Leadership - Paris Board of Public Utilities

The Paris Board of Public Utilities is comprised of over 75 employees who are led by an executive leadership team and governed by a five member board of directors.

Paris BPU Executive Leadership

Terry Wimberley

President & CEO

Wimberley joined the Paris Board of Public Utilities in December of 1990 after graduating from Murray State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. He was named Director of Water and Wastewater in 2004 and became President & CEO in 2016.

Wimberley is active at both the local and state levels, serving on a variety of boards and associations, including the Western District Managers Association. In 2018, he was appointed by Governor Haslam to serve on the Tennessee Board of Water Quality, Oil, and Gas. He currently serves as Chairman of the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association and is an active member of the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association. Locally, he serves as an Executive Member of the Paris Henry County Industrial Committee, is a graduate of Leadership Henry County and the WestStar Leadership Program and is an active member of the Paris Lakeway Kiwanis.

Tony Brown

Vice President – Water and Wastewater Services

Brown joined the Paris Board of Public Utilities in March 2011 as an Engineering Aide/Storeroom Keeper in the Water Department. In October 2016, he assumed his current role as Director of Water and Wastewater Services. Prior to joining Paris BPU, Brown worked at Dana Corporation as a Senior Cost Estimator in the accounting department. During his time at Paris BPU, he earned his TDEC Grade II Distribution System Operator and TDEC Grade II Collections Systems Operator certifications.

Brown was born and raised in Henry County and is raising his two daughters here with his wife, Jennifer. He was an honors graduate of Henry County High School in 1990 and a 1995 graduate of Bethel University with a degree in Business Administration.

Bethany Edwards

Vice President – Administration and Finance

Edwards joined Paris Board of Public Utilities in 2002 as a part-time cashier and moved to a full-time position in 2005.  In 2006, Edwards became a Customer Service Representative.  She moved into the Accounting Department in 2007 as an Office Accountant.  In 2013, Edwards took on the role of Assistant Business Manager.  She was promoted to Head of Accounting in December 2017.  Edwards assumed her current role as Vice President, Administration and Finance in January 2021.  Her long tenure and varied experience with our utility make Edwards a valuable asset to our utility.

Edwards is a lifelong resident of Henry County. She holds an undergraduate degree in Finance from Murray State University (2004) and a Master of Business Administration from Bethel University (2011). Through the Tennessee Public Power Association, Edwards completed Certified Utility Accountant training in 2010, received Utility Human Resources Certification in 2021, and earned her Certified Power Executive designation in 2023. She is also a graduate of the WestStar Leadership Program, Class of 2025.

Edwards serves on the Henry County Planning Commission, the Henry County Health Care Foundation Board, and the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board.

Brian Horton

Vice President – Electric Operations

Horton joined the Paris Board of Public Utilities full-time in November of 1998 as an Apprentice Lineman. In 2002, Horton became a Journeyman Lineman and in 2013, became a Line Crew Foreman. In 2017, Horton was promoted to General Foreman. After the transition to Paris Utility Authority in July 2020, Horton was promoted to Vice President of Electric Operations.

Horton is a long-time resident of Paris and Henry County. He and his wife Leigh Ann have a son Balin, who is also a lineman, and have two daughters, Maura and Landry. Horton is an avid outdoorsman and when not working, can be found hunting, in the gym, or working on his farm.

Cole Edwards

Vice President – Engineering & Metering

Edwards joined the Paris Board of Public Utilities part-time in January of 2003 in the Electric Department. In 2008, Edwards became a full-time Electric Utility Engineer. In 2013, Edwards was promoted to Director of Electric Operations & Maintenance. After the transition to Paris Utility Authority in July 2020, Edwards was promoted to Vice President of Engineering & Metering.

Edwards was born and raised in Henry County. He attended the University of Tennessee at Martin, earning his degree in Engineering in 2009.  When not working, he can be found on the lake or grilling his famous pork chops, wings, and bologna.