SPRING CITY, Tenn. ― Paul Simmons has been named site vice president at TVA’s Watts Bar Nuclear Plant. Previously vice president of Unit 2 startup activities at the plant, he will oversee all daily operational activities in his new role.

“As we complete Power Ascension Testing and move into dual-unit operation, leadership is focused on one goal -- the direct oversight needed to achieve excellence in all aspects of nuclear operations, which ensures the health and safety of employees and our neighbors in the Tennessee Valley,” said TVA Chief Nuclear Officer Joe Grimes.

Simmons joined TVA in 1986 and held a number of leadership roles at Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, including plant manager, before joining the Watts Bar executive team in 2015. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and was licensed as a senior reactor operator by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 1995.

“Paul’s extensive operational experience will provide crucial leadership continuity between the two Watts Bar units,” said Grimes. “In addition, his proven ability to manage organizational effectiveness will facilitate a smooth transition as Unit 2 is fully integrated with Unit 1.

Kevin Walsh, the previous site vice president of Watts Bar, will focus on the site’s long-term strategic planning, positioning Watts Bar Unit 2 to effectively transition into the seventh unit in the TVA fleet, Grimes said.

The Tennessee Valley Authority is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power distributors serving more than 9 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.