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Lynette Cutchins Lowe is a 1985 graduate of Franklin High School.  While at Franklin High, she developed a great love for learning and involvement.  A few of her activities included:  SCA President, JV and Varsity Cheerleading, JV Tennis, BETA Club, the Yearbook Club, and once upon a time (1984) she was selected by her classmates as the Pine Bowl Queen.  Her love for family and church, as well as her love for her teachers, principals, and friends, has inspired Lynette to always show kindness and support to all people throughout life situations.  

Lynette went on to continue her education at the University of Virginia, earning a degree of Bachelor of Science in Commerce with a concentration in Accounting in 1989 from the University’s McIntire School of Commerce.   Even though urged by professors to accept employment in larger cities because of greater opportunities, Lynette loved being close to family and chose to return to the Southampton County/City of Franklin area and she does not regret it to this day.  The time spent with grandparents, parents, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, husband, daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter has been one of the most enriching life experiences ever.  Lynette acknowledges that life is ever-changing and meaningful connections are most important for a full life.

After college, Lynette obtained her first full-time job with Britt & Peak, C.P.A.’s.  It was a great 5-year challenging and fulfilling experience during which she obtained her qualifications and became a Certified Public Accountant.  In 1994, she went to work as Accountant in the Business Office for the Department of Corrections at the newly constructed Deerfield Correctional Center.  It was an amazing 16-year career for Lynette, ending in 2010 with her being Business Manager.  Much was learned over those 16 years with the Commonwealth of Virginia and DOC providing excellent training in all aspects of finance, supervision, human resources, safety, and many other categories. Many friendships were built, and Lynette was proud to be part of a team that helped lead Deerfield to be one of the first geriatric prisons in Virginia.  In August of 2010, Lynette’s path led her to the position of Finance Director for Southampton County.  She was excited to be working within the local government that was in charge of shaping the community that she lives in and was thankful to learn and be guided by the great wisdom of then County Administrator, Mike Johnson (also a Franklin High graduate), who never hesitated to share his knowledge. After a few years, Lynette was promoted to Deputy County Administrator/Chief Financial Officer.  During her years with Southampton County, Lynette has served on various committees and study groups, and she has served a number of years as a board member of the Southeastern Public Service Authority. Lynette considers herself fortunate to be surrounded by a great team of co-workers, which have also become friends, and to have been able to work with some amazing board of supervisor members over the past 14 years.  Every day is a new learning experience with the collective intent of continuing to make Southampton County a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Lynette has been married to Kenneth Lowe for over 34 years.  They have a daughter, Brittney Pierce, a son-in-law Mark, and granddaughter Emma, described as Lynette’s constant ray of sunshine.  Lynette enjoys time spent with family and friends, time spent learning at her life-long church, Black Creek Baptist (she describes her Sunday School class as the absolute best), and fun times with family in the Manteo area of the Outer Banks.

Lynette is honored to have been asked to be included within Franklin High School’s Alumni Spotlight.