St. Louis-based Inroads has named Christopher Collier of Atlanta-based utility enterprise Southern Co. to its board of directors.

"Inroads has been making a big difference in the lives of underserved youth for many years," Collier said. "I am honored to serve on the national board of directors, especially in light of the legacy of prior board service established by my colleagues at Southern Co. I am eager to get to work in support of the organization in its future and strategic endeavors."

Refining young talent, Inroads prepares individuals from underserved communities for both commercial and community leadership roles. Collier serves in an executive capacity for Southern Co.’s human resources department, managing talent acquisition; overseeing diversity and inclusion, and leading recruitment and hiring.

He earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications at Auburn University and served in the U.S. Army for nearly a decade. He brings a track record of personal community involvement as well, belongs to professional organizations and serves on additional boards.

"We welcome Chris to our National Board and are truly excited to have him as a partner with Inroads," President and CEO Forest Harper Jr. said. "At Inroads, we grow young students to become 21st-century leaders through our programs. We develop top, diverse talent for the workforce, and we believe that Chris' expertise will play a unique role in helping our students reach their goals for the future."

The company has created professional partnerships between interns and prospective employers since 1970 with a focus on diversity and inclusion.