Jackson Energy Authority Announces Leadership Changes
Jackson Energy Authority Announces Leadership Changes
Jackson, TN – Effective today, Monte Cooper has transitioned into the, President/CEO role at Jackson Energy Authority (JEA). Cooper stated, “I am pleased to announce the following changes to JEA’s organizational structure.”
On February 13, 2023, Ryan Porter will become JEA’s new Chief Operating Officer. Ryan comes to JEA from the Greater Jackson Chamber where he served as Chief Strategy Officer & General Counsel, Chief Operating Officer, and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives from 2011 - present. Ryan’s employment with the Chamber began after working as an attorney with Pentecost, Glenn & Tilly from 2009 - 2011. Prior to that, Ryan was employed at our very own Jackson Energy Authority for 7 years as Director of Safety & Security and he also served as a Police Officer, Crime Scene Technician and Field Training Officer for the Jackson Police Department from 1998 - 2002. Ryan graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and received his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 2007 from the Nashville School of Law.
Effective immediately, Ted Austin will assume the role of Chief Customer Officer. Ted joined JEA in 2002 as a Customer Service Representative and in September of 2003 he was promoted to Customer Accounts Supervisor in the Call Center. On February 5, 2007, Ted accepted the position of Senior Marketing Manager and in July 2008 he was promoted to the position of Manager of Customer Care. In 2013, Ted became Vice President of Customer Service and Community Relations where he was responsible for field services, propane services, customer care and marketing and communications. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee at Martin and in 2012 he earned his MBA from Union University.
Additionally, effective immediately, Mike Baughn will assume the position of Chief Technology Officer. Mike Baughn began his career at Jackson Energy Authority in July 2004 as a Programmer Analyst. Over the next several years, he served in various roles within JEA’s Information Technology department and was promoted to his most recent role as Vice President of Information Technology in September 2011. Mike graduated from Bethel College in McKenzie, TN with a B.S. in business management, minoring in computer information systems. Mike earned an MBA from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2009.
Jackson Energy Authority is one of very few public utilities in the nation to offer all major utility services from one company. Outstanding customer service paired with the strength of diversity in services and commitment to community has enabled JEA to maintain its mission: to create value for customers and help improve the quality of life in our community.