Fishing for Answers: GDE CEO Mark Kimbell on Leadership, Relationships & Succession Planning

Marlin and Jaerica welcome special guest Mark Kimbell, CEO of Gallatin Department of Electricity, who shares his background as an electrical engineer and GDE’s growth since 2012. He emphasizes leadership principles of honesty, openness, integrity, and strong relationships, including empowering employees through training and educational opportunities. Mark discusses balancing career and family, his children’s engineering paths, and the influence of faith and values. Looking ahead to his planned retirement in August of 27, he outlines structured succession planning with the board and department-level backups, and personal plans including a long Pacific cruise and more time with grandchildren. He reflects on receiving the TVPPA Distinguished Service Award and APPA’s Mark Crisson Leadership Award, and explains founding the Valley Public Power Leadership Academy to strengthen TVA–local power company relationships. He closes with advice to treat people well and help everyone succeed. #leadership #retirement #fishingforanswers #f4a 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

01:23 Mark’s GDE Journey

02:33 Growth Awards and Industry Impact

03:46 Leadership Through Relationships

04:23 Core Leadership Principles

06:00 Empowering Teams and Training

07:11 Leadership at Home and Family

08:49 Communication Style and Curiosity

10:38 Retirement Plans and Succession

13:10 Preparing Personally for Transition

13:24 Pacific Cruise Plans

14:06 Family Time and Grandkids

14:32 Faith and Values

15:32 Awards and Recognition

17:00 VPPLA Origin Story

19:59 Relationships Built Through VPPLA

21:21 Community Legacy at GDE

23:10 Leadership Wisdom to Close

24:35 Final Thanks and Sign Off