TVA recognized as a ‘Top 10 Employer’ for veterans in the workforce

Published 2:02 pm Thursday, September 10, 2020

KNOXVILLE ― The Tennessee Valley Authority has achieved national recognition for the fifth consecutive year as a “Top 10 Employer” for its support of U.S. military veterans in the workforce.

“We are proud that veterans comprise 20% of our workforce,” said TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash. “The way veterans strengthen our entire organization is so important to me personally. Their quality and character are outstanding, and I appreciate the skills and values that they bring to TVA.”

The diverse backgrounds and skills of U.S. military veterans and their families are a critical asset in TVA’s mission to deliver safe, clean, reliable and low-cost energy to the Tennessee Valley. TVA actively recruits veterans and serves as a resource for those seeking employment across the energy sector.

“The military taught me how to learn new things quickly, a skill that translated well to learning the ins and outs of operating a coal plant,” said Kevin “Rudy” Rudnitzki, a machinist at the Kington Fossil Plant and the TVA Veterans Association Champion. “As a veteran working for TVA, I’ve been given the opportunity to feel that same sense of pride and commitment of service that I felt while serving in the United States Air Force.”

The Military Friendly ® Employer designation is based on public data sources and a proprietary survey among hundreds of companies. TVA’s ranking puts it among the Top 10 employers in the Energy, Extraction and Utilities Government/NonProfit category.

“TVA is a great place for veterans, the technical skills and work ethic they bring from the military make for a relatively easy transition,” said Allen Clare, a U.S. Navy veteran now serving as vice president of Gas and Hydro Operations and as executive sponsor of TVA’s Veterans Association. “Many of the skill sets veterans gain while serving can be immediately put to use in our coal, gas, hydro and nuclear plants, as well as other areas, such as IT and human resources. This reduces training requirements and allows veterans to add immediate value. Serving the people of the Tennessee Valley is a natural transition for a veteran used to serving our country.”

TVA will be named with other 2020 Military Friendly Employers in the December issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com. For more information, visit the TVA Veteran Opportunities page.

The Tennessee Valley Authority is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power companies serving nearly 10 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. TVA receives no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.