BARC Congratulates Mike Keyser as New CEO of National Renewables Cooperative
Date: September 16, 2021
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tish Blackwell, 800-846-2272 (tblackwell@barcelectric.com)
Millboro, VA – Earlier today the National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO) named Mike Keyser as its new chief executive officer (CEO) effective Jan. 1, 2022. Keyser has served as CEO of BARC Electric Cooperative and BARC Connects since 2010.
During Keyser’s tenure with BARC, the cooperative has expanded opportunities to its members including fiber optic broadband service and new renewable energy options through solar. Through Keyser’s vision and leadership, BARC constructed the first community solar garden in the Commonwealth and launched its SolarizeBARC program in 2019. In addition to community solar, the program offers affordable onsite solar solutions and will add new offerings in 2021 as the part of the cooperative’s mission towards sustainability.
“It is with bittersweet feelings that I announce today that I will be leaving BARC after 11 years. Since joining BARC, I have dedicated my life to this organization and am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished as a team. We have unbelievably dedicated employees who believe in our mission and a supportive board of directors that enables us to be a leader in both the Commonwealth and the country,” said Keyser.
BARC’s Board of Directors will begin the process to identify a new CEO for the cooperative. BARC wants to reassure all consumers that the co-op will continue moving forward with innovative solar opportunities and expansion of the broadband project. BARC’s mission remains to improve the quality of life in the community it serves and will continue to focus efforts on active projects and look to the future as the co-op continues to innovate. “There is zero doubt in my mind that this co-op is going to continue to do great things,” said Keyser. “Innovation is a part of BARC’s DNA.”
“We appreciate Mike’s contributions and leadership to BARC Electric Cooperative and its members. Through his leadership, BARC has been able to provide new opportunities and services here in rural Virginia that are often only available in metropolitan areas,” said BARC Board President, Keith Swisher.
About BARC
BARC Electric Cooperative is a customer-owned electric cooperative serving 13,000 residents, farms and businesses across five counties in Virginia. To continue to serve and meet the needs of its members, BARC constructed the first community solar garden in the Commonwealth and provides high-speed Internet and telephone service through BARC Connects, its wholly-owned fiber-to-the-home subsidiary. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To learn more about all the exciting things happening at BARC, visit www.barcelectric.com and www.barcconnects.net.