Sanford Reaves, Jr. (Incumbent)
Rev. Sanford Reaves, Jr. is a life-long native of Culpeper. He graduated in 1974 from Culpeper County High School. Reaves is also a 1976 graduate of Smithdeal-Massey Business College of Richmond and 2005 graduate of Virginia Union University School of Theology (Master of Divinity). He's a son of Antioch Baptist Church of Culpeper and a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Locust Grove. He is also a 46-year member-owner and proud supporter of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, and is grateful to REC members for trusting in him to serve on the Board of Directors for the past 8 1/2 years.
Reaves lives in the Salem district of Culpeper with his wife of 50 years, Lorraine. They have three children, seven grandchildren and four bonus grands. Since 1995, he has been the owner and president of Sanford and Sons Construction and janitorial services. Reaves worked as operations manager for Federal Express 7 1/2 years and general manager for Omni Services Inc., Sanis Division of Culpeper for 8 1/2 years. Reaves is also a licensed realtor and has served on the Culpeper County planning commission since 1994 and currently serves as chairman.
Reaves is a man of integrity and high morals, which allowed him to serve as pastor of the Mount Zion Baptist Church of Locust Grove for 18 years before retiring in 2024.
Reaves gets much satisfaction from serving his community. He has served on the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, Salem educational foundation, Culpeper NAACP president and moderator of the Wayland Blue Ridge Ministers and Deacons Union. Reaves is currently serving on the Culpeper wellness foundation board. He promises to continue working to ensure that our REC members continue receiving safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy.
Letitia "Tish" Smyth
Letitia "Tish" Smyth has been a member of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative since moving to the Culpeper area in 1991. Smyth grew up in the Valley of Virginia and, together with her husband, Sterling, raised their three sons in Virginia's Piedmont region.
Smyth began her career as a teacher, dedicating 16 years to education. She later became a real estate agent, serving her community for more than 20 years by guiding clients through the buying and selling process. Her professional approach reflects her background in education, with an emphasis on planning, execution and continuous improvement.
Smyth has contributed to several local boards and community organizations. She served on the Culpeper Renaissance board, where she volunteered at events, participated on committees and held the position of president for four years. She also has been active with the Greater Piedmont Realtors, where she has served as president and past president.
Smyth earned her bachelor's degree in North Carolina. She is active at Reformation Lutheran Church, where she serves as a teacher, pianist and member of the new building committee. In her spare time, Smyth enjoys gardening and is studying to become a chaplain.