(Arrington, VA) – Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) proudly announces that Dr. Brian Bates, a dedicated member of its Board of Directors, has earned the Board Leadership Certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
Achieving the NRECA Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) recognizes individuals who continue their professional development after becoming a Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD). Directors who have attained the BLC have completed 10 credits in advanced, issues-oriented courses. Director Certification marks an important milestone in Dr. Bates’ commitment to cooperative leadership as it equips board members with essential knowledge in governance, financial decision-making, and industry trends to better serve cooperative members.
Dr. Brian Bates has served as a Director for CVEC since November 2017 and has a strong commitment to the Cooperative’s mission of transforming lives and connecting communities. Bates has served as Secretary and Treasurer of the CVEC Board and as Board Chairman of CVEC’s subsidiary, Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM.
A lifelong resident of Buckingham County, Dr. Bates is currently the Executive Director & Senior Principal Investigator for Longwood Institute of Archaeology as well as Professor of Anthropology & Archaeology. He earned his Ph.D from the University of London, Institute of Archaeology. Dr. Bates is active in his community as a life member and current Chief of the Toga Volunteer Fire Department. He operated the Caring Friends Food Pantry for 14 years and served on the County’s Board of Supervisors for 12 years, advocating for economic development in Buckingham in several capacities.

L to R: CVEC Board Director George Goin presents the certificate to Dr. Brian Bates, as CVEC President & CEO Gary Wood offers his congratulations.
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Central Virginia Electric Cooperative is a member-owned, not-for-profit, electric utility serving 40,000 homes, farms and businesses in the rural portions of 14 Virginia counties. CVEC connects its members and communities through reliable power and broadband services, delivering world-class, high-speed internet service through its subsidiary, Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM. CVEC and its subsidiary are equal opportunity providers and employers. For more information, visit www.mycvec.com.