Harold E. DePriest has served as President and CEO of EPB since October 1, 1996. Chattanooga’s community-owned electric utility EPB offers the world’s first 10-gigabit internet service across a large community-wide territory and America’s first true Smart Grid. His career at EPB began in June 1971 as a junior engineer, after earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at Tennessee Technical University. DePriest later earned his Masters of Business Administration at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and ascended through the ranks at EPB by managing the administrative and operations divisions before becoming the company’s sixth President.
DePriests’ utility and business development leadership includes service as Chairman of Tennessee Valley Public Power Associations and Vice Chairman of Seven States Power and Valley Energy. DePriest is a board member of Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association, Southeast Industrial Development Association, RiverCity Company, Tennessee Fiber Optic Communities as well as past board service with the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, American Public Power Association and Distributors Insurance Company. Active membership includes the Rotary Club and Walden Club.