More than 16,500 Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) member-owners participated in the 2026 director elections by designating their proxy or joining the virtual Annual Meeting on Aug. 5.
Member-owners elected three directors to REC’s Board of Directors:
• In Region IV, Sanford Reaves Jr. was re-elected. Region IV includes Culpeper and Orange counties.
• In Region V, Randy Thomas was re-elected. Region V includes Spotsylvania County.
• In Region IX, Eugene “Gene” L. Campbell Jr. was re-elected. Region IX includes Essex, King and Queen, and King William counties.
During the Annual Meeting, REC President and CEO John D. Hewa and Board Chair Christopher G. Shipe reviewed the Cooperative’s work to provide safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy solutions while preparing for continued growth across its 22-county service territory.
Hewa highlighted REC’s ongoing grid investments, including major reliability projects, pole replacements, right-of-way maintenance and the use of drones and other technology to identify equipment concerns before they cause outages. He also discussed REC’s focus on affordability through efficient operations, careful cost management and long-term investments that support reliable service as well as member-focused programs like the Summer Savings Plan.
“Delivering safe, reliable electricity is our most fundamental responsibility,” Hewa said. “We take action throughout the year to strengthen our electric system before problems occur.”
REC leaders also shared updates on the Cooperative’s approach to growth, including new economic development projects and large energy users. Hewa emphasized that REC is using rates, business models and other safeguards intended to ensure the costs and risks of serving large loads are managed fairly and not shifted to existing member-owners.
Shipe thanked member-owners for participating in the election process and underscored the role they play in Cooperative governance.
“Our director elections are democracy in action,” Shipe said. “The directors you elect will represent you and help ensure that your interests remain at the center of every decision made by this Cooperative.”
Full election results and video from the 2026 Annual Meeting are available at myrec.coop/annualmeeting.
