Alan Gates

With 35 years of experience in the industry, Alan Gates’ transition to President and CEO of Pennyrile Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation in 2018 provided him an opportunity to prepare his system for the future.

“There was a real need for broadband-to-the-home in our community. We already had SCADA and some other things in place at PRECC that would enable our system to work better for our members, but we knew that there was more we could offer. We started working on outlining broadband deployment in 2020 and have established a solid pathway to completion. I think by this time next year, we’ll have made significant progress on that front.”

In an industry that is evolving rapidly, Alan wants his members to know that he keeps his community’s needs in mind with every decision he makes.

“None of this is about me at all. The focus is always on what is best for our membership as a whole, and even as recently as the broadband project—we absolutely had to find a route that provided a desperately needed solution for the community. We had to figure out a way to serve each and every member. We’re thankful that with some help, we were able to do that and look forward to the positive impact it’s going to have on our community.”

With so much growth in the Valley, Alan encourages new leaders to truly plug in and get to know their community in order to know what innovation would be of most value.

“What works for one cooperative or LPC doesn’t necessarily work for everyone else. You have to listen to the people that you serve, work with your boards, and just make the best decision for your community. At the end of the day, that’s the reason we do what we do, and it’s important to keep that in focus.”

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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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