KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

Tullahoma Utilities Authority (TUA) recently presented the inaugural Dana L. Eggleston Legacy Award to Vickie Brown.

The award was presented to Brown during TUA’s Christmas party, and TUA President Allen Potter said the presentation of the award was one of the most meaningful moments of the evening.

“It was a powerful reminder of Dana’s legacy and the positive impact one person can have on an entire organization,” Potter said.

According to Potter, TUA has spent the past year working hard and together to define what TUA was as a public utility in not just what it does, but how it does it. This included conversations about TUA’s core values of safety, customer focus, integrity, dedication, and innovation, and what it truly meant to live those out each day, as well as conversations about the kind of teammates and leaders they want to be: people who were humble, hungry, and smart.

“Those words aren’t just part of a poster or a meeting topic; they’ve become the foundation of our culture,” Potter said. “They guide how we treat one another, how we serve our customers, and how we show up for this community.”

The Dana L. Eggleston Legacy Award is named after longtime TUA employee Dana Eggleston, who passed away earlier this year. Potter described Eggleston as “quietly and faithfully lived those very principles every day.”

“Dana didn’t need recognition or applause. He simply cared,” Potter said about Eggleston. “He cared about his coworkers, his work, and the people we serve. He was steady, loyal, humble, and kind—and in his own way, he helped shape the heart of TUA.”

Potter continued and said, “Those who knew Dana remember his laughter, his patience, and his willingness to help anyone who needed it. He represented the very best of what we hope TUA will always be.”

As for the Dana L. Eggleston Legacy Award, Potter said the award honored both Eggleston’s memory and the example he left for everyone at TUA to follow.

“The recipient of this award shares that same spirit. She’s someone who leads with heart, treats people with dignity, and never hesitates to step in and help,” he said when talking about Brown. “She works tirelessly to ensure our customers are taken care of—whether that means calming an upset caller, helping a family struggling to make ends meet, or mentoring her own team through challenges and change. She brings both compassion and accountability to her role and has earned the respect of everyone around her, not because she demands it, but because she lives it.”

Potter added that Brown shared a special connection with Dana, as they worked closely together, built mutual respect, and shared the same desire to do what’s right. Not for credit or attention, but because it’s simply the right thing to do.

“Mrs. Vickie Brown exemplifies everything this award stands for. She leads with grace, serves with compassion, and makes everyone around her better,” he said. “There is no one more deserving to receive this award in its inaugural year. Congratulations, Mrs. Vickie, and thank you for carrying forward Dana’s legacy and reminding us what TUA’s mission and values look like in action.”

At the December TUA Board of Directors meeting, Potter said to the board that he was happy that they were able to keep the memory of Eggleston alive with the creation and presentation of the award, and said they will be celebrating him again with Dana Eggleston Day on June 25. The board unanimously approved to establishing June 25 as Dana Eggleston Day back in July following his passing.

“That was to me a powerful moment at our Christmas party and it couldn’t have been given to a better person than Miss Vicki,” he said.