The Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance lobbyist database shows Nashville Electric Service (NES) is now represented by Mark Cate, who previously served as chief of staff for former Governor Bill Haslam and now works as a lobbyist and political strategist.
Cate registered his affiliation with NES on Monday, the same day U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) called for the resignation of CEO Teresa Broyles-Aplin after the top executive announced four pillars to guide changes at the company in response to its failures during Winter Storm Fern.
When Cate left his administration in 2015, Haslam said his former chief of staff was “a key player and a valuable part of our team since my first campaign for governor.” His office’s press release noted Cate served “as a top advisor, strategist, and negotiator” for the Haslam administration, and previously managed the former governor’s political campaign.
According to the press release, Cate previously worked in facilities property management for a real estate development firm before joining Haslam’s campaign, and earlier, “served 16 years in executive management in higher education at Maryville College,” where Cate “served as chief development officer, chief marketing officer, chief planning officer and chief financial officer.”
He now serves as the president of Stones River Group, which he co-founded. The firm’s website states that Cate (pictured above) has experience in public policy, political strategy, and lobbying, and declares, “Mark helps clients navigate political risks, launch compelling advocacy campaigns, capitalize on business and engagement opportunities, and strengthen comprehensive lobbying and public relations efforts.”
Cate is now the second person tied to Haslam working with the power company, as NES board member Robert McCabe is related to the former governor through marriage. The stepbrothers-in-law have been photographed together at public events, and both attended a 2017 celebration commemorating the 250th birthday of former President Andrew Jackson.
The lobbyist database shows Cate represents dozens of companies and nonprofits in Tennessee, including the major corporation BlackRock, the lobbying arm of Koch Industries, and the investment firm Advantage Capital.
Confirmation Cate is representing NES comes as The Tennessee Star received information suggesting the company has contracted other lobbyists, consultants, and public relations firms amid scrutiny following the storm. Blake Harris at BHA Strategies, Joe Hall at Hall Strategies, and New York-based Purple Strategies did not provide statements in response to inquiries about possible work for NES prior to press time.
No other names appear to have recently disclosed work for NES in the lobbyist database. Tennessee requires registration within seven days.
NES did not respond to inquiries about its relationships with public relations firms and lobbyists, but a spokesman told The Star earlier this week that it received pro bono services from FINN Partners. The company did not dispute reports showing it entered into a contract with FINN Partners worth up to $10 million.
Cate’s registration follows U.S. Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN-05) calling on leaders in the Tennessee General Assembly to take control of NES, dissolve the company’s board, and conduct a thorough audit.
Ogles also urged state lawmakers to reshape the company’s governance to include his constituents outside Nashville, who, he argued, were left without a say in the public utility because they cannot vote for the city’s mayor or council members. The Mayor of Nashville appoints NES board members, while the Metro Council can remove them by a supermajority vote.
State House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) said last week that lawmakers were considering all options “with the stance that NES cannot stay the same.”
More than 230,000 customers lost power after Winter Storm Fern, with thousands left in the dark for over a week while the company restored power. Five deaths were attributed to the storm.
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Mark Cate” by Stones River Group. Background Photo “NES Building” by NES.
Instead of cleaning house of failed leadership, NES spends more money. Another indicator of why woke goes broke, Hire a connected lobbyist.