Middle Tennessee Electric has selected Ryan King to oversee its government affairs, communications and community relations.
King, who served as deputy commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, will become MTE’s chief external relations officer on Nov. 2.
His background includes leadership roles in both government and business organizations. Before joining the agriculture department, King served as vice president of Tennessee Electric Cooperatives, where he worked on broadband expansion, infrastructure improvements and economic development in rural communities.
He also served as vice president of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry, managing government affairs and policy initiatives at the local, state and federal levels. Earlier positions with the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation added to his experience in agriculture and public policy.
In his new position, King will oversee MTE’s relationships with elected officials, government agencies and community organizations, along with the cooperative’s communications and community outreach efforts.
“Ryan brings a combination of experience in government, electric cooperatives, agriculture, economic development and community leadership,” MTE President and CEO Chris Jones said. “He also understands Middle Tennessee and the people and communities we serve.”
King said he looks forward to returning to the electric cooperative industry and working with MTE’s team.
He holds a degree in agricultural business with a concentration in agricultural education from Middle Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in agricultural leadership and communications from the University of Tennessee.
King has also served as chairman of the 2025 Tennessee Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, a member of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation Board of Directors and a participant in Leadership Tennessee Class XII. He and his family live in Franklin.
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