Memphis accountant V. Lynn Evans was elected Thursday to chair the Tennessee Valley Authority this year as the utility's board transitions from all Democrats to a majority of Republican directors under incoming President Donald Trump.
Evans, who was appointed to the TVA board four years ago after serving as chairwoman of TVA's biggest customer, is the first African-American to serve as chairperson of TVA in its 83-year history. She is also the first female and first Memphis resident to chair the board.