North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives
Kara Gravinese is an experienced professional with a strong background in business development and communication. Currently serving as an Innovation and Business Development Analyst at North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives since January 2021, Kara has successfully launched a B2B newsletter, organized electric vehicle awareness events, and authored technical papers on emerging technologies. Prior to this role, Kara gained valuable experience as a Graduate Assistant at North Carolina State University, an Engagement and Communication Manager at North Raleigh Ministries, and held various positions at The Sheepfold and Mariners Church, where leadership and strategic planning were key responsibilities. Kara holds a Master of Business Administration in Innovation and Marketing Management from North Carolina State University, complemented by a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Choreography and an Associate of Arts degree.
North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives
North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are a network of not-for-profit electric utility organizations powering the days and empowering the lives of 2.5 million North Carolinians from the mountains to the coast. There are 26 electric distribution cooperatives rooted in communities across the state, each committed to delivering homes, farms and businesses with safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity. There is a group of cooperative organizations in Raleigh that works for the 26 distribution cooperatives. This group includes: North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation, the power supplier to the co-ops; North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, the trade association providing services to them; and Tarheel Electric Membership Association, the organization that supplies the cooperatives with the materials necessary to maintain their modern, sophisticated systems. Each cooperative is independent and owned by the people, called members, to whom it provides service. Those members elect the cooperative’s board of directors, which is responsible for establishing the cooperative’s policies, goals and strategies. The cooperative difference lies in our history and structure as not-for-profit utility providers that put people first. This difference positions us perfectly to operate daily with a unique purpose: to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve and empower our members to take control of their energy use. Learn more: www.ncelectriccooperatives.com