JANS – The Jackson Advocate features company leaders dedicated to making a difference in childhood literacy. At Atmos Energy, student education is part of Atmos Energy’s Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities initiative and what one leader has aspired to improve.
Atmos Energy strives to hire and train a workforce that reflects the 1,400 unique communities it serves, because the meaningful contributions of a workforce with a variety of skills, talents, backgrounds, and experiences fosters innovation and engagement – and it supports the company’s vision of being the safest provider of natural gas services. For nearly 30 years, Public Affairs Manager Linda Waters has been a shining example of Atmos Energy’s community-focused approach.
“At Atmos Energy, we operate by guiding principles that shape our culture and encourage excellence in service,” said Linda. “Our leaders encourage using our time, resources, and talents to make a positive difference in the communities we serve. To work for a company that understands the importance of making a difference in people’s lives is what makes being a public affairs manager for Atmos Energy rewarding.”
Raised in the small town of Laurel, Miss., Linda witnessed different scenarios of how a community genuinely cares for its neighbors, from sharing limited resources to babysitting a child whose parents are at work. Growing up in such a community provided opportunities of humility and care. Linda said people will remind her mom of the times she shared southern style meals made with caring hands and prepared on a gas stove. Growing up in a single-parent household, her mom worked hard to give her the best in life. Working summer jobs at age 13, Linda developed a ‘If I’m going to have anything in life, I must dedicate the time and energy to work for it’ mindset.
Soon after graduating high school, Linda earned an associate degree at Jones County Junior College in Ellisville and later met and married her husband, Roger. Career opportunities in retail management relocated the couple to Meridian where they settled and raised their children. However, the demanding hours proved difficult for both. In 1996, after praying to God for another job opportunity, she learned of an opening at Mississippi Valley Gas in customer service. Unfortunately, when Linda arrived at the natural gas company to fill out an application, she found out she was a day too late.
“I visited with the supervisor and shared my story,” Linda recalled. “Suddenly, the supervisor reached in the drawer, pulled out an application and slid it across the desk for me to fill out. When I got the job, I knew this was the place for me.”
Linda worked in customer service from 1996 to 2002. Aspiring to move up in the company with new roles in growth and development, she applied for a position in the marketing department. Her transition took place two weeks prior to Atmos Energy’s acquisition of Mississippi Valley Gas. At first, Linda was nervous but says the acquisition turned out to be the best thing for Mississippi Valley Gas employees.
In 2012, Linda and her family relocated to Jackson, where she accepted a position in public affairs. With a passion for children and service, a certain moment at a Boys & Girls Club is one Linda will never forget:
“As I was learning Jackson, I spotted a Boys & Girls Club on the West side of town. Noticing there was a need, I asked the president if Atmos Energy could help the organization. A team of about 25 employees painted, supplied, and transformed the teen center of the club. A little boy walked in, eyes widening, and said, ‘oh my, I always wanted a place like this to go.’”
‘An equitable opportunity for a high-quality education is foundational for a promising future for children’ is a phrase that has always resonated with Linda. She is currently working with the Jackson public school district to implement an initiative called Vooks to schools this fall term.
“Vooks is a great resource that will provide children the opportunity to engage and interact with electronic reading materials anywhere the internet is accessible,” Linda explained. “With Vooks, we can impact literacy rates and help kids develop and become the future leaders we know they can be.”
Linda believes education is the key to successful outcomes in life. In 2021, she began using Atmos Energy’s educational assistance program. The program provides up to $5,250 in tax-free assistance annually for tuition, books, administration, transfer, and related expenses. She saw a chance to complete a personal goal with her company’s support. In May, she accomplished her goal and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Southern Mississippi, with a minor in business.
“It was challenging,” said Linda. “As I completed courses, I still had to fulfill other responsibilities that come with being a wife, mom, grandmother, along with volunteer roles in my church, community boards, and public affairs community engagement. However, I encourage utilizing programs to earn a degree or continued education for growth and development.
One of the responsibilities Linda loves most about public affairs is serving on the donations committee, where leaders gather to review philanthropic opportunities and visit with agencies and organizations throughout the state to lend support and make a difference. She enjoys meeting people and having the opportunity to talk about her company and its employees. Linda also serves on the board of Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity, the Juanita Sims-Doty Foundation Board, President of the Mississippi Chapter of American Association of Blacks in Energy and supporter of Bridge Builders Youth Leadership Ministry.
“When people in the community thank us for the work we’re doing, that positive feedback tells me we’re doing the right thing,” said Linda. “Receiving feedback also gives us a chance to understand how we can help in other areas and improve. Natural gas safety is a partnership. We aim to inspire trust because we need our customers, and our customers need us to continue providing reliable energy to their community. Working together we can achieve our vision of being the safest provider of natural gas services and be recognized for excellent customer service.”
Linda reminds anyone who suspects a natural gas leak indoors or outdoors to “Act Fast” leave the area immediately, call 9-1-1 and call the Atmos Energy gas emergency number at 866.32.ATMOS – and to also visit www.atmosenergy.com for additional ways to learn more about Atmos Energy and our efforts to make a difference.
