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Southern Research Institute Names Dr. Mark Berry Director of Environment and Energy Operations in Alabama

December 2, 2013

New director is a recognized international expert in power plant systems R&D

Birmingham, Ala. – Southern Research Institute today announced that it has hired Mark Berry, Ph.D.—a highly regarded R&D professional in the electric utilities industry—to direct its Environment and Energy research operations based in Alabama.

“We were looking for a recognized leader in environment and energy research; someone who could help us continue our growth trajectory as this business enters the next phases of growth and technology development,” said Michael D. Johns, vice president of Engineering. “Dr. Berry brings all of those qualifications and more. We are adding a spectacular talent and leader to our ranks and I look forward to seeing what Southern Research can accomplish going forward.”

“I was always intrigued by the unique mix of technical know-how and entrepreneurial spirit that has always existed at Southern Research,” said Dr. Berry. “I am excited about the current technical program, but more excited about all of the opportunities for growth and development into new areas that exist. I am truly honored that I have been given this opportunity.”

Berry is a recognized international expert in the control of vapor phase mercury and particulate matter via electrostatic precipitation, fabric filtration, selective catalytic reduction, and flue gas desulfurization equipment. He was previously Manager of Environmental Assessment for Southern Company’s Research and Environmental Affairs organization where he managed the company’s regulatory response to federal rulemaking activity and its environmental science research program.

Berry spent 15 years working in various capacities as an applied researcher to aid in the development of technologies to reduce emissions from power plants. Berry started his employment with Southern Company Services as a research analyst and eventually became Director of Research and Technology Management with responsibilities managing R&D efforts in environmental controls, advanced generation development, power delivery and end use.

Berry was also instrumental in creating the state-of-the-art Water Research Center (WRC) at Georgia Power Company’s Plant Bowen site in Cartersville, Ga. The WRC focuses on finding new ways to reduce, conserve and improve the quality of water returned to the environment from power plants. It is the first U.S. research facility of its kind, and is made possible through a partnership with Georgia Power, EPRI, Southern Research Institute and 14 other companies aligned with the power generation industry.

Berry holds four patents regarding technical approaches to control emissions from coal-fired power plants. During his career, Berry has made numerous presentations on various environmental related technical issues at local, regional, national and international meetings and conferences. He has held leadership positions with the Utility Air Regulatory Group (UARG) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). He currently serves as President of the International Society of Electrostatic Precipitators (ISESP) and is an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Berry, a native of Birmingham, is a registered professional engineer (Alabama) and has a doctorate degree in Interdisciplinary Engineering from The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Alabama A&M University; bachelor’s and master’s of science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from UAB, and a master’s degree in Public and Private Management (MPPM) from Birmingham Southern College. Berry attained the commissioned rank of Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer.

About Southern Research Institute

Southern Research Institute is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) scientific research organization founded in 1941 that conducts preclinical drug discovery and development, advanced engineering research in materials, systems development, and environment and energy research. Approximately 500 scientific and engineering team members support clients and partners in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, defense, aerospace, environmental and energy industries. Southern Research is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., with additional laboratories and offices in Wilsonville and Huntsville, Ala., Frederick, Md., Durham, NC, Houston, TX, and Cartersville, Ga.

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