Michael Williford

About Michael Williford

Executive Leader | Turnaround Specialist | Crisis & Infrastructure OperationsSenior executive with proven success leading organizations through financial distress, operational crises, and infrastructure challenges. Experience spans electric, water, wastewater, and broadband operations, with a track record of stabilizing distressed systems and delivering results under extreme pressure.I have led an organization out of bankruptcy, directed catastrophic disaster response where experts projected impossible timelines, and driven transformation in politically complex environments.Bankruptcy Recovery & Financial Turnaround: Led organization from bankruptcy to sustained financial stability, rebuilding operational credibility while maintaining uninterrupted services. Restored stakeholder confidence while balancing customer impact, capital needs, and regulatory compliance.Crisis & Emergency Management: Directed restoration during catastrophic flooding where experts projected 30+ days for recovery—achieved full restoration in one week. Served as primary interface with FEMA and federal/state agencies while managing staff safety, public communication, and infrastructure stabilization.Multi-System Operations: Lead $100M+ operations including electric, water, wastewater, and broadband systems serving customers. Direct capital planning, system reliability, regulatory compliance, and asset stewardship.Governance & Stakeholder Leadership: Operate effectively within board governance and complex political environments. Maintain organizational stability while managing competing interests and regulatory relationships.Industry Foundation: Former TVA professional with 7.5 years foundational experience. Maintain trusted peer relationships with senior executives at TVA, Georgia Power, and across the industry.Leadership Approach: Lead through calm decision-making and operational discipline during crises. Known for making high-impact decisions with incomplete information and thriving under sustained responsibility.Open to senior executive opportunities where turnaround leadership, crisis management expertise, and operational experience create significant impact.Core Expertise: Operations Leadership | Electric Power | Water/Wastewater | Broadband | Bankruptcy Recovery | Financial Turnaround | Crisis Management | Emergency Response | Board Relations | Regulatory Compliance | Infrastructure ModernizationOpen to CEO, COO, CFO, and senior leadership roles. Confidential inquiries welcome.

Experience

1. Chief Executive Officer

   Newport Utilities

   Nov 2019 — Present

   Recruited to lead comprehensive turnaround of distressed municipal utility facing significant financial, operational, and governance challenges. Promoted from VP of Finance to CEO to restore organizational stability while serving customers across electric, water, wastewater, and broadband operations with $125M+ annual revenue.Financial & Organizational Turnaround- Led organization out of bankruptcy, restoring operational credibility and long-term financial sustainability- Reversed 5-year financial decline, generating $800K+ positive cash flow in previously unprofitable divisions- Negotiated $6M+ debt restructuring with lenders and regulatory agencies, reducing financing costs and strengthening balance sheet- Implemented financial controls and governance processes to ensure sustained performanceCapital & Infrastructure Development- Secured $20M+ in competitive state and federal grants for broadband expansion, water/wastewater infrastructure, and system modernization- Direct capital planning and asset stewardship for aging infrastructure serving four-county service area- Oversee infrastructure resilience initiatives and system reliability improvementsCrisis & Emergency Leadership- Directed emergency response during 2024 Hurricane Helene catastrophic flooding, restoring full water service in 1 week versus external expert projections of 30+ days- Served as primary executive interface with FEMA, state EMA, and federal authorities during disaster recovery- Maintained operational continuity, staff safety, and public communication under extreme conditionsGovernance & Strategic Leadership- Advise independent utility Board of Directors on strategy, operations, financial performance, and risk management- Navigate complex political and regulatory environment while protecting operational integrity and public trust- Drive cultural transformation focused on accountability, employee engagement, and operational excellence

Education

• Tennessee Technological University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Finance, General

  2007 — 2008

• University of Tennessee, Knoxville

  BS, Finance

  1995 — 2000

Skills

• Microsoft Access
• Financial Analysis
• Accounting
• Project Planning
• Databases
• Business Process Improvement
• Access
• Quickbooks
• Fixed Assets
• Pricing Strategy
• Sec Filings
• Energy
• Customer Service
• Corporate Finance
• Strategic Planning
• External Audit
• Hyperion Enterprise
• Internal Audit
• Forecasting
• Contract Management
• Managerial Finance
• Revenue Recognition
• Strategic Financial Planning
• Business Analysis
• Us Gaap
• Financial Forecasting
• Auditing
• General Ledger
• Cost Accounting
• Budgets
• Finance
• Cash Flow Forecasting
• Cash Flow
• Financial Statements
• Analysis
• Sarbanes-Oxley
• Variance Analysis
• Management
• Gaap
• Financial Audits