As EPB CEO David Wade announced he will retire by fall of 2026, the EPB Board concluded its leadership planning process by naming Janet Rehberg, currently EPB's President of Strategic Initiatives, to serve as President & CEO-elect during the remainder of Wade’s tenure. Ryan Keel will continue as EPB’s President of Energy and Communications which is responsible for all the company’s energy and fiber optic services. EPB will also begin a search for a new President of Strategic Initiatives, who will be responsible for longer-term efforts to enhance EPB's operations and services for customers through innovation.

“Janet’s career reflects extraordinary breadth and depth, with two decades of energy sector leadership at both investor-owned and community utilities," said Vicky Gregg, EPB Board Chair. "Over the course of her career, she has led a wide range of teams including engineering, operations, business development, field services, community relations and legislative affairs. Janet's proven ability to combine technical expertise with strategic vision and community focus makes her ideally suited to be EPB’s next CEO.”

Gregg also highlighted Wade's accomplishments over a career at EPB that spans more than four decades. "As both a rising leader and as CEO since 2016, David has played a critical role as EPB positioned Chattanooga at the forefront of fiber optic network technology, cutting-edge power distribution systems and now quantum," Gregg said. "I am thankful that David will continue with EPB as we make this important leadership transition."

“The pace of change in the electric industry has accelerated dramatically,” said Wade. "Now more than ever, EPB’s success depends on a strong, well-rounded leadership team. Janet brings broad expertise and vision to guide EPB's future efforts. Together with the whole EPB team, she will continue to position EPB to serve our community to the fullest.”

“I am deeply committed to EPB’s mission of enhancing quality of life for the people we serve,” said Janet Rehberg, EPB President & CEO-elect. “I have great respect and appreciation for the EPB leaders and team members who have built the foundation we stand on today. I’m honored to step forward as we work together to keep Chattanooga on the cutting edge while ensuring we go above and beyond for our customers on a daily basis.”

Before joining EPB, Rehberg served as Chief Strategy Officer & Vice President of Engineering at Tri-County Electric Cooperative in Aledo, Texas. In that role, she was responsible for formulating strategy and overseeing a wide range of departments. In another previous position, Rehberg led grid modernization efforts for American Electric Power. Her career reflects a strong combination of technical expertise and operational leadership as well as a commitment to innovation and community benefit.

About EPB

Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, EPB is a nationally recognized energy and communications provider with a mission to enhance quality of life for the people it serves across its 600-square-mile service area. Starting in 2010, EPB gained notice as a national model for building and utilizing its 100% fiber-to-the-home network to deliver cutting-edge services such as the world's fastest community-wide internet, now with service up to 25 Gig, and the nation's most advanced automated electric grid.

As a pioneer in fiber optic innovation, EPB also launched EPB Quantum℠ to provide access to cutting-edge quantum technology platforms and help innovators bring paradigm-shifting solutions into the real world. With the launch of EPB Quantum Network® in 2023 and EPB Quantum Computing℠ (coming in early 2026), EPB Quantum offers the most comprehensive, commercially available quantum technology platform in the U.S.

Learn more at epb.com and EPBQuantum.com.

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