David Wade's career with EPB began in 1983 as a line helper. He quickly developed hands-on construction and leadership skills, moving from Senior Manager to Vice President and then to President and CEO in 2016. Wade led the company’s effort to design and build the country’s most automated electric power distribution system.

Using a 100% fiber optic network as the backbone for the Smart Grid, Wade was instrumental in launching EPB Fiber Optics, which delivers Gigabit speed Internet, television and telephone services. He considers talking to customers one of the most important, and favorite parts of his job. Wade holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.