Trump Nominates Mitch Graves to TVA Board

Electric power plant in Tennessee valley

News Summary

President Donald Trump has nominated Mitch Graves, CEO of the West Cancer Center, to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) board. This follows a broader initiative to reshape the board after previous member dismissals. U.S. Senators Blackburn and Hagerty support Graves’ nomination, emphasizing TVA’s crucial role in energy supply and economic growth. If confirmed, Graves’ term extends until 2029. Trump also nominated Lee Beaman and Jeff Hagood for the TVA, as the administration aims to fill critical positions while addressing sustainable energy demands.

Memphis, Tennessee – President Donald Trump has nominated Mitch Graves to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) board of directors as of June 30. This nomination is part of a broader initiative to reshape the TVA board and follows the president’s earlier actions to dismiss previous members.

Mitch Graves is a prominent businessman from Memphis, currently serving as the CEO of the West Cancer Center & Research Institute. He also holds a position on the Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) Board of Commissioners. If his nomination is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Graves’ term on the TVA board will extend until May 18, 2029.

The Tennessee Valley Authority is a federally owned utility and one of the largest suppliers of electricity in the country. It plays a significant role in providing energy security and supporting economic growth throughout the region it serves. U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty have expressed strong support for Graves and urged the Senate to confirm the nominations promptly, highlighting the crucial position the TVA holds in ensuring reliable energy supply.

Graves aims to bring the perspective of the TVA’s largest customer to the board, emphasizing the necessity of utility capacity for fostering business expansion. Alongside Graves, Trump has also nominated Lee Beaman and Jeff Hagood for positions on the TVA board. This move represents a shift from the Biden administration’s previous appointments and aligns with the senators’ characterization of the new nominees as competent leaders.

Background and Context

The TVA, established in 1933, was created as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, aimed at improving the economy during the Great Depression. Over the years, the TVA has developed into a vital source of electricity for millions of people, especially in the southeastern United States. The organization not only supplies power but also engages in flood control, recreational management, and economic development initiatives, further contributing to the regions it serves.

Earlier this spring, President Trump dismissed three members of the TVA board, which significantly disrupted its functioning by leaving the board without a quorum. This action initiated a prompt response from the administration to refill the positions with nominees they believe can effectively serve the TVA’s mission and improve its operations.

In addition to Graves, Trump has nominated David Michael Dunavant from Millington for the role of United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. Dunavant previously served in this position in Memphis and has a background in directing initiatives targeting armed carjackings and gang-related activities.

As the confirmation process unfolds, the focus will remain on the qualifications of the nominees and their potential impact on the TVA’s direction and policies, particularly in light of the growing demands for sustainable energy and efficient power distribution in the region.