Member Spotlight

Rob Neely: Oxford Utilities General Manager

Rob Neely knows that innovation and long-term planning are vital in his industry. Leading Oxford Utilities as General Manager since 2011, Rob learned early that continuously implementing innovative technology is the key to the sustained success of his organization. We asked him to share some of the ways he has prepared his LPC’s infrastructure for the future: “Oxford Utilities has deployed a number of innovative solutions over the past 10 years. We’ve installed AMI electric and water meters on our system.

Frankie Moorman: Pontotoc Electric Power Association

With 27 years of industry experience, Frankie Moorman is no stranger to change, and his leadership of Pontotoc Electric Power Association has been an opportunity to ensure his system was prepared for the future. He shared some insight regarding how his LPC has navigated the deployment of new technology: “One of the most needed changes for our system was switching over to AMI metering. Collecting data in person had become outdated and often unsafe for our team, and finishing the conversion

Kevin Murphy: Valley Innovation Ambassador

Kevin Murphy’s transition to President of Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation in 2009 was an opportunity to ensure his system was prepared for the future. He offered the following thoughts regarding how his LPC has navigated the deployment of needed technology: “Southwest is trying to be at the forefront of bringing internet service to our area, and we’ve also helped different communities and co-ops get involved in this process.  We’re working with other co-ops and municipals in the area that already

Andrea Harrington: Valley Innovation Ambassador

Andrea Harrington knows that innovation and long-term planning are paramount in our industry. Leading Weakley County Municipal Electric System (WCMES) as General Manager, Andrea has seen how continuously implementing innovative technology is essential to the sustained success of her organization and community.  She shared how Seven States has helped with their projects’ deployment. “WCMES needed electric vehicle charging options within our service territory to accommodate the growing electric vehicle traffic in the Martin area. We partnered with TVA and TDEC to

Jarrod Brackett: Valley Innovation Ambassador

Jarrod Brackett is no stranger to technological advancements in our industry.  Serving Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative (FLEC) as General Manager and CEO has given him an opportunity to see his team put their technical experience to work for his members. “Broadband improvements/access and electric vehicle charging sites would top the list of most needed technology developments at Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative in the future.  FLEC strives to help our members evolve and embrace technological advancements to improve their lives.  FLEC has

Tim Henderson: Valley Innovation Ambassador

Tim Henderson knows the value of technology and its wide-reaching impact on the Valley. Leading Cleveland Utilities Authority as President and CEO, Tim is focused on bringing innovation to his community to improve his customers’ lives. “We are about to enter the broadband business and are looking forward to the value it will add to our community.  And as part of that full buildout, we are really going to strengthen the electric system, because side by side, we’re also going to

Jennifer Brogdon: Valley Innovation Ambassador

With 31 years of industry experience, Jennifer Brogdon’s transition to general manager of Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation in 2021 was an opportunity to ensure her system was prepared for the future with new technology. “In March 2023, we launched our Outage Management System (OMS), giving our members and staff real-time information, visibility, and quicker response time during outages. We also just completed our 150-mile fiber ring to connect UCEMC’s corporate and district offices and substations, and we are eager for

Brian Taylor: Valley Innovation Ambassador

Brian Taylor knows how vital innovative partnerships and technology are in preparing the grid for the future. Brian has led CDE Lightband as general manager since 2012 with a deep understanding of technological diversity and strategic partnerships. We asked him to share his experience deploying past projects with Seven States. “Seven States has been pivotal in our transformation and preparation for the future. Quite honestly, it’s been a game-changer in what we’re doing. There’s so much change in our industry, and

Tim Culpepper: Valley Innovation Ambassador

With his previous years of leadership experience as the General Counsel and Vice President of Administrative Services, Tim Culpepper’s transition to CEO of Cullman Electric Cooperative in 2018 was an opportunity to ensure his system was prepared for the future. He offered the following thoughts regarding how his LPC has navigated the deployment of new technology: “From our members’ perspective, one of our most-needed technological pieces was access to quality high-speed internet. We also needed to begin preparing for what the

Mary McDuffa: Valley Innovation Ambassador

Mary McDuffa knows that innovation and long-term planning are paramount in her industry. Leading the City of Florence Electric Department as General Manager since 2019, Mary learned early that continuously implementing innovative technology is the key to the sustained success of her organization. We asked her to share what she was looking forward to as she prepares her LPC’s infrastructure for the future: “As we get our AMI fully deployed, we’re already looking ahead to smart lighting that will conserve energy,