketing in 2008, became Manager of Communications and Economic Development in 2020, and was named Manager of External Affairs in 2024.

Miller brings over 36 years of experience in communications, marketing, economic and community development, and governmental affairs within the electric utility industry. Before joining Energy Southeast, she served as Manager of Communications and Public Relations for Central Alabama Electric Cooperative (CAEC) in Prattville, Alabama, for 18 years. Earlier in her career, she worked as Editor and General Manager for two weekly newspapers: The Community Press in Millbrook, Alabama (1986–1989), and The Dadeville Record in Dadeville, Alabama (1982–1986).

In her current role, Miller serves as editor of Energy Southeast Communiqué, Energy Southeast Utility News E-Newsletter, and Energy Southeast Economic Development News. Her responsibilities include managing Energy Southeast’s Scholarship Program, maintaining the content and structure of Energy Southeast’s website and social media platforms, and planning the annual Energy Southeast Power Supply Conference. Additionally, she administers Hometown Connections® marketing efforts (as Energy Southeast serves as the Hometown Connections Sales Affiliate for Alabama and Mississippi), coordinates Energy Southeast media relations, and supports Members with media relations. Miller also actively works on community and economic development initiatives through the Energy Southeast Economic Development Program.

As Energy Southeast’s governmental affairs liaison, she manages the agency’s governmental affairs channels, cultivates relationships with government leaders to represent Energy Southeast’s interests, and collaborates with Members’ governing bodies to support mutual goals.

Miller has been an active member of the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) since her time at CAEC, where memberships with EDAA were an integral part of the organization. Her transition to Energy Southeast naturally included continuing her involvement with EDAA.

Among her most rewarding projects, Miller highlights working daily with Energy Southeast’s Member economic development organizations to support their efforts in creating jobs and fostering opportunities in their communities. She emphasizes the agency’s active role in promoting economic and community development, improving quality of life, and encouraging vibrant, economically stable communities.

Miller finds immense value in her EDAA membership, citing the organization’s role as a leading advocate for economic growth in Alabama. She appreciates the networking and training opportunities and cherishes the relationships she has developed through her involvement. Serving as chairman of the Communications Committee has allowed her to take a more active role in shaping EDAA’s strategic marketing and communications initiatives and promoting the organization’s brand.

Jamie Troutman

Cullman Economic Development Agency

Jamie grew up in Cullman, Alabama, where her family has lived for generations. She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Public Relations. While in college, she completed an internship in the media/PR office at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. After graduation, she moved to Huntsville and worked at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, where she was introduced to economic development. Jamie and her husband eventually decided to return to their hometown of Cullman, where she began working at the Cullman Economic Development Agency—and the rest is history.

Jamie works for the Cullman Economic Development Agency, a department of the City of Cullman, but its focus is countywide. The agency operates under the motto, “What is good for one is good for all.”

In her role, Jamie is involved in all aspects of economic development, including industrial recruiting, research, grants, federal funding, marketing, relationship building, governmental affairs, community projects, and more.

The importance of the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) was instilled in Jamie through years of working side-by-side with Peggy Smith and Dale Greer. Jamie has served EDAA in numerous ways, including as conference chair and committee member, on the Legislative Committee, the Board of Directors, and as Chair of the Wage & Benefit Survey Committee. She has also served on the Executive Committee. Currently, Jamie is the First Vice President and will assume the role of President in January at the 2025 Winter Conference.

One of Jamie’s most memorable projects in economic development was recruiting Topre America Corporation to Cullman early in her career. Topre was Cullman’s first Japanese company and the largest project she had worked on at the time. Jamie and her team worked tirelessly on the project, spending long hours studying Japanese culture, comparing states, and gathering information. The week Topre began operations, Jamie was driving through rural Cullman County and saw someone walking to their mailbox in a Topre uniform. At that moment, she realized the profound impact her work had not only on the community but also on the lives of individuals and their families.

Jamie values her EDAA membership most for the training and education it provides, as well as the networking opportunities and relationships she has built through membership and participation. These connections, she believes, are unmatched.