Partnership Yields Place for McCall on ORNL SecCom Industry Advisory Board
April 8, 2020

In much the same way that DER devices are connecting consumers to the electrical grid, a partnership established with the U.S. Department of Energy-funded Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in September 2019 is connecting us to a network of technology partners and a world of possibilities. Last fall, when ORNL leaders participated in our annual meeting held at their site just outside of Knoxville, Tenn., it sparked both a relationship and an invitation to Seven States Power Corporation’s Betsey Kirk McCall to join the technology lab’s SecCom Industry Advisory Board.

SecCom stands for “secure communications,” and the advisory board studies and solves grid security challenges stemming from an ever-increasing number of interconnected devices. The board is helping identify solutions that ensure resilient, end-to-end or point-to-point communications for the nation’s electricity infrastructure. The advisory board, which consists of cybersecurity experts, community-owned and investor-owned power companies and ORNL scientists, is focused on enhancing the cyber-physical security of generation and transmission systems.

“Fiber, sensors, distributed energy resources and other assets are operating on open networks, and that’s not a sustainable model,” said McCall, executive vice president of Seven States Power. “The assets must be secure to benefit the grid and the user, and we are honored to be a trusted resource to the team and excited to bring the expertise of other technology experts back to our members.”

McCall added that the SecCom Industry Advisory Board is helping her team learn about vendors, solutions and potential pitfalls as they prepare to offer a turnkey cybersecurity solution for members across the Tennessee Valley. Her team is working with NRECA and APPA to share information, develop educational materials and define a robust cybersecurity program for Seven States Power members.

Chattanooga EPB is also represented on ORNL’s SecCom Industry Advisory Board. EPB, a Seven States Power member company, is actively involved in testing both infrastructure and advanced concept solutions.

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Here We Grow Again! Seven States Welcomes Kim Shumpert as VP of Public Relations

By Jessica Bradshaw • June 9, 2025
Seven States Power Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Kim Shumpert as Vice President of Public Relations. Shumpert brings over two decades of experience in growing the capacity and impact of multiple organizations within both the public and private sectors. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Public Administration, Shumpert brings a distinguished background in executive leadership, having guided regional economic development initiatives and directed comprehensive communication strategies across diverse platforms. Her experience includes successfully managing media relations and fostering strong partnerships. In her new role as Vice President of Public Relations, Shumpert will spearhead efforts to increase the organization’s impact, deepen stakeholder engagement, and advance the mission of empowering LPCs to meet growing consumer demand for technology and innovation in an evolving utility landscape. “We are thrilled to welcome Kim to our team,” said Betsey Kirk McCall, Seven States President & CEO. “Her proven ability to build meaningful relationships and communicate with purpose aligns perfectly with our vision for growth and engagement.” Shumpert joins Seven States at a pivotal time in the energy industry. Her leadership will play a crucial role in supporting Seven States Power Corporation’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to design, develop, and deploy forward-thinking energy solutions in partnership with LPCs and the communities they serve.  Seven States Power Corporation is a trusted partner to 153 local power companies across the Tennessee Valley, delivering customized energy and generation solutions and supporting community success through technology and innovation. To stay up to date on Seven States projects, announcements, and news, subscribe to our newsletter .
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