Get to know Whitney, a native of Chilhowie, and how her work powers possibilities and creates opportunities for the Appalachian region and its people.

Question: Why is it important for Appalachian Power to be involved in economic development?  

Czelusniak: Economic development helps to create resilient and prosperous communities by promoting job creation and new business growth. As more businesses expand and/or locate to our communities, this brings new load growth, which can help Appalachian Power lower costs for all customers.

The needs of business and industry are quickly evolving, and the provision of safe, reliable, and clean electricity is viewed as crucial to site location decisions.

Appalachian Power’s participation in the economic development process helps to facilitate infrastructure and electric service solutions which seek to align to a customer’s unique requirements.

Question: How does the company’s involvement in economic development projects impact the Appalachian region?

 Czelusniak: We’ve had some great economic development ‘wins’ over the years, and each of these contribute to the long-term vitality of the communities where they locate.

As I reflect on the work of our teams, I am most proud of the ongoing support Appalachian Power provides to regional and local partners for industrial site development.

Whether it be helping a community to complete an initial site characterization or a geotechnical study, or developing a substation within a business park, ready sites are crucial to market competitiveness. 

Question: How does Appalachian Power work to bring new opportunities to Virginia?  

Czelusniak: Appalachian Power helps to bring new leads and business attraction opportunities to our territory.

We also provide support and service solutions to assist the growth, and expansion needs of existing customers.

Our teams play an important role supporting state, regional, and local economic development organizations. 

Supporting the identification, development, and readiness of industrial sites is a top priority for our teams.

We also engage and support economic development activities which seek to facilitate workforce and community development impacts within the communities we serve.

Question: As a lifelong Virginian, how does it feel to be able to give back to the community you’ve always known as home?

Czelusniak: As a native of Chilhowie, Virginia, I’ve spent the majority of my career working in the Appalachian region. I am proud of my heritage, and I deeply recognize both the opportunities and challenges that face many of our residents and communities. 

It is my hope that in my role with the Company, I can use my personal and professional experiences to best serve the needs of our customers and our communities. I’m honored I get to help play a role in creating strong communities for the next generation.