Aaron Melda
Chattanooga,TN
Summary
Aaron Melda is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in the power generation industry. He has a proven track record of driving operational excellence, strategic planning, and organizational transformation across various leadership roles. His expertise spans system operations, power supply, transmission, nuclear operations, external affairs, commercial operations and enterprise planning. Throughout his career, Aaron has been instrumental in advancing TVA's mission by leading critical initiatives in infrastructure modernization, grid innovation, and cost optimization.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Vice President, Strategy, Commercial Operations & External Affairs
Tennessee Valley Authority
01.2025 - Current
- Responsible for enterprise strategy, economic development, commercial operations, federal affairs, customer & community relations, communications and innovation & research.
Senior Vice President, Transmission & Power Supply
Tennessee Valley Authority
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Lead system operations, power supply, maintenance, construction, and engineering across TVA's network including a $1.5B budget, 1600 annual employees and ~1000 contractors
- Developed and executed strategic initiatives to drive all time best system reliability
- Established a culture of continuous improvement, leading by example to drive operational excellence across the organization.
Vice President, Transmission Operations & Power Supply
Tennessee Valley Authority
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Spearheaded the GRID of Tomorrow initiative, positioning TVA for the future including a major fiber optic deployment and new system operations center.
- Advanced grid planning, preparation, and execution strategies to enhance system resilience and efficiency
Vice President, Enterprise Planning
Tennessee Valley Authority
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Reduced O&M costs by 30% and operational performance by implementing strategic business plans and optimizing operational processes.
- Managed financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximizing return on investments.
Executive Director, Watts Bar Nuclear Unit 2 Completion
Tennessee Valley Authority
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Directed cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, operational readiness, and successful project completion and nuclear commissioning
Senior Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer
Tennessee Valley Authority
02.2010 - 01.2014
- Led a major organizational redesign effort, positioning TVA to achieve $800m in cost reductions and streamlined organizational structure.
Senior Vice President, Operations Support
Tennessee Valley Authority
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Managed Engineering, Training, Power Service Shops, Equipment Support Services, and the Central Labs
- Strengthened operational performance through process improvements and workforce development
General Manager / Plant Manager / Assistant Plant Manager / Engineering Manager
Paradise Fossil Plant
01.2005 - 02.2010
- Managed a 2,500MW facility with 420 employees and a combined capital and O&M budget of $130M
- Elevated safety performance from 4th quartile to top decile and reliability from 4th quartile to 1st quartile
Project Manager & Field Engineer
Siemens Westinghouse Power Generation
05.2000 - 12.2005
- Held leadership roles providing turbine and generator services to utilities globally
- Planned, designed, scheduled and executed large projects.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN07.2011
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA05.2000
Skills
- Operational excellence
- Workforce Development Strategies
- Strategic business planning
- Financial management
- Process Optimization Expertise
- Relationship and team building
- Cross-functional collaboration
Personal Information
Title: Senior Vice President, Strategy, Commercial Operations & External Affairs
Company
TVA
Timeline
Senior Vice President, Strategy, Commercial Operations & External Affairs
Tennessee Valley Authority
01.2025 - Current
Senior Vice President, Transmission & Power Supply
Tennessee Valley Authority
01.2020 - 01.2024
Vice President, Transmission Operations & Power Supply
Tennessee Valley Authority
01.2018 - 01.2020
Vice President, Enterprise Planning
Tennessee Valley Authority
01.2016 - 01.2018
Executive Director, Watts Bar Nuclear Unit 2 Completion
Tennessee Valley Authority
01.2014 - 01.2016
Senior Vice President, Operations Support
Tennessee Valley Authority
01.2012 - 01.2014
Senior Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer
Tennessee Valley Authority
02.2010 - 01.2014
General Manager / Plant Manager / Assistant Plant Manager / Engineering Manager
Paradise Fossil Plant
01.2005 - 02.2010
Project Manager & Field Engineer
Siemens Westinghouse Power Generation
05.2000 - 12.2005
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Vanderbilt University
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
Similar Profiles
Devin KramerDevin Kramer
Middleware Administrator Intern at Tennessee Valley AuthorityMiddleware Administrator Intern at Tennessee Valley Authority
Allie RobertsonAllie Robertson
SENIOR ANALYST, CHANGE MANAGEMENT & STRATEGIC PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT at Tennessee Valley AuthoritySENIOR ANALYST, CHANGE MANAGEMENT & STRATEGIC PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT at Tennessee Valley Authority
Jessica StandridgeJessica Standridge
Senior Nuclear Security Officer at Tennessee Valley Authority, TVASenior Nuclear Security Officer at Tennessee Valley Authority, TVA