Christian Peterson, Reporter@riverbendnews.org
Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) is a nonprofit electric cooperative that serves the Suwannee Valley. It is ran by a board of trustees who provide local governance, oversight and accountability for the cooperative’s operations. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members. Representatives (trustees) are elected among the membership and are accountable to them.
“As Co-op members themselves, trustees understand the unique dynamics of the Co-op and of life within the Suwannee valley. It is one way that electric cooperatives stand apart from other utilities,” SVEC said.
Francene Folsom is the newest appointment to SVEC’s board of trustees, representing District 9, which covers Lafayette County south of the Suwannee River. Folsom, herself, lives on a farm west of Mayo.
Folsom said, when asked what she liked most about living in the Suwannee Valley, “The Suwannee Valley is a great place to work and raise a family. Living out in the country is the best place to be.” Folsom retired from the Lafayette County School District in 2020 after teaching many different grade levels for over 30 years. She has also served on the SVEC’s Operation Roundup Board. In her free time, Folsom enjoys cooking, playing the piano and, of course, spending time with her family. When asked about why she wanted to serve on the board of trustees Folsom said, “My grandfather was on the board of trustees when the Co-op was first created. I spent many summers traveling with him to electric Co-op conventions around the state. My father Bill Hart, followed in my grandfather’s footsteps and served as a trustee for 33 years. SVEC holds a special place in my heart and I feel honored to serve the people of District 9.”