Thanks to Amanda Thompson, thousands of homes across Southwest Virginia are safer and more-energy efficient. After two decades of leading People Incorporated’s Weatherization Program, her dedication and impact have earned her one of the state’s highest honors: the AECP (Association of Energy Conservation Professionals) Person of the Year.
A Career Built on Service
Amanda joined People Incorporated in 2003 as a program secretary. Over the years, she worked her way through several roles: program assistant, analyst, and eventually Weatherization Program Coordinator in 2012. Today, she oversees a team of seven staff members who manage and deliver the agency’s Weatherization and Emergency Repair Programs, funded in part through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) with support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Her work ensures that hundreds of homes each year receive critical energy upgrades — like air sealing, insulation, and efficiency improvements — to reduce heating and cooling costs for income-qualified households.
“I’ve always wanted to help people,” Amanda said. “My family thought I’d become a nurse, but I found another way to make a difference. I get to help people stay safe, warm, and comfortable in their homes — and that means everything.”
Nominated by Her Peers
Amanda’s peers across Virginia nominated her for the AECP Person of the Year Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership, teamwork, and advocacy for weatherization programs. Beyond her role at People Incorporated, Amanda also serves as Secretary of the AECP Board, helping to shape statewide weatherization policies and initiatives.
“… She is pretty much an island at the agency and does it all,” shared on of her co-workers. “She has had many obstacles in the last few years and pushed through them and kept getting jobs done, even with her going into the field and working on jobs herself. She has volunteered to be the secretary for AECP and does a great job! She is well deserving of the award!”
When asked about the award, Amanda is modest. “I’m honored to have received this award,” she shared, “But I’m also a team player. The success of our program is because of every member of our staff. I wish the award could have all their names on it. It’s truly a team effort.”
Dedication That Makes a Difference
Amanda’s leadership goes beyond managing People Incorporated’s Weatherization Programs. She believes in showing up for her team, whether coordinating from the office or rolling up her sleeves in the field to make sure families get the help they need.
Her motivation comes from the impact she sees firsthand. “When an 80-year-old woman hugs your neck and cries because she can finally afford to heat her home, that’s what makes it all worth it,” she said.
After 22 years with People Incorporated, Amanda’s impact is seen not only in the homes her team has improved but in the lives they’ve touched.
Congratulations, Amanda, on this well-deserved honor!
About the AECP Person of the Year Award
Each year, the Association of Energy Conservation Professionals (AECP) honors one outstanding individual as the AECP Person of the Year, a recognition reserved for someone who has made a lasting impact within Virginia’s weatherization network. The award celebrates not only achievements but also the values and commitment that advance the mission of reducing energy burdens, improving housing quality, and strengthening communities.
Nominees exemplify the highest standards of leadership, innovation, and collaboration within the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), supporting staff growth, improving service delivery, and building partnerships that help more families live in safe, efficient homes.
About People Incorporated and the Weatherization Program
People Incorporated of Virginia is one of the state’s largest Community Action Agencies, serving families across 17 cities and counties through programs that expand access to housing, education, and financial stability. For more than 50 years, the agency has worked to empower individuals and strengthen communities across Southwest Virginia.
Its Weatherization Program plays a vital role in that mission — improving home safety, reducing energy costs, and promoting long-term sustainability for families in need. Through the leadership of dedicated professionals like Amanda Thompson, the program continues to make a measurable difference in the lives of those it serves.
From insulation to energy savings, People Inc.’s Weatherization team is helping families across Southwest Virginia stay safe and comfortable year-round. Learn more or see if you qualify at peopleinc.net.
Written by People Incorporated of Virginia
For communications, marketing inquiries, or partnership opportunities with People Incorporated of Virginia, please feel free to contact Michelle at mfleury@peopleinc.net.
