KNOXVILLE, Tenn.­­ – The Tennessee Valley Authority’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel Sherry Quirk has announced her retirement, effective March 5, 2021, after leading efforts to strengthen and redefine the agency’s legal organization. Senior Vice President and Vice General Counsel David Fountain will be transitioning into the General Counsel role as part of TVA’s succession planning process.

Since joining TVA in 2015, Quirk has integrated the Office of General Counsel function across all the organization’s business units, becoming a key strategic planning counselor and adviser. Under her leadership, TVA’s rigorous Ethics and Compliance efforts have been enhanced and Board of Directors operations are today considered industry best practices.

Quirk also expanded her team’s mission beyond corporate legal matters through the creation of the “Generating Justice” pro bono program, which offers free legal counsel to residents who are unable to afford traditional legal services on a variety of non-utility related matters, from eviction and debt relief to minor infractions that could create barriers to good jobs and housing.

“It’s been an honor to spend nearly six years at TVA where I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work with colleagues on all levels who routinely place the interests of the people of the Valley over their own,” said Quirk. “It is my hope that this level of shared commitment will position TVA well as it embraces the challenges ahead.”

“As a friend and colleague, Sherry has been an outstanding, trusted advisor to me personally and to our organization on critical issues facing TVA and the industry,” said Jeff Lyash, TVA president and CEO. “She not only helped build a very strong legal organization but has engaged and taken the lead on a number of challenging issues.”

“As successful as she has been in her official role, one of Sherry’s greatest contributions has been her commitment to TVA’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts. Thanks to her leadership, we have improved our focus on these important areas in every aspect of our mission.”

Before joining TVA, Quirk had already had an extensive career in the energy industry. She served as an equity partner in the law firm of Schiff Hardin LLP, which specialized in federal energy regulation, legislation and power supply transactions. She previously served on the board of directors for the Energy Bar Association and was recognized as the Best Energy Lawyer in America by Energy Law.

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.