WASHINGTON – President Bush announced that Michael B. Bemis is his nominee to fill a vacancy in the 9 member Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors.  Bemis, of Madison, Miss, was recommended for the position by Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker. 

Don DePriest of Columbus, Miss., currently serves as Mississippi’s only representative on the Board of Directors.  If confirmed, Michael Bemis will stand as the Board’s one representative from outside the TVA service area.  

Bemis has nearly 20 years of experience working in the field of energy.  He has served as Chief Operating Officer of both Mississippi Power and Light and Louisiana Power and Light.  He was Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Mississippi, as well as Chief Executive Officer of Entergy’s Operations in London, England.  Upon returning from England to the United States, Mr. Bemis became President of Exelon Power and was then Promoted to President of Exelon Energy Delivery. 

“Mike Bemis has an exemplary background and extensive experience in the energy sector,” Senator Cochran said.  “Because of his passion for public service and his distinguished career, he will make a valuable addition to the TVA Board of Directors.  I hope the Senate will move quickly to confirm his nomination.” 

Senator Wicker said: “I am glad President Bush nominated Michael to serve on TVA’s Board of Directors.  His strong background in the energy industry and his expertise in accounting and management will serve consumers and the nation well.  I will work with my Senate colleagues to ensure this well qualified Mississippian is confirmed to this position as soon as possible.”

The Tennessee Valley Authority was established in 1933 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.  The first city to be powered by TVA power was in North Mississippi.  Today, distributors of TVA power are located in 36 Mississippi counties and serve more than 320,000 households. 

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