Interview with William F. Willis, March 16, 2017
Project: Tennessee Valley Authority Retiree Association Oral History Project
Interview Summary
William Willis, former General Manager of the TVA, begins the interview by summarizing his career at TVA. The history of TVA in the energy sector and integrated resource development is explored. Additionally, Willis discusses a program for teacher certification in the Tennessee Valley that he oversaw as General Manager. Willis' role in an adult literacy initiative is also mentioned. The interviewee then talks of TVA's responsibility of economic development, including the steps that the TVA took to mitigate agricultural problems during the Great Depression. Following this, Willis details a tech startup support program that the TVA implemented to foster economic development in the Tennessee Valley during the mid-1980s. Some of the less successful ideas that Willis and his associates considered during his time as General Manager are examined. An interesting story with a congressman who wanted a unique structure built in his home district is shared. How the interviewee handled the challenges of working with the TVA board is illustrated. Willis articulates how TVA regional development programs were implemented internationally. Willis considers how TVA principles of cooperation and compromise could be useful in today's (2017) political climate. Willis also reveals what his most memorable experiences were from working at the TVA. The dangerous consequences of the nature of Willis' work are highlighted. To conclude the interview, Willis characterizes how he facilitated cooperation with local and state governments on TVA projects.Interview Accession
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All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.
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Willis, William F. Interview by Philip Mummert. 16 Mar. 2017. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
Willis, W.F. (2017, March 16). Interview by P. Mummert. Tennessee Valley Authority Retiree Association Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.
Willis, William F., interview by Philip Mummert. March 16, 2017, Tennessee Valley Authority Retiree Association Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
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