JACKSON, TENN. (October 27, 2016) – The Jackson Energy Authority today dedicated the “John W. Williams Control Center”, located at 125 E. College Street. John Williams as JEA President/CEO led the design and construction of this architecturally state-of-the-art underground control center. This center, now named in John’s honor, serves to coordinate and protect the central systems of all JEA services.
Speakers at today’s dedication included Ken Marston, Board Chair JEA, Kyle Spurgeon, President/CEO Jackson Chamber, Jerry Gist, Mayor of Jackson, Jimmy Harris, Madison County Mayor and Jim Ferrell current JEA President/CEO.
“For John Williams’ family, friends, and everyone that knew him, naming the Control Center in his honor is an appropriate recognition of John’s commitment to JEA customers and employees and his remarkable ability to anticipate future needs,” stated Jim Ferrell.
John was an 18-year-old student at U.T. Martin when he started at JUD in 1964 as a co-op in the Electric Division’s Engineering Department. John served many roles in his company career before leading JUD/JEA as President/CEO, 1990-2006.
Sensing the necessity of broadband Internet as a community communication infrastructure, John directed the change of the Jackson Utility Division (JUD) into the expanded Jackson Energy Authority (JEA).
All of today’s speakers noted John’s unique leadership and the continued impact he had in his career and life on Jackson and West TN.
Several members of the late John Williams’ family joined in today’s dedication.
