Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) made a $15,000 contribution to the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) Scholarship Foundation in honor of Roberta I. Harlowe, a trailblazing leader and advocate for education and community service. The gift was matched by CoBank’s Sharing Success program, resulting in a total of $30,000 to support the educational futures of local high school students.
Mrs. Harlowe served as a member of the CVEC Board of Directors since 1983, representing the East District with distinction. She was the first female elected to the Board and quickly gained a reputation for her principled leadership, unwavering commitment to cooperative values, and passion for rural communities.
“Mrs. Harlowe has been an inspiring voice in the board room and beyond,” said Gary Wood, President and CEO of CVEC. “Her service reflects a deep-rooted care for our members, their families, and the future of our rural youth.”
Throughout her decades of service, Mrs. Harlowe remained committed to growth and excellence, completing the highest level of training for electric cooperative directors and participating in annual training sessions to stay current on industry developments. Her service was recognized with the dedication of the Harlowe-Vest Community Room at CVEC, the Leadership Award - the highest honor given by VMDAEC, and the prestigious Tom Downing Fellow Award from her local Ruritan.
A champion for youth and education, Mrs. Harlowe chaired the VMDAEC Scholarship Foundation for more than ten years. She and her husband, Bill, also founded the Roberta I. Harlowe Scholarship Fund, which benefits high school seniors living in CVEC’s service territory who plan to pursue higher education.
“It has been my great pleasure to serve CVEC members for over four decades,” said Mrs. Harlowe. “One of my favorite memories will be discovering my passion for youth education and finding an outlet to make a difference. I will cherish the deep and meaningful connections formed with members, employees, and cooperative colleagues across the nation.”
In addition to her leadership at CVEC, Mrs. Harlowe and her husband operated Harlowe-Powell Auction, Ltd. for over 40 years. Today, they reside in Palmyra and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Pictured: Front – Roberta Harlowe; Middle (left to right) – Bill Harlowe, Cathy Davison (CoBank), George Goin (CVEC Director), and Gary Wood (CVEC President & CEO);
Back (left to right) – H.T. Brown (CVEC Director), Lisa Jackson (CVEC Director), Rusty Brown (VMDAEC), and Dr. Brian Bates (CVEC Director).
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Central Virginia Electric Cooperative is a member-owned, not-for-profit, electric utility serving 39,000 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 Broadband. CVEC and its subsidiary are equal opportunity providers and employers. For more information, visit www.mycvec.com.