LUB hires Regina Kennedy as new GM; other business 

Board members approved her hiring unanimously

TOP PHOTO: Long-time LUB employee Regina Kennedy was tapped as LaFollette Utility’s new general manager. 

By Charlotte Underwood 

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- LaFollette Utility Board members voted to hire long-time LUB employee and interim General Manager Regina Kennedy for the position to head up the utility. Kennedy has been with LaFollette Utility more than 36 years and previously served as the Director of Administrative Services. Her starting salary as the new general manager was set at $200,000 yearly, with a five-year contract. Kennedy replaces Kenny Baird, who retired from his position in May.

Kennedy thanked board members for their “vote of confidence” in her abilities and said she was humbled by their decision.

“I want to do what’s best for the customers and what’s best for the employees. Kenny did an outstanding job, and I want to keep it moving in that direction… I will do my very best to serve,” Kennedy said.

April marked her 36^th year with the utility. She said she started in April of 1988 as a customer service representative. She spent 25 years as assistant director of administrative services and the last five years as director of administrative services.

Board members (below) approved her hiring unanimously.

According to LUB board member Jay Willougby, who headed up the search committee, the utility received 10 resumes for the position which was advertised through the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association (TPPA). Willoughby narrowed it down to four resumes to bring to the board. Of those, Kennedy was chosen.

Criteria that the hiring committee looked at included “TVA interaction, as well as interaction with administration and management, college degree in business and finance preferred, employment stability history, comparative customer base, comparative services provided, community interaction and involvement and direct utility board interaction, among others. 

In other business, also approved was a payment in-lieu-of-taxes resolution for the agreement between LUB and the City of LaFollette. 

According to Kennedy, this is something the utility does each year. 

“LUB and the city pass nearly identical resolutions each year. The amount we pay to the city is mandated by the state. We pay those monthly, ” Kennedy said.

A resolution was also appearing for a “Safety Partners” Loss Control matching grant. The utility applies for this each year and can get up to $2,000 back on safety equipment. This year, funds would be spent on voltage detectors. 

Next month’s LUB workshop is August 26 at 6 pm, with the meeting to follow at 6:30pm. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 07/30/2024-6AM)