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Blue Ridge Energy Mourns the Passing of Longtime Board President, Jeff Joines
It is with great sadness that Blue Ridge Energy announces the passing of the electric cooperative’s President of the Board of Directors, Jeff Joines of Lenoir, NC.
“Jeff led Blue Ridge Energy with integrity, humility and an unwavering commitment to the members and customers we serve,” said Katie Woodle, chief executive officer of Blue Ridge Energy. “Through seasons of growth and challenge alike, his steady leadership and thoughtful counsel shaped our cooperative in lasting ways,” she said. “His legacy of service will continue to guide us in the years to come,” Woodle said.
Joines joined the Board of Directors in 1998, and leaves behind a distinguished legacy that is highlighted by his commitment to service for the cooperative, its members, and the employees.
Joines was elected as Board President in 2018 and had served in that role since then. Before that, Joines also served as Board vice-president, assistant-secretary treasurer, and chairman of the corporate officers’ group. He was also Chairman of Blue Ridge Energy’s Caldwell Member Advisory Committee. As a director dedicated to ongoing education and coursework in the areas of governance, technology, fiduciary accountability and the cooperative and energy industry in general, Joines had earned certifications in Gold Board Leadership, Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership from NRECA (the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association).
Joines’ dedication to the members of Blue Ridge Energy extends across the state of North Carolina. He proudly served as a president and board member for the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives (NCAEC).
Joines' legacy will be one that’s highlighted not only by his commitment to service at Blue Ridge Energy, but to his commitment in his local community as well. Joines was a Retired, Judicial Division Administrator of North Carolina Department of Correction, a recipient of the Long Leaf Pine - North Carolina’s Highest Civilian Honor, a charter member of the Caldwell Rotary Club, and a Paul Harris Fellow – the highest recognition for service in a Rotary Club.
Blue Ridge Energy invites community and cooperative members to join the cooperative in sending condolences and prayers to his wife, Rita Joines, and his family. Jeff will be missed at Blue Ridge Energy, but his legacy has shaped the successes of the cooperative since 1998, and will continue to do so for many years to come.
Blue Ridge Energy serves some 80,000 members in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, and parts of Wilkes, Avery, and Alexander counties. Its propane and fuels subsidiary serves customers throughout the cooperative’s service area and in Burke, Catawba, and Grayson County, Virginia. Learn more at www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com.
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