REC

ELECTRIC COMPANY

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative Jeff Henry

One of Jeff Henry’s favorite things to do is to meet people and hear their stories, so it was a perfect fit to become Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s new Director of Member Services and Community Relations. The position puts Henry in daily contact with people, and his smiling, bubbly demeanor naturally puts them at ease. As the title suggests, Henry’s role for REC is two-fold: member services and community relations. The Member Services role enables him to help REC members when they come to the office to pay their bill or to ask a question. He can personally resolve payment issues and connect them with field reps to diagnose problems they may be having with their electricity or send someone out to help connect solar panels or backup generators to their meters. The Community Relations part takes Henry all over the REC service area, which covers parts of Culpeper, Madison, Orange, Fauquier, Greene, Rappahannock and Albemarle counties, attending events and activities. REC is present at county parades, 4th of July celebrations, National Nights Out and Trunk or Treat events. “Where else can you stuff candy into REC branded bags and give it away?” he laughed. Attending over 50 events throughout the course of the year brings him in contact with people from all walks of life. He portrays the helpful, smiling face of REC to the public, offering support and hearing customer feedback. “Usually, what people have to say is positive,” Henry said. “It’s gratifying to hear, but it’s just as gratifying to me when we hear about a problem and then get it solved for them.” Traveling around the service area also enables Henry to enjoy the mountains and scenery he loves so much. Born and raised in Spotsylvania, he’d always been drawn to the Culpeper area. He began working for REC in Fredericksburg as Supervisor of Billing and Metering, which, though he loved the job, automation made it very impersonal. When the opportunity arose to become Director of Member Services and Community Relations in the Culpeper office six months ago, he embraced the chance not only to interact with people but to move closer to the mountains where he finds joy. Connecting REC with youth is another joy Henry finds in attending community events. At Eastern View High School’s 2022 BIE Day, a teacher mentioned two students in class who were interested in becoming linemen. REC arranged for someone to come speak to the class and speak to those students individually. REC awards scholarships and supports worthwhile nonprofit community organizations. One organization that REC supports is especially near and dear to Henry’s heart. TACO (Therapeutic Adventure Camp of Orange) serves special needs youths with activities such as horseback riding, music, and recreation. Henry’s 16-year-old son is autistic and benefits greatly from these outings. Henry feels a personal connection to the good REC is doing in the local area for local people. “I’m proud to work for a company that helps our community in this way,” Henry said. That pride and enthusiasm shows in Henry’s personable manner. Performing the duties of Director of Member Services and Community Relations for him is not a job but a joy that “never grows old.”