CDE Lightband and National Corvette Museum Receive Awards at Seven States 2023 Annual Meeting
November 20, 2023

Innovation is essential if the Valley is to keep up with evolving consumer demand. Fortunately, our region is filled with leaders actively adopting new technology by partnering with Seven States Power Corporation.

At the recent Seven States Annual Meeting, the 2023 Spark Award was awarded to the General Manager of CDE Lightband, Brian Taylor, and the Innovation Award was presented to the National Corvette Museum.

CDE Lightband has proven itself to be an innovation leader of the Valley by installing four ChargePoint DC fast chargers, developing two utility-scale solar projects for a combined 6.75 MW of solar capacity, and participating in the Seven States Middle Mile Network (SSMMN).

Brian is also a Seven States Valley Innovation Ambassador ( read his VIA interview here ). While Brian could not receive the award himself, Seven States was honored to have CDE Lightband Chief Human Resources Officer Privott Stroman at the Annual Meeting to receive the award on Brain’s behalf.

The 2023 Innovation Champion Award was presented to the National Corvette Museum and accepted by its President and CEO Sharon Brawner. In addition to serving as the gracious host to the 2023 Seven States Annual Meeting, the Museum worked with Seven States to install three solar charging stations on its campus. These stations will allow tens of thousands of visitors annually to recharge cell phones or other personal devices through solar power.

Seven States also recognized the Museum’s impactful work to showcase and celebrate the iconic Corvette. The National Corvette Museum was purposefully chosen as the location of the 2023 Annual Meeting because the Corvette is a tangible example of continuous innovation. Every Corvette in its day was considered best in class: it was the most beautiful and powerful American vehicle that embraced new technology.

The mindset of continuous innovation built the Corvette of today just as it will build the grid of tomorrow.

Congratulations to Brian Taylor and CDE Lightband, as well as Sharon Brawner and the National Corvette Museum, for earning these outstanding awards!

A woman is standing at a podium giving a speech.

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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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