Gallatin Department of Electricity General Manager Mark Kimbell has announced plans to retire Aug. 20, 2027, concluding a 44-year career in public power marked by significant growth at GDE, industry leadership and a commitment to preparing both the utility and the people around him for the future.
Kimbell has served as the Tennessee public power utility's general manager since April 5, 2013, when he became only the fourth person to lead the utility since the city of Gallatin purchased the electric system in 1939.
During his tenure, Gallatin has experienced extraordinary growth, requiring GDE to make
significant investments in infrastructure while maintaining its focus on safe, reliable and
affordable electricity. In fiscal year 2024, GDE was the fastest-growing electric system among
the Tennessee Valley's 153 local power companies, with growth exceeding 7%. Today, GDE
serves nearly 29,000 customers.
"Mark's leadership is unmatched, and his unwavering commitment to our electric department and
the community has set a standard of excellence," GDE Board Chair Haley B. Meridieth said. "As
a board member, he has always provided the vision, preparation and integrity that made my role
both easy and rewarding. His legacy will continue to benefit the electric department for years to
come."
Under Kimbell's leadership, GDE has invested in new and upgraded substations, expanded its
headquarters to meet the needs of a growing system, modernized technology and customer
service, added tree-trimming crews to support reliability and strengthened employee
development and safety programs. In April 2026, GDE celebrated 10 years without a lost-time
accident.
Kimbell has also emphasized careful financial management as GDE has navigated Gallatin's
rapid growth. He has consistently focused on long-term planning and ensuring GDE is prepared
for the community's future energy needs.
Board member Beth Bennett said that preparation and transparency have defined Kimbell's
relationship with the board.
"It has been such a pleasure working with Mark and learning from him during my time on the
board," Bennett said. "He is a wonderful advisor, always taking the time to help me better
understand the power business. I've especially appreciated his transparency and commitment to
making sure we understand the decisions being made and always trying to stay several steps
ahead."
Kimbell's influence extends well beyond Gallatin. He created the Valley Public Power
Leadership Academy, which brings together leaders from municipal and cooperative local power
companies, the Tennessee Valley Authority and organizations throughout the Tennessee Valley to
strengthen relationships, develop leaders and support the public power model.
"There is nothing quite like watching employees and fellow power company people grow into
their own passion for keeping the lights on for their communities," Kimbell said. "VPPLA is
now in its fifth year, and it has let us grow our public power network across the Tennessee Valley
in ways I couldn't have imagined when we started. I have loved every minute of running that
program, and I'm deeply grateful for the support of our GDE Board and TVA in allowing us to
make it happen."
He has served as president of the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association, becoming the
first GDE general manager to hold the position, and has held numerous other leadership roles
across the public power industry.
Kimbell's industry service has earned state, regional and national recognition. He received the
2021 TMEPA Outstanding Service Award, the American Public Power Association's Mark
Crisson Leadership and Managerial Excellence Award in 2024 and the Tennessee Valley Public
Power Association's Richard C. Crawford Distinguished Service Award in 2025, one of the
Tennessee Valley electric utility industry's most prestigious leadership honors.
His impact, however, is perhaps most evident in the people he has mentored.
"For 11 years, Mark has been more than a mentor to me," said Jaerica Troutt, GDE chief human
resources officer. "He saved me a seat at the table, championed me and empowered me. He's the
kind of leader everyone deserves: a strategic thinker with a genuinely kind heart, who always
wants to do what's right. I'm endlessly grateful to have worked and learned from Mark over all of
these years."
Kimbell's passion for the power industry is well known among colleagues, as is his ability to
make work enjoyable.
"If there is one thing I can say about Mark, it is that he is very passionate about what he does and
for the people he is around," board member Paul Jones said. "I think the world of Mark Kimbell
and appreciate all he has brought to the city of Gallatin."
Kimbell said the relationships he has built throughout his career have been as meaningful as the
work itself.
"I have been blessed with great managers and mentors over the years, wonderful board members
and so many special people I've worked with that if I started naming them, I'd never stop,"
Kimbell said. "I love public power. I love being a servant of the city, working for the good of the
citizens of Gallatin and for the Tennessee Valley as a whole. I have always believed in
relationships, in building each other up for the greater good."
Bennett said colleagues will also remember Kimbell's love of ice cream, karaoke and his role as
"the unofficial social planner for every business meeting."
Transition process
Kimbell will continue to lead GDE throughout the coming year as the Board of Directors
conducts a thoughtful transition process focused on continuity and stability. The board will begin
by considering internal candidates for a CEO-elect role, with assistance from Tennessee
Municipal Electric Power Association HR Services.
Once a successor is selected, Kimbell will work alongside and mentor the next CEO to provide a strong transition and ensure GDE is positioned for continued success.
Kimbell said his decision comes with confidence in both the organization and the people who
will carry its work forward.
