I’m Robert “Brian” Savage, and I’m honored to serve on the Roanoke Cooperative Board of Directors, representing District 5 in Gates County. I was selected by the Board to fill the vacancy following the resignation of longtime director Kenneth Jernigan, and I take this responsibility to our member-owners and community very seriously.
I’m a lifelong resident of Gates County. Although I spent a short time living outside the county, I returned home in 1995—a decision I’ve never regretted. This is home. I’ve had opportunities to live elsewhere, but Gates County is where my roots are, and that deep sense of place aligns closely with the values of Roanoke Cooperative.
Since 2010, I’ve worked with the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, serving on the utilities and maintenance side of operations. My professional experience has given me a strong appreciation for infrastructure, reliability, and the importance of maintaining systems people depend on every day. Combined with my perspective as a longtime Roanoke Cooperative member-owner, this background helps guide my approach to board service.
Family is at the center of my life. My wife, Sandy, and I are proud parents to our sons, Brandon and Michael, and even prouder grandparents to our grandsons, Weston and Oliver. I’m also active in the community as a leader with the Gates County High School and Central Middle School shooting teams, a role that reflects my commitment to mentorship and service.
Since joining the Board, I’ve come to truly appreciate the cooperative spirit behind the work. The Board operates like a family, and being part of that has helped me better understand the responsibility we carry to our member-owners while making thoughtful, balanced decisions that support the cooperative’s long-term strength.
Serving on the Board means listening, learning, and working together to meet the needs of a growing membership. My goal is to help ensure Roanoke Cooperative remains strong, reliable, and community-focused—today and for generations to come.