President Donald Trump has removed Joe Ritch, a well-known Huntsville lawyer, from his position on the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors. The dismissal took place on April 1 at the president’s direction.

Ritch, who was appointed to the board by President Joe Biden in 2022 and confirmed by the Senate later that year, had been set to serve until May 18, 2025.

Ritch, the first Alabamian to chair the TVA Board, previously served from 2013 to 2017 after being nominated by President Barack Obama. Beyond his role at TVA, Ritch is known for his work as Chairman of the Redstone Regional Alliance.

Following Ritch’s dismissal, William J. Renick, previously nominated as chair-elect, has taken on the role of Board Chair. Just one day prior to his removal, Ritch had praised Don Moul, the newly appointed CEO of TVA.

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The TVA Board now faces operational challenges, as Ritch’s removal leaves the board with only four members, falling short of the required quorum of five. According to TVA bylaws, the board is unable to initiate new programs or make significant changes to existing ones.

Trump’s decision to remove Ritch comes shortly after the dismissal of another Biden appointee, Michelle Moore, whose term was scheduled to end in 2026.

U.S. Senator Katie Britt responded to the shake-up at the TVA, speaking to the importance of returning the utility to its foundational mission.

“Given TVA is billions in debt, restoring fiscal responsibility at the organization is an urgent need,” Britt’s office said in a statement. “With approximately 1.5 million Alabamians served by TVA, this effort is a key priority for our state’s future. Unleashing American energy dominance and unlocking American innovation will help usher in a new age of American prosperity and security.”

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].