Dustin Francis, MEC and EMPOWER community relations coordinator, was recently named Young Professional of the Year by the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce. This award is presented to an individual demonstrating leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, community service and involvement, professional achievement, and perseverance, and is or has been involved in numerous community organizations and works to help bring opportunities to citizens in Halifax County to make it a better place to live.

Francis currently serves on the Virginia Cooperative Council board, participates in the Virginia Institute on Cooperative Education and chaperones junior Members who attend Electric Cooperative Youth Tour each year. He visits elementary schools in MEC’s service territory to teach classes on electrical circuits and speaks to high school students about character building and preparing for life after school. Additionally, Francis conducts classes on energy conservation and energy efficiency for area organizations.

Additionally, Francis serves on the Halifax County Planning Commission, the county’s Solar Density Committee, Halifax County Agricultural Advisory Committee and Halifax County Cattleman’s Association. He assists with community events such as the National Night Out program and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Stuff the Cruiser program at Christmas.

–Report by Dolores Cabaniss, Public Relations Specialist, Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative.