Wes Kelley

I am currently the father of two lovely girls and husband to my beautiful wife Sundown. I am living and working in Pulaski, Tennessee where I manage the local electric and broadband utility.

Feel free to check out the links on the left for some of my favorite online haunts.

Below is a brief resume of sorts for those interested.

PROFESSIONAL LIFE

President & Chief Executive Officer – PES Energize – Pulaski, TN
• Under the direction of a municipally-appointed board of directors, provide executive leadership to an electric power and fiber-to-the-home telecommunication utility with combined revenues over $43 million and nearly 70 employees.
• Lead and facilitate strategic and financial planning with policymakers and executive management team to address capital and operational budgeting, ratemaking, human resources management and other utility-related disciplines.
• Lead the continuing development of a fiber-to-the-home broadband system, and ensure its financial and operational success.
• Manage the political environment and local public relations through open communication with policymakers and the media.
• Actively lead and support community economic development efforts by combining community resources and leveraging these resources toward a common goal.
• Maintain strong relations with key-account customers to preserve utility and community stability.

Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer – PES Energize – Pulaski, TN
• Direct the customer service, billing, metering, energy services, marketing and information technology departments of a 14,500-customer utility serving Giles County, Tennessee.
• Responsible for the successful launch and ongoing operation of a fiber-to-the-home system that provides video, voice and data services to the City of Pulaski and outlying communities.
• Work closely with the CEO on strategic planning, financial analysis and operational improvements.
• Directed a system-wide AMI deployment using both fiber transport and fixed-wireless technologies.
• Implemented the conversion of the utility’s customer information and billing system.
• Project manager for a 33,000 square-foot building expansion/renovation project, including the construction of a state-of-the-art utility operations and data center housed within a storm-proof bunker.
• Continuously focused on developing operational efficiencies and enhancing the customer’s experience.

Economic Development Director – City of Hillsdale – Hillsdale, MI
Directed downtown development and industrial recruitment efforts for a community of 9,000. Managed the city’s Economic Development Corporation and Tax Increment Financing Authority. Primary municipal liaison for all business and community development efforts.

Assistant Director of Utilities – Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities – Hillsdale, MI
Participated in the management and oversight of the electric, water and wastewater utilities. Directed the utility’s GIS and information technology departments. Also, acted as primary coordinator with outside agencies, and served as the public relations spokesperson.

Associate Director for Network Development – Hillsdale College – Hillsdale, MI
Primary architect, developer and administrator of the campus-wide computer network. Directed network planning and administered the data cabling and server infrastructure. Transitioned the institution to a modern enterprise-class network. Began working a student technician, then manager of the campus computer store, before becoming the primary network administrator.

Public Affairs Intern – Hillsdale College – Hillsdale, MI
Worked in the Department of External Affairs supporting the development of multiple publications and assisting with fundraising activities. Provided daily assistance to the Production Manager and Executive Director of Marketing Communications.

EDUCATION

Hillsdale College – Bachelor of Arts, cum laude
Majors in Political Economy and Christian Studies

The George Washington University
Pursuing a masters degree in Political Management

BOARDS & ACTIVITIES

Giles Preparatory Academy
Tennessee Fiber-Optic Communities
Giles County Economic Development Commission
Giles County Chamber of Commerce (2009 President)
Giles County Industrial Development Board
Tennessee Valley Public Power Association’s Technology Applications Committee
Pulaski Rotary Club
American Public Power Association’s Economic Development Committee
American Public Power Association’s Broadband Committee
Michigan South Central Power Agency (Alternate Commissioner)
Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce (Executive Committee)
Hillsdale County Economic Growth Group
Hillsdale County Leadership Development
Calhoun, Branch, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee Counties LinkMichigan Committee
Hillsdale County Information Technology for Community and Intergovernmental Cooperation
Hillsdale Rotary Club
Hillsdale County Taskforce on Family Violence
Alpha Omega Women’s Care Center