New SAEC trustee learned respect for rural electricity early in life

Janet Kervin grew up hearing stories of how electric cooperatives brought power to farms and homes.

The youngest of six children, Kervin’s father was a farmer and her mother was a homemaker and nurse. Her parents had her late in their life together — her father was born in 1911 and her mother in 1922. They knew firsthand how hard things were before electricity.

“Electricity was always revered in our household because of their life experiences without it,” Kervin says. “We were frugal with its use and were constantly reminded how life was without it.”

Powering possibilities

The newest member of the South Alabama Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees, Kervin says the Rural Electrification Act was the most life-changing improvement the U.S. government ever made for the daily lives of rural citizens.

“Without the electric cooperatives it created, we are unable to have industries and businesses that create jobs, which produce tax revenues that pay for protection, healthcare, schools and the most basic necessities,” she says. “Our lives are comfortable and enriched because of the enjoyment of electricity. The member ownership of the cooperatives is a good business model to ensure longevity of a healthy cooperative that can meet the growing needs of our communities.”

Gaining experience

Kervin grew up in Henry County between Headland and Abbeville, graduating from Abbeville Christian Academy.

She then attended Troy University, earning her master’s in business administration while working as a graduate assistant in Troy’s Sorrell College of Business. Her first full-time job as administrative assistant for the college’s dean involved helping international students meet admission requirements for the MBA program.

Later, Kervin worked as a counselor for Troy’s business college, providing counseling and training for new and existing business owners in areas like business planning, understanding lending, marketing and government contracting. Her work was part of a network of university-based Small Business Development Centers in Alabama and throughout the U.S. She retired after 25 years.

Kervin also did contracted research, including economic impact studies, image analyses and public opinion polls for political candidates, universities, hospitals and businesses.

Kervin and her husband, Jeff, have been married for 32 years. They have a son, Joel. She serves as secretary for Oak Grove Methodist Church. When she has spare time, her interests focus on family and friends.

“I enjoy daily Bible study, having meals with my family and friends, reading good books, crocheting, trying to play golf and walking our dogs, Teddy and Pepper,” she says.

Filling the District 5 SAEC board seat once held by her father-in-law is an honor, she says.

Delaney Kervin was headmaster at Pike Liberal Arts School for nearly 30 years and served on the SAEC board for more than three decades. He loved both roles and took them seriously, she says.

“I pray I can make Mr. Kervin proud of how I represent District 5,” she says. “I am committed to serving all the members of SAEC and supporting what is in the best interest of the cooperative’s members.”