TAEBC members had the opportunity to have an open dialogue with the newest addition to TVA’s board, Jeff Smith.

Smith was nominated by President Donald Trump on Sept. 21, 2017, and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Dec. 21, 2017. He was sworn in by U.S. District Judge Pamela L. Reeves of the Eastern District of Tennessee.

Director Smith lives in Knoxville and serves as the Executive Vice President of Operations for UT-Battelle and the Deputy for Operations at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

During the meeting, Smith discussed his leadership style was something that was passed down to him from his father by leaving things in a better condition then when you found it.

He also elaborated how when it comes to economic development, TVA has been working to recruit companies to the area by making things more simplistic. He mentioned several conversations have taken place at TVA as the energy company sees more industries moving to the area, they are brainstorming ways TVA can be involved in the process.

Jeff also seemed open to more focus groups and interactions with stakeholders that include pilot or demonstration projects with TAEBC members.