Jackson, TENNESSEE – Monte Cooper has been named the new Chief Operating Officer of the Jackson Energy Authority (JEA). The JEA Board announced the decision following an open application process and several weeks of candidate interviews.
“I am excited and humble to be able to serve as future CEO of JEA, a role that enables me to take care of the customers of JEA and others in the community,” Monte Cooper said.
JEA selected a Chief Operating Officer as part of a leadership transition from Jim Ferrell, current JEA President and Chief Executive Officer who will retire at the end of January 2023.
The JEA Board’s intention is to facilitate this important leadership change by having Jim Ferrell continue as President/CEO but work with Chief Operating Officer Monte Cooper to best equip our new C.O.O. to effectively assume full JEA leadership next year.
Monte began his career with Jackson Energy Authority while working as a co-op engineering student from 1992-1995. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1997, Monte was offered a position with Memphis Light Gas & Water as a Project Engineer.
He returned to JEA in March of 1998 as an Electric Project Engineer and has since been promoted to various management positions.
He is currently serving as the Senior Vice President of the JEA Electric Division.
Monte earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Knoxville, a Master’s degree in Business from the University of Tennessee at Martin and is a registered Professional Engineer.
JEA has around 400 employees and serves approximately 40,000 customers.
“My career started in engineering and has moved to operations, distribution, and now finally in upper management,” Monte said, “The opportunity to work with employees from different departments and parts of the organization over my career makes this even more special.”
Monte, his wife Shea, and their children Trey, Cassidy and Will, are long-time residents in our community.
“Jim has served the community and utility organizations is so many different ways – he certainly leaves a big set of shoes to fill,” Monte said.
Jim Ferrell will retire with 34 years of service at the Jackson Utility Division and Jackson Energy Authority. Ferrell is only the 5th JUD/JEA President in its 62-year history.
“JEA is very fortunate to have a person of Monte’s caliber already on our senior management team,” Jim Ferrell said, “JEA has a bright future in the months and years ahead, and the Board and I are confident that Monte will bring new ideas and leadership as JEA continues to excel and give superior customer service as we always have.”
(PHOTO: Monte Cooper)
