Knoxville, October 18, 2025
News Summary
Jeff Hagood, a Knoxville attorney, is set to attend a crucial Senate hearing for his nomination to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) board, which is currently lacking the necessary members for voting. The hearing is part of a larger initiative to fill the TVA board positions following several dismissals by President Trump. The outcome of the hearing could significantly impact the governance of the TVA, which serves around 10 million customers across seven states.
Knoxville
Jeff Hagood, a Knoxville lawyer, is scheduled for a critical Senate hearing on October 22 for his nomination to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) board. This hearing is part of a larger process for filling positions on a board currently lacking the necessary members to conduct formal votes.
Hagood is one of four nominees appearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The other nominees are Mitch Graves, Randall Jones, and Arthur Graham. This committee hearing is vital, as the TVA board currently consists of only three sitting members, which is insufficient to meet the quorum requirement of five members necessary for official voting.
This lack of a quorum has rendered the TVA board unable to conduct regular business since April. The absence of adequate board membership stems from a series of dismissals by President Trump, who fired several TVA board members earlier this year.
Jeff Hagood operates a law practice in Knoxville and is actively engaged in community activities, notably serving as a member of the local Sports Authority, which was involved in overseeing the construction of the Covenant Health Park. His local connections and experience in civic engagement may support his nomination process.
In addition to Hagood, the other nominees bring diverse backgrounds to the table. Mitch Graves has an extensive career in healthcare, while Randall Jones, hailing from north Alabama, boasts a background in insurance. Arthur Graham, from Florida, previously served on the Florida Public Service Commission, contributing regulatory expertise to the group.
While a fifth nominee, Lee Beaman, a car dealer from Nashville, has been announced by President Trump, he will not participate in the upcoming hearing. This further emphasizes the urgency of filling the vacancies on the TVA board.
The TVA is a significant entity that provides power to approximately 10 million customers across seven states and has its headquarters located in downtown Knoxville. The impending Senate committee hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on October 22, and favorable recommendations from the committee could pave the way for a full vote by the Senate.
The ongoing lack of board members has profound implications for the TVA’s ability to manage its operations and fulfill its mission effectively. Ensuring a full board may lead to revitalized governance and decision-making within the authority, which is critical given the energy demands and regulatory responsibilities it oversees.
FAQ
Who is Jeff Hagood?
Jeff Hagood is a Knoxville lawyer nominated for a position on the Tennessee Valley Authority board.
What is the date of the Senate hearing for Hagood’s nomination?
The Senate hearing is scheduled for October 22.
How many members are currently on the TVA board?
The TVA board currently has three sitting members.
What happened to the previous TVA board members?
Several TVA board members were fired by President Trump earlier this year, resulting in the current lack of a quorum.
What is the significance of the TVA?
The TVA provides power to around 10 million customers across seven states, making it a crucial power provider in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
TVA Board Faces Major Changes Amidst Federal Shake-Up
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Senate committee to review Knoxville lawyer’s nomination to TVA Board
- Knox News: Senate committee hearing on TVA board picks
- Tennessee Lookout: Residents push back on TVA privatization
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Valley Authority
- Google Search: Tennessee Valley Authority
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
