KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

The Tullahoma Utilities Authority (TUA) Board of Directors had a change in leadership as member Dr. Jimmy Blanks was elected to the role of Chairman.

The election of officers took place during the Sept. 24 meeting of the TUA board as one of the first action items. Prior to the election of officers, then board Chairman J.T. Northcutt thanked congratulated board member Mike Stanton for his reappointment to the TUA Board of Directors during the Sept. 9 meeting of the Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Northcutt also welcomed Busch Thoma as the new city board liaison, who was not in attendance due to prior commitments. Northcutt also thanked former Mayor Ray Knowis for his two years of service on the board.

Later on the agenda was the election of officers, and Northcutt asked for nominations for the seat of Chairman. The role of chairman is selected by members of the board each year. Stanton nominated Blanks to serve as chairman, and when he asked if he gave his consent Blanks said yes. No other nominations were made and with no further discussion, Blanks was unanimously voted as the new chairman. Northcutt stepped down from his seat and Blanks took the reins for the remainder of the meeting, including the rest of the election of officers.

Blanks asked for nomination the role of Vice Chair, and Northcutt nominated Stanton, who also consented to be nominated when asked. With no other nominations or discussion, Stanton was unanimously elected as Vice Chair. The final election was for the board’s Secretary Treasurer. Northcutt made the nomination for Jason Penny, TUA Vice President of Administration & CFO. Like the other elections, there were no further nominations or discussion, and the board unanimously voted Penny as Secretary Treasurer.

During the board member reports, each board member thanked Northcutt for his leadership during his time as chairman. For his report, Blanks thanked Northcutt for his time as chairman for the last year.

“You’re a great example and somebody I emulate and hope to look up to and when I have questions I’ll ask you,” Blanks said.

Blanks also welcomed Stanton back to the board and also welcomed Thoma as the city board liaison.

“We’ll bring you into the fold,” Blanks said. “We will rely on your knowledge of Tullahoma and the area and your inner workings as you’ve been here all your life.”