NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nashville Electric Service has announced leadership changes as the utility works to address problems exposed during its response to January’s ice storm.
At last Wednesday’s NES Board Meeting, CEO Teresa Broyles-Aplin said Brad Heck will serve as interim chief operating officer through the end of the year while the utility conducts a national search for a permanent replacement. Heck has worked at NES for 30 years.
Brent Baker, who served as COO during the storm and was one of the utility’s most visible representatives during the response, has transitioned into an advisory role to Broyles-Aplin. He will consult on upcoming battery storage projects and other innovation initiatives.
Brandon Whitlock will serve as interim vice president of operations for transmission, filling the position vacated by Heck’s move to interim COO.
Chief Legal Officer Laura Smith will also serve as interim executive vice president and take on additional responsibilities during the reorganization.
NES also announced Laine Arnold has officially joined the utility as its first chief communications officer.
The changes follow an independent review of NES’ response to the January ice storm, which left more than 230,000 customers without power. Full restoration took nearly two weeks.
The review found NES lacked a plan to provide estimated restoration times, delayed requesting outside assistance and had fallen behind on tree trimming.
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