07/17/2026
Travis Williams, Loudon Utilities Director of Electric, was recognized with a special award at this years Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association - TMEPA annual meeting.
Following is the full body text of the award presentation from TMEPA Board Chair Terry Wimberly.
“Our next award is the Public Power Employee of the Year. We all know that our staff is the backbone of our utilities. This award recognizes those employees who have demonstrated incomparable excellence in their field and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication by making significant contributions to their utility, their community, and Public Power. This year we will recognize two individuals.
Our first recipient is the kind of public power professional every community hopes to have working on its behalf. When severe weather strikes, when neighboring systems are stretched thin, and when customers are counting on someone to step forward, he does not wait to be asked twice. He has answered that call on multiple occasions, including during Hurricane Helene and Winter Storm Fern, traveling to assist nearby utilities as well as systems much farther from home. He did it because service is simply part of who he is — service to his own utility, service to fellow public power systems, and service to people who need help when the lights are out and conditions are at their worst. Throughout his career, he has led with humility, steadiness, and a deep sense of responsibility. He supports other local power companies with materials, manpower, and practical assistance when they are working to restore service.
He leads selflessly, day and night, and he has earned the respect of those around him not only because of what he knows, but because of how freely he shares that knowledge. He invests in apprentices, lineworkers, and staff, passing along the experience gained over decades in the field and making sure the next generation understands how to do the job safely, correctly, and with pride. Beyond the utility, he serves on boards and committees throughout his community and the Tennessee Valley, including efforts that raise support for organizations such as Court Appointed Special Advocates.
During his 27 years in his utility’s electric department, he has built a reputation as someone who is always willing to serve — his customers, his coworkers, his utility, his community, and public power wherever help is needed. His spirit of service, his willingness to put the needs of others first, and his commitment to doing the hard work without seeking attention reflect the very best of public power. It is that long-standing dedication, quiet leadership, and unwavering commitment that make him an incredibly deserving recipient of this award. We are proud to present the Public Power Employee of the Year Award to the Director of Electric Operations at Loudon Utilities, Travis Williams…”
