John Arp is REC's Chief Engineering and Grid Operations Officer. In this role, he oversees system planning, engineering and technical services, ensuring the successful implementation of the Cooperative's strategic plan.

Previously, John served as the Cooperative’s Western Regional Manager, where his key responsibilities included providing tactical leadership for the regional design, operations, and construction teams; coordinating with directors and supervisors during outage restoration events; and focusing efforts from across the region to achieve REC’s mission of serving members and communities by providing safe and reliable electric. 

John holds a bachelor’s of science in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia and Pennsylvania. John brings 21 years of experience in the electric utility industry. He joined REC in 2012 as Staff Electrical Engineering Supervisor and was promoted to Director of System Planning and Engineering Design in 2015.  

Prior to coming to REC, he worked 13 years for Allegheny Energy (becoming First Energy in 2012) as an electrical system planning engineer supporting field operations and construction.  In his time in the utility industry John has frequently contributed to and participated in teams dedicated to improving service, reliability, and safety of the Cooperative, its members and employees.

John participates in and supports a variety of community service organizations. He lives in Spotsylvania County with his wife, Melissa, and their two sons.