The Alabama Senate has confirmed Gary L. Smith as the new appointee to the University of North Alabama Board of Trustees.

Smith, an Andalusia businessman and a 1976 UNA graduate, replaces Rodney Howard, who served on the board 11 years and did not seek reappointment. Smith’s term extends through September 2024.

Smith received his juris doctorate from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in 1979. He has been president and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative since January 2000. Headquartered in Andalusia, Alabama, PowerSouth is the second largest utility provider in the state and distributes electrical power to 39 counties in Alabama and 10 in northwest Florida, according to a news release from UNA.

The Senate also confirmed Gov. Ivey’s appointment last year of North Carolina pharmaceutical executive Anne C. Whitaker to fill a vacant seat on the UNA Board. Ivey’s reappointments of Joel Anderson and Simpson Russell to continue as board members in new six-year terms were confirmed as well. Terms for these three trustees also extend to 2024.