Ernest Moniz, the former U.S. Secretary of Energy under President Barack Obama, has been appointed independent director at the nation’s second-largest utility company.

The board of Southern Company announced Tuesday that Moniz, currently the CEO and co-chair of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, will serve on the board effective next month.

Moniz will serve on several of the board’s committees.

“I have long admired Southern Company for its innovative approach to research and development within the clean energy space,” said Moniz.

Southern Company CEO Thomas Fanning said Moniz would help the company shape America’s energy future.

“Ernie Moniz enhances our board by bringing a strong energy science and technology background together with the broad expertise in energy and environmental policy,” said Fanning in a written statement.

Moniz served as the Secretary of Energy from 2013-2017.

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