EPB has promoted Ryan Keel to senior vice president, Technical Operations with responsibility for all business systems, technical operations and facilities for both EPB Energy and EPB Fiber Optics. In his role, he will lead efforts to more fully align EPB’s technical expertise, information systems, fiber optic network and smart grid electric infrastructure with every aspect of EPB’s effort to deliver world-class customer experiences, officials said.
“We’re seeing the emergence of a new phase of rapid technical innovation and increasing convergence between the energy and connectivity industries,” said David Wade, president & CEO of EPB.
“As part of EPB’s mission to enhance quality of life, we’re focused on translating all these technical possibilities into products and solutions that substantially benefit the people we serve. Ryan Keel has proven his tremendous ability to lead our team of technology experts as we work to keep our community on the cutting-edge while delivering strong value for our customers.”
"Keel played a critical role in the initial design and build out of EPB’s Smart Grid, which is widely considered to be one of the most advanced and highly automated power distribution systems in the United States," officials said. "In 2014, he was promoted to VP of Technical Operations with responsibility for technical operations for both EPB Energy and EPB Fiber Optics. In addition to leading efforts to utilize Chattanooga’s Smart Grid to reduce the incidence and duration of outages by as much as 55% each year, Keel is leading a major upgrade of EPB’s fiber optic system to next-generation network technology."
“One of Ryan’s major strengths is that he sees the big picture without forgetting the details,” Mr. Wade said. “He’s a respected leader of people who has the ability to reduce complex projects to the most salient points in a way that aligns our expertise, procedures and technical systems, so that we can move forward rapidly.”
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead EPB’s outstanding team of technology professionals,” said Mr. Keel. “Our goal is to apply our strengths as a technology and infrastructure company to meeting real needs in our community. At a time when people have so many new options when it comes to energy and technology, we want to make it easy for them to benefit by helping them bridge from the present to the future.”
Mr. Keel is a native Chattanoogan. He has earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Tennessee Tech University and an MBA from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He began working at EPB in 1997 and has held positions in engineering, operations and leadership. Mr. Keel is a member of the Rotary Club. He and his wife Keri are the parents of three children.