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Roanoke Cooperative Director Marva Bond, representing District 6 in Gates County, recently received the Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

An ever-changing business environment has created new demands on electric cooperative directors, requiring increased knowledge of changes in the electric utility business, new governance skills, and a solid understanding of the cooperative principles and business model.

“Director Bond has committed herself to sharpen this body of knowledge for the benefit of Roanoke Cooperative’s member-owners,” said CEO Marshall Cherry.

Cherry noted that Bond dedicated herself to obtaining five core competencies:

Director Duties and Liabilities

Understanding the Electric Business

Board Operations and Process

Strategic Planning

Financial Decision Making

“The certificate,” said Cherry, “is geared toward directors who are committed to continuing their education and who desire a tangible credential that reinforces their stature as part of an experienced and educated group of directors.”

The certificate also demonstrates Bond’s ongoing commitment to advancing her knowledge and performing her fiduciary duty to co-op members.

Bond joined the board in March 2022. She is a proud lifelong resident of Gates County. She received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Elizabeth City State University and is a retired elementary school teacher of 30 years. She is a member of St. John A.M.E. Zion Church in Sunbury, where she serves as secretary of the church and Steward Board and is the church clerk. In the community, she is a member of the Gates County Library Board, Albemarle Regional Library Board, and Board of Directors of Studio 32 of Sunbury.

“Roanoke Cooperative is committed to advancing the interests of all our members by supporting cooperative-focused educational programs,” said Allen Speller, chair of the cooperative’s board of directors. The Roanoke Cooperative Board of Directors believes strongly in the value of cooperative education. Mrs. Bond pursued and earned this certificate with our members’ interests top of mind.”