What does it take to become a CEO? For David Wade, it was a journey of hard work that began at Chattanooga State and remains a testament to the power of community-focused leadership. 

Wade’s career began in 1983 when he went to work for EPB as a line helper, an entry-level position. Soon, Wade enrolled in night classes at ChattState, where he studied engineering and went on to earn an associate degree before transferring to UTC to earn a bachelor’s in engineering. 

Degree in hand, Wade continued to climb the ranks of EPB for many years until he earned the top spot of President and CEO in 2016. Under his leadership, Chattanooga gained access to a groundbreaking fiber optics network that provides Gigabit internet and the country’s most automated electric power distribution system. 

Wade said his accomplishments were made possible only through the help of many others in his life, including the entire EPB workforce. 

"Individual awards don't necessarily mean individual achievement," he said. "Success and achievement is a team sport. I've had many, many folks throughout my career who have impacted me.” 

Wade credits a ChattState English class as the place where he first learned to combine his practical knowledge with critical analysis and creativity to find big solutions to big problems. 

“It taught me to really think beyond what I see on that surface—to think beyond what's visible—and look for stuff that you can't see,” he said. “That has been a huge help to me throughout my career, and I think it goes back to an English Lit class.” 

Another class, Wade said, taught him humility and the importance of working together. 

"If you think you're standing, you better look around because you're about to fall,” he said. “If you think you're doing something on your own, you're not.” 

Wade was presented with an Outstanding Alumni Award from the Chattanooga State Alumni Association in January. The award recognizes ChattState graduates who have made meaningful contributions to their professions and communities while upholding the values of the College. 

In presenting Wade’s award, Bo Drake, Vice President of ChattState’s TCAT, said, “David is a leader whose dedication, hard work, and commitment to innovation have made a lasting impact on our community and Chattanooga State,” Drake said.