BARC COO Appointed to Virginia 811 Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 5, 2026

Contact: Amanda Cunningham

Phone: 540-679-6851

E-mail: acunningham@barcelectric.com

Lexington, Va — BARC Electric Cooperative is pleased to announce that Chief Operating Officer Chris Botulinski has been appointed to the Virginia 811 Board of Directors. The appointment places BARC among the utilities, contractors, broadband providers and infrastructure organizations helping guide Virginia’s statewide damage prevention and safe excavation efforts.

Virginia 811 serves as the Commonwealth’s underground utility notification center and plays a vital role in protecting public safety and critical infrastructure. The organization coordinates communications between excavators and utility owners to help prevent damage to underground electric, broadband, water, sewer and natural gas facilities. Its mission supports safe excavation practices, infrastructure reliability and public awareness of the importance of contacting 811 before digging.

Botulinski brings more than two decades of utility, infrastructure, and cooperative leadership experience to the board. As Chief Operating Officer of BARC Electric Cooperative and BARC Connects, he has helped lead electric system operations, broadband expansion, infrastructure development, asset protection and strategic initiatives serving communities throughout the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands.

“I am honored to serve on the Virginia 811 Board of Directors,” said Botulinski. “Protecting underground infrastructure and promoting safe excavation practices are essential to maintaining the reliable electric and broadband services our communities depend upon. I look forward to working with fellow board members to advance Virginia 811’s mission and support the safe development of infrastructure across the Commonwealth.”

The appointment also brings electric cooperative representation to the Virginia 811 Board. Botulinski’s experience serving cooperative members and rural communities, along with BARC’s role in expanding broadband infrastructure, provides a valuable perspective as Virginia continues to invest in critical utility and communications systems.

Botulinski’s service on the board reflects BARC’s ongoing commitment to safety, operational excellence, infrastructure stewardship and leadership within Virginia’s utility industry.