Jerry Paul, who recently retired as the principal deputy administrator with the National Nuclear Security Administration, has been named the first Distinguished Fellow on Energy Policy at the University of Tennessee Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy.

The Baker Center created the Energy Fellow position in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

"Our goal with the Energy Fellow program is to stimulate discussion and debate about national energy policy,"said Alan Lowe, Baker Center executive director. "We want to engage experts across the globe in our work and to propose solutions to what may be our nation's biggest challenge of the 21st century. The Fellow will direct our efforts by supporting research, assisting with relevant public programs, establishing far-reaching partnerships and taking his expertise into the classroom. In these and other ways, I know Jerry will help eatablish the Baker Center as the place where our nation's energy is discussed and debated."

The Energy Fellow will work at the Baker Center and with its partners for one year. Other sponsors include the Cornerstone Foundation, the late Lindsay Young and the Anheuser-Busch Corp.

I know Jerry will help establish the Baker Center as the place where our nation's energy is discussed and debated. - Alan Lowe, Baker Center executive director
"I am extremely pleased to have Jerry on board as our first Energy Fellow," Sen. Howard Baker said. "He brings to this important position a great wealth of knowledge and experience. I am glad that the Baker Center, with Jerry's invaluable help, will play a critical role in helping to address our nation's complex energy challenges."

U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman congratulated Sen. Baker and the Baker Center on creating the post and selecting Jerry Paul to fill it.

"I know I join many others in the energy community who applaud this contributon to thoughtful discussion on energy policy," he said.

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, who chairs the Senate Energy Subcommittee and the Tennessee Valley Authority Caucus, also complimented the Baker Center for focusing on energy issues.

"Sen. Baker has been a leader on energy and environmental policy in the United States for decades. Energy independence and clean air are two priorities of mine, and I look forward to the Baker Center's thoughts on how to achieve those goals," he said.

U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici of New Mexico, the ranking Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, agreed with Alexander.

"The Baker Center will benefit from Jerry Paul's experience with the NNSA and nuclear technology. The Baker Center provides thoughtful insight on our nation's biggest problems, and there is no doubt that our energy future is among them. I applaud their decision to hire an Energy Fellow to focus on these issues, and I look forward to seeing Mr. Paul's contributions."

Paul's Qualifications

• Nuclear engineer
• Attorney 
• Former state representative in Florida
• Served as a merchant marine and in the U.S. Navy Reserve
• Worked as a reactor engineer and power plant operator at fossil and nuclear power plants
• Served as a member of the U.S. Department of Energy Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee
• Served as the Florida representative for both the Southern States Energy Board and the National Conference of Legislators Committees on Environmental and Natural Resources

Paul's Education

• Law degree from Stetson University
• Bachelor's degree in marine engineering from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• Post-baccalaureate degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Florida