David Wade, CEO of EPB (formerly known as the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga) and a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC ’04), has been appointed to the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees by Tennessee Lt. Governor Randy McNally.
“We are grateful to Lt. Governor McNally for this outstanding appointment,” UT Board of Trustees Chair John Compton said. “David Wade brings a terrific blend of technical expertise, business leadership and public service to this role. He offers valuable insight into energy, infrastructure and technology, and this appointment helps ensure the Board reflects the broad range of experiences and perspectives that shape our state.”
“David has a proven record of community impact and vision, which make him a strong advocate for our UT System enterprise and for Tennessee,” UT System President Randy Boyd said. “As an engineer, David brings an important perspective that reflects the broad strengths and future-forward direction of the university.”
Wade began his journey at UTC after high school but left after one semester to join the workforce. He later started at EPB in 1983 in an entry-level role assisting linemen, steadily advancing while returning to UTC at night to earn a degree in engineering management. In 2016, he was named president and CEO of EPB and has continued supporting UTC through the College of Engineering and Computer Science Advisory Board. EPB is a customer-focused technology company that delivers innovative power and telecommunications solutions to the Chattanooga area.
Wade played a key role in the development of Chattanooga’s fiber optic network, which laid the groundwork for the nation’s most advanced automated power distribution system. Under his leadership, EPB launched pioneering efforts like EPB Quantum℠ and making internet speeds up to 25 Gigs accessible across the Chattanooga area. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he spearheaded HCS EdConnect powered by EPB, a permanent initiative providing internet access at no charge to over 28,000 people in Hamilton County.
