Tony Kirk represents the Tennessee Western District Municipals. Tony is the President and CEO at Bolivar Energy Authority in Bolivar, Tennessee.
How did you first become involved in the utility industry?
I started working during college as a summer job, cutting right-of-way with a job blade. After college, I was hired full-time as an apprentice lineman before eventually moving into the front office. Over the years, I held several different positions, gaining experience in various areas of the company before ultimately becoming President and CEO.
How long have you been with your utility?
42 years
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Serving others—whether they are our customers or fellow BEA employees—is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do. There is a great sense of satisfaction in seeing the relief and joy that comes when electric service is restored. Likewise, bringing reliable internet service to our service area was a rewarding accomplishment for our utility, providing another valuable service that positively impacts the communities we serve.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
People and the constantly evolving landscape present ongoing challenges. New products, technologies, and systems are continually emerging, making it increasingly difficult to stay ahead of the curve.
How does CSA help with those challenges?
Staying at the forefront of change and continuously updating their products helps ease the pressure on local utilities by reducing the need for them to manage everything on their own.
What do you find most interesting or compelling about serving on the CSA Board?
Serving others and working together to make our association the best it can be.
How do you spend what free time you may have?
Spending time following my grandkids to their ball games, cheer events, piano activities, and school events. I also try to fit in a round of golf whenever I can and enjoy traveling.
How do you think technology is changing the way utilities serve their customers?
We now live in an era of instant gratification, where customers expect their needs to be met quickly and efficiently. Technology has played a major role in making this possible through advancements such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), high-speed internet, online bill payment, new service connections, and the ability to submit various service requests digitally. As customer expectations continue to evolve, technology has become a key pathway to providing the immediate service and satisfaction customers expect.