Nichols named VP of operations

Thomas Nichols serves as vice president of operations for Jackson Energy, where he oversees the cooperative’s electric distribution operations with a focus on reliability, safety and service excellence. With more than 25 years of experience in the electric utility industry, he brings extensive expertise in system operations, power restoration, workforce leadership and safety management.

Nichols began his career in the utility industry in 2000 and joined Jackson Energy in 2004 as a Class A lineman. Throughout his career, he has steadily advanced through positions of increasing responsibility, including Class A lineman, crew foreman, safety and loss prevention director, district operations supervisor and now vice president of operations. His leadership has been instrumental in overseeing emergency restoration efforts, maintaining operational excellence and fostering a strong culture of workplace safety.

During his tenure as safety and loss prevention director, Nichols led the development and implementation of comprehensive safety programs, coordinated employee training initiatives and monitored compliance with industry safety standards, including the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program. He has also worked closely with organizations such as Kentucky Electric Cooperatives and East Kentucky Power Cooperative to advance safety and operational best practices.

Nichols holds certifications as a Certified Loss Control Professional, a Class A lineman and is a Commercial Driver’s License holder. He has completed the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association’s Foreman Academy and specialized OSHA training focused on the electric utility industry. A native of Jackson County, Nichols is committed to serving the members and