John Ryder ’74 has officially assumed his role as a member of the Tennessee Valley Authority board of directors. Ryder was sworn into office by Judge S. Thomas Anderson, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, in a ceremony in Memphis March 20.
Ryder was nominated to the TVA board by President Donald Trump on Jan. 18 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Feb. 28.
“TVA’s priorities remain a critical part of the ‘formula’ that drives success in the Tennessee Valley: reliable energy at low cost, responsible stewardship of public lands and waters and being an active partner in economic development,” he said. “It’s an honor to join TVA’s dedicated team in their ongoing mission of service.”
A long-time Memphis resident, Ryder has most recently served as the general counsel for the Republican National Committee while maintaining his role as a leading bankruptcy and election law attorney with the Harris Shelton law firm in Memphis. Throughout his career, Ryder has remained active in the community, serving as chair of the board of trustees for Opera Memphis, secretary for Memphis Rotary and a board member of the local YMCA.
Ryder earned his undergraduate degree at Wabash College before earning his J.D. at Vanderbilt, where he has served on the adjunct law faculty.
Ryder fills one of two open positions in the nine-member TVA board of directors.
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.
