THOMASVILLE, GA — Flowers Foods’ board of directors has elected a new board member. Effective Oct. 1, Sterling A. Spainhour, executive VP and chief legal officer of Southern Co., joins the board and will serve on its audit and finance committees.

“Flowers’ board of directors is pleased to welcome Sterling as its newest member,” said Ryals McMullian, chair and CEO of Flowers. “His deep expertise in M&A, legal matters and corporate governance will complement and strengthen our existing board composition as we evolve the Flowers business. The board and I look forward to working with Sterling to advance our strategic priorities and drive increased shareholder value.”

Spainhour oversees the legal, compliance, corporate governance, internal audit, aerial services and security organizations for Southern Co., a leading energy provider.

During his more than 30-year career, he has held senior positions at CNN and law firm Jones Day. In addition to his appointment to the Flowers board, Spainhour also serves on the board of Gray Media, Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, Emory Healthcare Network and the University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill Arts and Sciences Foundation.