Energy 2024: JOHN D. HEWA

Since its launch last year, Regional Internet Service Expansion has connected hundreds of Virginians to broadband internet. The $288 million project is a partnership between Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Firefly Fiber Broadband and Virginia localities that aims to bring high-speed internet to more than 36,000 businesses and residences.

In June, Greene County became the second locality to connect 400 Rappahannock customers to broadband. Hewa, Rappahannock’s president and CEO since 2020, said the milestone was a “shining example of co-ops working collaboratively together and the positive impact it has on the businesses and communities we serve.”

A registered professional engineer who holds a doctorate in engineering from George Washington University, Hewa joined Rappahannock in 2017 as vice president and chief operating officer after previously holding positions at cooperatives in Florida and Texas.

He serves on several regional boards, including those of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Hewa also serves as co-chairman of the Coalition for the Advancement of Reliable Electric Systems.

In March, the Virginia Court of Appeals ruled in favor of REC members’ efforts to increase voting rights and transparency at the co-op, including salary disclosures.