Houston Smith

Examiner
DISC Type : cs

Vice President | Governmental Affairs at Alabama Power Company

Greater Birmingham, Alabama Area, United States

Overview

Houston Smith is the Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Alabama Power, leveraging a background as an attorney for Balch & Bingham. He earned his JD from The University of Alabama School of Law and has progressed through several director-level roles within the company, including in public relations and federal affairs.

Outside of his primary role, Houston is an active community leader in Birmingham. He serves on the executive committee of the Birmingham Business Alliance and the board of directors for the Birmingham Airport Authority, demonstrating a commitment to local economic development and infrastructure.

He actively champions local initiatives, such as those supporting Alabamas Hispanic and immigrant communities.

Personality Overview

Overcautious

Unexpressive

Tough To Convince

The only way to convince them is by showing them examples and ample proof.  They are heavily focused on quality and prefer doing things the right way, even if it takes time. They tend to have clarity about their needs and constraints, and are unlikely to over-promise.

Topics They Care About

Governmental Affairs
As VP of Governmental Affairs, he leads Alabama Power's interactions with state and federal legislative and regulatory bodies.
Economic Development
Serves on the Birmingham Business Alliance executive committee and supports local economic growth initiatives like the Camino Loan Fund.
Community Leadership
Holds board positions with the Birmingham Airport Authority and actively recognizes and supports other community leaders in Alabama.

Media Appearances

Houston has no verified media appearances

Work History

1-2018
Vice President | Governmental Affairs at Alabama Power Company
6-2016 - 11-2017
Director of Federal and Corporate Affairs at Alabama Power Company
1-2012 - 6-2016
Director - Public Relations at Alabama Power Company
9-2005 - 3-2013
Attorney at Balch & Bingham

Education

2002 - 2005
JD from The University of Alabama School of Law
1997 - 2002
BS from University of Alabama at Birmingham

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 20 Location : Greater Birmingham, Alabama Area, United States Job Level : Senior Designation : Vice President | Governmental Affairs at Alabama Power Company
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Insights For Selling To Houston

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Expect them to be vague in response to your questions, ask firmly and pointedly
  • Ask them which other stakeholders would be important for this purchase decision
  • First of all, focus on building their confidence by sharing examples, case studies etc.

DONT's

  • Avoid getting into storytelling mode, especially when they ask specific questions
  • Don't be very accepting if that is your natural style, stay firm
  • Don't rely on relationship building even if they act pleasantly

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Houston is

  • For them, low risk and acceptance by others are very important, followed by proof of ROI.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Houston

  • They don’t say no often, they push out the decisions or keep going around in circles.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Houston move?

  • They do not like to take decisions in a hurry, so they could be slow in making their mind up.
  • Can Houston take some risk or not?

  • They are low on risk-appetite and prefer to make informed decisions.

You And Houston

Personality Compatibility


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