Tommy Whaley has joined the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD) as a Water Circuit Rider. Tommy, who was previously the director of Marshall County Public Utilities, brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the position and will be working directly with utilities across the state to give technical assistance and support.
Tommy will be responsible as a Water Circuit Rider for assisting utilities in improving their operations, increasing efficiency, and improving the quality of their services. He will be traveling across Tennessee to visit with utility managers, operators, and staff, giving on-site training and advise on a wide variety of topics, from water treatment and distribution to customer service and invoicing.
Tommy Whaley is much more than a seasoned water industry professional; he’s a dedicated family man who values his roots and appreciates life’s simple pleasures. Tommy was born and raised in the Laws Hill community of Marshall County, and he has spent his entire life creating a rich and rewarding family and professional legacy that he cherishes.
Tommy’s family is central to his life. He and his wife Tammy have been happily married for many years, and they run a small beef cow and calf operation with Tommy’s parents. But that’s not all; the Whaleys also own and operate Bird in a Bush Boutique in Lewisburg, where Tammy sells a variety of stylish home décor, ladies and children’s clothing, as well as custom dresses, embroidery, and alterations.
Tommy and Tammy have two grown children, both of whom have begun families of their own. Their son Luke works as a mechanic for a General Motors dealer in Memphis, and he and his wife Montana have two young children, Landon, three, and Addison, one. Becca, their daughter, lives in Vance, Alabama, and has three children of her own: Wesley, eight, Walker, six, and WrenLeigh, five. With a fourth child due in July, the Whaleys are looking forward to growing their family even more.
Despite his bustling family life, Tommy finds time to pursue his passion for farming and working on the land. When he isn’t traveling across the state as a Water Circuit Rider for TAUD, he is rolling up his sleeves and tending to his beloved family farm’s cows and crops. When he can get away from work and farming, Tommy enjoys nothing more than spending time with his children and grandchildren, reveling in the joys of family and the simple pleasures of life.
Tommy Whaley is more than just a skilled water industry professional because of his deep commitment to family, farming, and small business. He’s a true Southern gentleman with a heart of gold and an unwavering dedication to the values and traditions that make life worth living.
Tommy’s considerable knowledge in the water industry qualifies him for the position. He started his career as a utility operator over 27 years ago and has since held a variety of jobs, including plant manager, assistant director, and finally director of Marshall County Public Utilities. Throughout his tenure, he oversaw considerable modifications to the utility’s infrastructure and operations, and helped ensure that customers received reliable, high-quality water services.
Tommy is well-known for his dedication to customer service and community involvement, in addition to his technical expertise. Throughout his career, he has been an active member of a variety of industry groups and organizations, serving on numerous boards and committees.
TAUD is delighted to welcome Tommy as a Water Circuit Rider, and we look forward to the contributions he will make to the association and the utilities he will serve. His experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the industry make him a valuable contributor to our team, and we are convinced that he will be an invaluable resource to utilities throughout the state.
Please help us welcome Tommy Whaley to TAUD!