Seven States Launches Valley Innovation Ambassadors Initiative
November 21, 2022

Seven States President & CEO Betsey Kirk McCall announced at the 2022 Annual Meeting that the cooperative has launched the Valley Innovation Ambassadors (VIA) initiative as part of its guiding principle to serve as an innovation hub for LPCs.

The purpose of this initiative is twofold: to highlight our ambassadors’ innovative accomplishments in the Valley, and to share lessons learned/best practices about technology products and services provided by Seven States.

This group of ambassadors are leading their respective communities through technology. Each ambassador has completed a project or has an active project with Seven States, and their insights about technology will help us enhance solution offerings that we can scale and replicate more efficiently across the valley.

This month, a survey will be sent to all LPCs with technology projects completed in partnership with Seven States. This post-deployment insight from the member-owners of Seven States will be valuable to the cooperative’s operations.

The following LPC leaders will serve as the inaugural Valley Innovation Ambassadors:

KPPA

  • Dewayne McDonald, President & CEO – Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation
  • Jeff Hurd, GM – Hopkinsville Electric System

ADPDA

  • Chuck Bowlin, President & CEO – Greenville Energy Authority
  • Greg Williams, EVP & GM – Appalachian Electric Cooperative

CDMA

  • Brian Taylor, GM – CDE Lightband
  • Jennifer Brogdon, CEO & GM – Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation

WDMA

  • Andrea Harrington, GM – Weakley County Municipal Electric System
  • Kevin Murphy, President – Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation

NMPPA

  • Angela Verdell, PhD, GM – Columbus Light & Water
  • Keith Hayward, GM & CEO – North East Mississippi Electric Power Association

NAPPA

  • Tim Culpepper, CEO – Cullman Electric Cooperative
  • Mary McDuffa, Manager – City of Florence Utilities

SDPDA

  • Jarrod Brackett, GM & CEO – Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative
  • Tim Henderson, President & CEO – Cleveland Utilities

For any questions related to the VIA initiative, please contact Director of Business Support Services, Jessica Bradshaw at jcleveland@7spc.com.

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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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