Christopher Shipe believes strongly in the cooperative business model for the delivery of essential services. For most of his professional career he has worked with mutual insurance companies, where he has been directly involved in the leadership and governance of cooperatives. His career milestones include becoming CEO of Loudoun Mutual Insurance Company and serving in various capacities on insurance cooperative boards and industry committees, including his time as the chairman of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies' Property Casualty Conference.

Since joining the REC Board of Directors, he has continued his education by completing the course work to obtain the Credentialed Cooperative Director certification. Shipe is involved in his community and his church. He is a volunteer with the John H. Enders Fire and Rescue Company in Berryville, Va., where he continues to run calls and serve on the Board of Directors. He also is a lay servant and chairman of the Administrative Council of the Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church.