James Bates

James Bates has a diverse work experience spanning several organizations and roles. James started their career at Clark and Clark as a Staff Accountant in 2001. James then joined Central Service Association in 2002 as an Information Systems Representative. In 2004, James moved to Mount Pleasant Power System, where they served as an Accounting Manager and later took on additional responsibilities in Human Resources. James worked there until 2019. From 2018 to 2020, James worked at Arizona School of English as an English Second Language Teacher. Currently, they are employed at Duck River EMC, initially as a District Manager from 2020 to 2021, and then transitioning to the role of Senior Director & Controller in 2021.

James Bates has a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Mississippi. In 2015 and 2016, they attended the University of Oklahoma, although a degree was not specified. Additionally, they have obtained several certifications, including the Certified Power Executive (CPE) from the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, Inc. in 2014. In 2013, they obtained the Key Public Power Account Executive (KPPAE) certification from the American Public Power Association. Prior to that, they obtained the Certificate of Customer Service (CCS) from the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, Inc. in 2012. James Bates was also a participant in the Leadership Maury County program offered by the Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance in 2011. In 2015, they attended the Tennessee Valley Rural Leadership Institute at the Tennessee Valley Authority.