TVPPA President/CEO Jack Simmons announced Dec. 12 that he plans to retire on June 1, 2017.
TVPPA Chairman Greg Williams lauded Simmons’ performance not only at TVPPA, but also as chief executive of Seven States Power Corporation, a TVPPA-member-owned G & T cooperative, and Distributors Insurance Co. (DIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of TVPPA.
“Jack has served as president/CEO of all three organizations simultaneously,” Williams said. “He has improved immensely the financial performance of TVPPA, grown the strength and operating success of DIC and was instrumental in the formation of Seven States.
“We owe Jack a tremendous debt of gratitude for his service in these roles and for the model servant-leader he has been,” Williams said.
Simmons has 40 years of electric-utility experience, including 18 years with TVA, where he served as Power Supply manager. He also spent eight years as a consultant before succeeding Richard C. (Dick) Crawford as TVPPA’s CEO in 2004.
Simmons is an honors graduate of Tennessee Technological University, where he earned a degree in civil engineering. He is a registered Professional Engineer and a past president of the Chattanooga Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
TVPPA Chairman Williams said Simmons is “willing to work as necessary … to ensure a smooth transfer of leadership,” but added that the TVPPA Board of Directors will “move expeditiously” to identify his successor.
“The board does want to accommodate Jack’s request for a June 1 retirement,” Williams said. “In the meantime, TVPPA’s work will continue with Jack at the helm. We remain committed to continuing our work in serving the interests of our members.”