MTE Names Ryan King Chief External Relations Officer

Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) has named Ryan King as its Chief External Relations Officer to oversee the cooperative’s governmental affairs, community relations and communications. He will join MTE Nov. 2.

King joins MTE after serving as Deputy Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. He previously served as vice president of Tennessee Electric Cooperatives (TEC), the association for the state’s electric co-ops.

“Ryan brings a combination of experience in government, electric cooperatives, agriculture, economic development and community leadership,” said MTE President and CEO Chris Jones. “He also understands Middle Tennessee and the people and communities we serve. He shares our commitment to serving our members and strengthening the communities we call home. I am thankful to have him join our team.”

As Chief External Relations Officer, King will lead MTE’s efforts to build and maintain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, community organizations and other key stakeholders. Beyond MTE’s governmental affairs, he will also oversee the co-op’s community relations and communications functions.

“I’m excited to return to electric cooperatives and join MTE at such an important time in its history,” King said. “MTE has a tremendous record of serving members and communities, and I’ve always believed one of the greatest strengths of electric cooperatives is the dedicated people who make that service possible. I look forward to working alongside the outstanding team at MTE and building on its strong legacy of service.”

A native of Lebanon, King grew up around the agriculture industry and was active in the Wilson Central FFA chapter, earning both his State and American FFA Degrees. He earned a degree in Agricultural Business with a concentration in Agricultural Education from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in Agricultural Leadership and Communications from the University of Tennessee.

Before joining the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, King served as vice president of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, where he led efforts to expand broadband, improve infrastructure and support economic growth in rural communities. He previously served as vice president of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he managed government affairs and policy initiatives at the local, state and federal levels.

Earlier in his career, King held positions with the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, giving him extensive experience in public policy and the issues affecting Tennessee's rural communities. He has also been active in statewide civic and leadership initiatives, including serving as chairman of the 2025 Tennessee Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, serving on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation and as a member of Leadership Tennessee Class XII.

King and his wife, Amy, live in Franklin with their two children, Lincoln and Mary Grace. They are members of Brentwood Baptist Church.