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Commending Belvin Williamson, Jr.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 13, 2026
WHEREAS, Belvin Williamson, Jr., has provided more than 45 years of outstanding leadership to the electric utility industry in the Commonwealth and beyond, culminating in his service as president and chief executive officer of A&N Electric Cooperative; and
WHEREAS, Belvin “Butch” Williamson began his career on May 1, 1980, as a summer laborer at his local electric cooperative in South Carolina and later became a lineman apprentice, launching a lifelong commitment to the cooperative mission of service, reliability, and community; and
WHEREAS, a 1982 graduate of North High School and a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in business, Butch Williamson built a professional foundation grounded in leadership and economic development; and
WHEREAS, Butch Williamson served his country as a member of the Army National Guard, completing basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and demonstrating a spirit of duty and patriotism that would characterize his professional life; and
WHEREAS, prior to joining A&N Electric Cooperative, Butch Williamson held leadership roles in the electric utility and business sectors, including service with Aiken Electric Cooperative and as vice president in charge of marketing for Utilicon Services, Inc., where he developed extensive experience in cooperative operations and economic development; and
WHEREAS, on May 1, 2016, Butch Williamson joined A&N Electric Cooperative, bringing deep industry knowledge and a servant leadership philosophy rooted in cooperative values; and
WHEREAS, under Butch Williamson's leadership, A&N Electric Cooperative upheld its longstanding commitment to providing reliable and affordable electric service to nearly 40,000 homes and businesses across Accomack and Northampton counties, including Tangier Island, Virginia, and Smith Island, Maryland, strengthening the economic vitality of the Commonwealth's Eastern Shore; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure, Butch Williamson championed innovation, system reliability, and community-focused service while honoring the cooperative's 85-year legacy of member ownership and grassroots leadership; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of his tireless service and dedication to the Eastern Shore community, Butch Williamson received the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award in 2023; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career, Butch Williamson has exemplified the cooperative principles of democratic member control, concern for community, and dedication to improving quality of life for the residents he has served; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Belvin Williamson, Jr., hereby be commended on the occasion of his retirement as president and chief executive officer of A&N Electric Cooperative; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Belvin Williamson, Jr., as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for his service and best wishes for a fulfilling and well-earned retirement.