SR63: Commending Gary Wood.
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 63
WHEREAS, Gary Wood, President and CEO of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) and Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM, has improved the lives of thousands of residents in Central Virginia through his tireless efforts to bring internet to rural Central Virginia; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and of Auburn University with a Master of Business Administration, Gary Wood worked as an electrical engineer at Appalachian Power Company, Summer Consultants and The Greenwood Partnership before assuming the role of Vice President of Engineering and Operations at CVEC in 1991; and
WHEREAS, Gary Wood was named as President and CEO of CVEC in 2008; and
WHEREAS, Gary Wood, in his role as CVEC President and CEO, has been instrumental in historical improvements in system reliability, the highest member satisfaction ratings ever, introducing solar energy to the diversified power portfolio, and recruiting world-class talent in many of the cooperative’s leadership positions; and
WHEREAS, Gary Wood has offered his visionary leadership to the state and national electric cooperative committees, including the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC); and
WHEREAS, under Gary Wood’s leadership, CVEC launched a $120 million project to install fiber optic cables across its entire distribution grid to improve electric service reliability and security, lower power supply costs, enable demand response programs and make gigabit speed internet service available to all 37,000 member accounts in parts of 14 counties in rural Central Virginia via Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM, CVEC’s wholly-owned subsidiary; and
WHEREAS, Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM, under the direction of Gary Wood, has created jobs for 15-20 Central Virginians and almost 200 contract personnel working on the fiber build; and
WHEREAS, Gary Wood worked tirelessly to obtain commitments and awards of outside support for the fiber project nearing $54 million from ReConnect, Connect America Funds, Tobacco Commission grants and Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) grants as well as agreements with eight counties in CVEC’s service territory for economic incentives, donations, and in-kind transfers; and
WHEREAS, Gary Wood’s vision, leadership and determination are an inspiration to his employees and citizens across Central Virginia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Gary Wood hereby be commended for his life-changing work in Central Virginia; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Gary Wood as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s admiration for his outstanding achievements.