Patricia A. Thomasson is a lifelong resident of Louisa County. She graduated from Louisa County High School in 1976 before heading to Mary Washington College, where she studied economics and political science.
Right out of college, she landed a job at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. She worked there for just over 37 years, retiring in 2017. During her tenure, she worked in the Statistics Division of the Research Department, playing a vital management role to ensure data accuracy. She also worked in Community Affairs, focusing on the system’s economic growth to promote community engagement.
As a member of the CARE Charity Board, she now gets to take that engagement even further, making a true difference for those in need of assistance.
Thomasson first heard about the CARE Charity Board when Mark Wood, a member of REC’s Board of Directors, told her there was an opening and that she would be a great fit. At the time, she was working as a non-medical caregiver for his father-in-law.
“Once I reviewed the Board’s mission, I was all in,” Thomasson said.
The elderly and the youth are two groups that she cares dearly about.
From her own involvement in her community, she knows the elderly population struggle with income restraints, so supporting organizations that provide essential services to the elderly is important to her.
She is also passionate about supporting organizations that provide opportunities for children.
“Our youth need to be engaged so they can develop healthy social skills,” she said. “Camps, sports and other opportunities are great, and so it’s important that we do what we can so these organizations can provide financial assistance to low-income families.”
She finds tremendous joy in giving back.
“I’m proud to be a voice for my community here in Louisa,” she said. “I know firsthand what’s going on and what’s needed, so I can share that knowledge and insight.”
She finds a lot of strength in working with her fellow Goard members to help make impactful contributions to numerous nonprofits across Virginia.
“There are so many great organizations with great initiatives, and they just need the funding to provide those services,” she said. “I find it meaningful when we have organizations that provide services to multiple counties and communities.”
In addition to serving on the CARE Board, she is actively involved in the community through her church and as a member of the Louisa County Human Services Advisory Board.
She also works part-time as a companion for elderly members of her community, helping them around the house and running errands.
Since her retirement in 2017, she enjoys traveling. She had the opportunity to travel throughout her career, but it was centered on work. Now she gets to travel for fun.
Regardless of where she is, however, giving back is always on her mind — and she encourages all members to consider enrolling in The Power of Change.
To Thomasson, the key is how easy it is.
“All you have to do is opt to have your monthly electric bill rounded up to the next whole dollar,” she explained. “It’s less than $1 a month, so it’s a quick, simple way to give to your community.”
“It’s just rounding up your bill, but collectively it makes a huge impact.”
The Power of Change
You have the power to make a difference. Each month, more than 33,000 REC members round up their electric bill to the next whole dollar. The donated funds are then awarded to nonprofits and charities that support our communities.
