Bill Text: VA SJR236 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending John C. Lee, Jr.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 4-1)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-07 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ236ER) [SJR236 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-SJR236-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, John C. Lee, Jr., the respected and admired president and chief executive officer of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative and EMPOWER Broadband, will retire from both organizations effective June 30, 2024, after 16 years of exemplary service to the Cooperative; and
WHEREAS, John Lee began his 32-year cooperative career in 1992 at Old Dominion Electric Cooperative during the construction of the Clover Power Station and has continuously supported economic development throughout the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, John Lee has been an extraordinary leader at Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, one of the most respected electric cooperatives in the nation, and he helped navigate the organization through the many challenges of the complex and ever-changing energy environment; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, John Lee co-founded the Southside Virginia Community College Power Line Worker Training Program at Fort Barfoot which celebrated its 500th graduate in 2023, and he continues to serve on the advisory board; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, John Lee provided the vision and leadership to launch EMPOWER Broadband, which is now bridging the digital divide and bringing world-class, fast, and affordable internet service to rural Southside Virginia, with more than 5,000 homes and businesses connected; and
WHEREAS, John Lee has served on numerous electric cooperative boards, including the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the National Cooperative Services Corporation, the Alliance For Cooperative Energy Services Power Marketing, and the National Renewables Cooperative Organization; and
WHEREAS, John Lee's concern and desire to serve were not exclusive to cooperative-served communities but included service on state and national stages, as he served on the boards of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation and Virginia Commonwealth University Community Memorial Hospital; and
WHEREAS, an outdoor enthusiast and conservationist, John Lee has been a strong advocate and volunteer for Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the former Quail Unlimited over many years; and
WHEREAS, John Lee is a beloved husband to Terri, father to Jake and Kaitie, grandfather to McInnis, and a role model to his family and community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend John C. Lee, Jr., for his outstanding service to Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, his community, and the Commonwealth; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to John C. Lee, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's appreciation for his many accomplishments and his many contributions to his community and his fellow citizens.
