KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Valley Authority announced today the appointment of Joseph P. “Joe” Grimes as executive vice president and chief nuclear officer of TVA.

Grimes will report to Charles G. “Chip” Pardee, executive vice president and chief generation officer, and be responsible for leading, operating and optimizing TVA’s nuclear fleet as part of TVA’s balanced portfolio of nuclear, gas, coal and renewable power generation.

“Joe is an excellent addition to TVA and the right person to lead our nuclear fleet as we drive operational excellence throughout the organization,” Pardee said.  “His expansive industry experience, along with his strong leadership skills, will benefit our company, our employees and our customers as we focus on safely delivering low cost, cleaner energy to the people of the Valley.”

Currently senior vice president of Engineering and Technical Services for Exelon Nuclear, Grimes will replace Preston Swafford, TVA executive vice president and chief nuclear officer, who is retiring.  He will relocate to Chattanooga, Tenn., and work closely with Swafford to ensure a smooth transition for TVA’s nuclear organization.

Grimes has more than 30 years of experience in operations, maintenance and engineering management and support of nuclear generating stations.  His prior leadership roles include executive assignments at the plant, regional operating group and corporate fleet levels.  In addition to his operating management experience, Grimes has held positions on the Electric Power Research Institute Nuclear Power Council, Boiling Water Reactor Owners Group Executive Council and the Drexel University Engineering Advisory Board.

Grimes holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Drexel University.  He completed the Executive Development Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management, has studied at St. Joseph University’s MBA program and is a licensed senior reactor operator.