Greg Fay: A Pillar of Leadership and Economic Development in East Tennessee

"Leaders become great not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others." - John Maxwell

As the General Manager of the Clinton Utilities Board (CUB), Greg Fay prioritizes the care of his employees and customers, a leadership approach that sets him apart from the pack. His utility serves 41,000 customers in Anderson, Campbell, Knox, Morgan, Roane, and Union Counties. Fay’s influence extends beyond his current role at CUB, touching all facets of his career, including his instrumental involvement in the creation and leadership of the East Tennessee Economic Development Agency (ETEDA). His visionary approach has been pivotal in driving economic growth and development across the Tennessee Valley.

 Founding and Serving ETEDA

As one of the original founders and current ETEDA board chair, Fay has been an integral part of the agency since its inception in 2001, following the merger of Tennessee’s Resource Valley (1988) and the East Tennessee Industrial Development Association (ETIDA - 1989). The goal of merging the two organizations was to create one regional marketing
organization, improve the effectiveness of both groups’ existing programs, and develop new ones. Fay's advocacy ensured utilities had equal representation on the ETEDA board with other investor entities, fostering a more collaborative environment.

Regarding the formation of ETEDA, Greg says, “At that time, we just didn’t really know what we were getting into. Little did we know that, to date, we would never have a split vote on anything. I do not think we have ever had anyone vote ‘no.’ Everybody wants what is best for the region. We have great partners. We also have great board members, and they set aside their personal agendas to do what is best for the region.”

Driving Industrial Growth

Greg Fay firmly believes that the recruitment and growth of primary industries drive overall economic growth across the region. In East Tennessee, it’s crucial to create opportunities that encourage young professionals to remain in the area, as well as attract talent from the outside. “To achieve this, we need to attract top-tier industries,” he says. “We want clean, high-paying, sustainable industries. Providing the necessary infrastructure and environment is essential.”

Greg emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs of potential talent by asking key questions: “What do they want? What does the region have to offer? How can we compensate for what we lack?” He thinks key to attracting talent is promoting all the many attributes of East Tennessee.

Fay believes industrial development positively impacts every aspect of the community by enhancing the tax base and improving the workforce environment. “It leads to higher pay scales, job security, and stable employment opportunities,” he says.

Planning for the Future

While the prospects for growth throughout East Tennessee are strong, for Greg, the biggest challenges moving forward are threefold: ensuring sufficient electrical capacity to meet future demand, securing a skilled workforce, and designating land for economic development purposes. “We need visionary politicians to allocate and prepare 200 to 300 acres for industrial development, complete with necessary infrastructure. The idea that 'if you build it, they will come' holds true, but as residential developments expand, available land for industrial use shrinks. Therefore, there is an urgent need to set aside land for industrial development growth, which requires local vision.”

He also stressed the importance of collaborating with TVA to ensure sufficient capacity for future high-end industrial prospects and leveraging local resources to guarantee these demands are met without compromising existing services.

One upcoming project that Greg is most excited about is the potential opportunity to redevelop the TVA Bull Run Fossil Plant in Anderson County.  “This project would open a lot of doors. We're looking forward to leveraging that project to make significant changes within transportation. I’d like to see us go from I-75 all the way into Pellissippi to get us on to I-40, making it even more attractive.”

Lessons in Leadership

When you talk to Greg for just a few minutes, you quickly know why he has accomplished so much in the world of economic development and in his career. He is not afraid to meet challenges head on, he is not afraid to lead, and he does it all with respect and care for others. So, what’s his top leadership advice? Here’s a few of the tips he holds in high regard:

• “You need to provide a pleasant work environment, set high expectations, and give employees the resources and ability to meet and exceed those expectations.”
• “Find the right person for an open position. Identify the skillset needed, and then pay them what they are worth. An employee needs to feel appreciated, validated, and be fairly compensated.”
• “If you’re going to pay at the highest level, then you need to set the bar at the highest level. You must reward the high achievers and remove those who aren’t pulling their weight.” I always ask, ‘Will time help? Can there be an improvement?’ If the answer is “yes,” we can give them more time. No one should ever get fired and be surprised.”
• “Protect your employees. I'm the shield at the door protecting my employees from outside influence or interference!”
• “Don't put off addressing problems. I'm not even talking days or weeks; I'm talking hours.”
• “Honesty and integrity are the most important values in leadership. Don’t lie. Do what you say you will do or have a good reason why you didn’t.”
• “Undersell, don’t oversell.”
• “You have to know yourself. Know your weaknesses and strengths.”
• “Be kind. Don’t take advantage of the innocent. Always, always be ready for war. Embrace the conflict. Don’t shirk it.”

Greg says, “There is never anything that crippled me from being willing or able to act. I love the people I work with every day. I would do anything for them. I feel they’re loyal to me too, because it’s based on trust.” Greg’s leadership qualities are shaped by the challenges he faced throughout his life, as well as his time in the Army.

In 1967, Greg met his wife Nancy in high school. Shortly after, during the Viet Nam Era, he was drafted into the Army, where he was later named “Soldier of the Year.” Greg was always comfortable with who he was and never changed to suit others. He feels one of his greatest roles is to protect those who need it most, and his leadership style reflects that.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that Greg Fay’s influence on economic development in East Tennessee and his employees and customers at CUB is profound and far-reaching. His visionary leadership has propelled the region toward greater success. Greg Fay exemplifies the qualities of a true leader: vision, honesty, compassion, integrity, and unwavering dedication. East Tennessee is fortunate to have such a strong advocate for its growth and prosperity. He is a pillar of both leadership and economic development, and his legacy in the region will undoubtedly inspire future generations of leaders.