When Carty Yowell returned to his hometown of Madison, Va., in 2008, one of the first things he did was enroll in Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s The Power of Change. Back then, it was known as REC’s Operation Round Up — and for Yowell, signing up was a no-brainer.
“It’s such an easy way to give back without really feeling it,” he said.
After nearly three decades in Virginia Beach working as an accountant in defense contracting, Yowell came home ready to serve. He became the Finance Director at Skyline Community Action Program and quickly immersed himself in the local community, joining a wide range of boards and initiatives. Over the years, he’s served with the Madison Board of Supervisors, Madison Conservation Fund, Madison Free Clinic, Madison Education Foundation, Support Hoover Ridge and the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation.
That commitment to service eventually led him to the CARE Charity Board. “Being part of The Power of Change since 2008, it’s been incredibly meaningful to now help distribute the funds,” he shared.
Skyline Community Action Program, where he works, had previously received funding through The Power of Change — so he understands firsthand the impact.
“I’ve seen what a difference those grants can make,” Yowell said. “So, when Darlene Carpenter asked me to serve on the CARE Charity Board, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.” Carpenter is REC’s Region III director who appointed Yowell to represent the region on the CARE Board.
As he prepared for his first round of grant application reviews in 2025, Yowell was eager to make a difference in the very communities REC serves.
“It’s tough,” he admitted. “There are so many deserving organizations, and you want to support them all.”
For fellow REC members who haven’t yet joined The Power of Change, Yowell offers this advice:
“Think of it like a savings account for your community. Just a few cents each month — something you barely notice — can add up to real change when we all pitch in.”
Carty Yowell believes in jumping in with both feet — especially when it comes to serving
his community.
Now, as a member of the CARE Charity Board, Yowell brings his passion for public service and his firsthand experience with local nonprofits to the table, with a heart for helping organizations that uplift families and strengthen the communities REC powers.
