AUB Welcomes Erica Peden as Communications Rep

Media Contact:

Wayne Scarbrough

(423) 745-4501 ext. 6002

wscarbrough@aub.org

June 8, 2017

ATHENS--Athens native Erica Peden has joined Athens Utilities Board (AUB) as a Communications Specialist.

Peden comes to AUB from her most recent position at the local YMCA where she oversaw and ran the organization's social media and communications efforts, worked extensively with YMCA members and the general public, and served formally as the Aquatics and Marketing Director.

"I loved my time at the YMCA," Peden said.

"Though I knew it was time to embark on a new journey, and that would mean leaving the YMCA, I know that working with the great people of our area will be an important part of my job at AUB."

AUB recently updated its website, adding new content and enhancing various online options. Peden will maintain the new website and work to continually improve it along with other social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. She will also work with other AUB departments, such as billing and information technologies, to help develop streamlined customer interfaces and positive communication channels.

AUB's Wayne Scarbrough said that the utility is working to add communications portals and methods that today's public expects and demands.

"Customer preference regarding how they obtain and consume information and how they share information is changing. As a community utility company, we have to respond to that and remain flexible. Erica will be an important part of this evolving world of customer relations," he said.

Peden professes a passion for promoting a company's mission in the community and for helping customers better understand their local service organizations.

"My work at the YMCA was rewarding in so many ways. Now, working with another local organization that has such close ties to the community is exciting. I think it is important to give back and stay involved with our community, and AUB does that," Peden said.

"The use of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, all of which I will be working to develop for AUB, will allow us to further bridge the information gap between customer and company. It will take time, but we want to develop streamlined communications tools that reach our entire customer base quickly and effectively," she said.

AUB's Facebook page is already up and available, she said.

Peden is a 2014 graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College (now University). She lives in Athens with her husband, Nick Peden.

Outside of work, Peden enjoys working with the McMinn Regional Humane Society helping to find permanent homes for shelter animals. She is member of the Athens Kiwanis Club and, through this organization, serves the children of the community.

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