John Butler, appointed by Bartlett’s Mayor and Alderman and James Lewellen, appointed by Collierville’s Mayor and Aldermen began serving as advisors to Memphis Light, Gas and Water’s Board of Commissioners in 2023. They represented the interests of Shelby County suburbs but did not have voting power on MLGW’s Board until now.

Memphis Light, Gas and Water installed the electric and gas infrastructure that helped the suburban population grow 260%. In 1980 the population in the Shelby County suburbs was 48,876. Today it is 178,896. Tennessee lawmakers passed a law in April that states utilities providing service to more than 130,000 customers outside of the home municipality must expand to include two additional voting members. The measure cleared the way for MLGW to add representatives to the utility’s board. There are now seven voting members, representing 30% of MLGW’s customers who live outside the city limits.

Butler and Lewellen will provide a voice for those customers. This agreement follows the collective will of all mayors representing the Shelby County suburbs, and the approval of the boards of alderman in Collierville and Bartlett, the two largest suburbs. The advice of Commissioners Butler and Lewellen has always been valued at MLGW and that will remain unchanged. “I want to extend my gratitude to the mayors for their selections,” MLGW President and CEO, Doug McGowen, told Commissioners at this morning’s Board meeting. “I could not be more pleased to have Commissioners Lewellen and Butler remain on this Board. While their input, wisdom and constructive criticisms have always been regarded seriously, their ability to officially vote will only strengthen the Board’s process.”

John Butler, a fifth-generation farmer, was owner/operator of Jones Creek Farms for 20 years before taking over as President of Agricenter International in 2016. Butler graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and obtained a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Public Policy from Lipscomb University. He worked for Cargill, Inc. for a number of years. In his various management roles at Cargill, John had permanent assignments all over the United States dealing with grain origination, processing, transportation, distribution and customer service.

Lewellen retired as Town Administrator for the Town of Collierville where he served for 27 years. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Public Administration. He began his career as a City Planner with Southaven and Germantown before transitioning into the Town Administrator role. He is a current member of the Tennessee City Manager’s Association and the International City Manager’s Association.

Memphis Light, Gas and Water is governed by a Board of Commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor of the City of Memphis. Public meetings are held at 8:30 a.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month (unless otherwise noted) at the MLGW Administration Building, Board Room, 220 S. Main. The public may also access the meeting at mlgw.com/livestream. If you experience connection issues with Zoom, update the app before rejoining. The meeting agenda and archived video recording can be found here: mlgw.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx.

The next meeting will be held on August 5, 2026.

Memphis Light, Gas and Water is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving the residents of Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee since 1939. MLGW consistently provides customers with rates that are amongst the lowest in the nation and stewards a water supply from artesian wells that is minimally treated. Actively engaged in promoting the prosperity of Memphis and Shelby County, MLGW supports the seven local chambers in its service area and makes doing business with local, minority- and women-owned business a priority. Deeply rooted in the community, its employees generously donate time and money in support of bettering the Greater Memphis area.