HERNDON, Va.–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–The Board of Directors of the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) announced today that telecommunications and technology executive Tim Bryan has been named NRTC’s Chief Executive Officer effective August 1 and that Jack Harvey, current President and CEO, will remain President.
“The Board is focused on investing NRTC’s resources wisely – in ways that enhance our performance to the benefit of members,” said Trevor Bonnstetter, Chairman of the Board. “These changes are an example of that commitment – allowing our leadership to focus their energies and abilities where they will have the greatest impact.”
Bryan will focus on new business opportunities for NRTC, NRTC’s equity investments and development of NRTC’s long-term strategy. Harvey will lead NRTC’s current operating business units, pursuing opportunities with other cooperatives and allied organizations and helping Bryan get acclimated to NRTC and the members they serve.
Bryan has held senior management positions at a variety of telecommunications and technology companies over his almost 30-year career. Recently, Tim was CEO of ICO Global Communications, a next-generation satellite and terrestrial wireless company. He has also served on the Boards of Directors of Nextel and Clearwire, among others. Previously, Bryan was the President of UPC, the largest cable television operator in Europe, and was an early lender to the wireless and cable television businesses as the Vide President and Manager of the Communications Lending Group for NationsBank.
Bryan has also served as an advisor to several companies that operate in areas of interest to NRTC members, including providing guidance to NRTC’s management team in the areas of wireless strategy and investments.
“Tim’s breadth and depth of knowledge in telecommunications and technology, his proven track record of leadership, his experience as an operator in areas similar to those in which we operate, and his familiarity with NRTC make him a perfect fit for NRTC and a welcome addition to the team,” Harvey said.
“I am very excited to be joining NRTC at such a critical time, and am equally excited to be working with Jack and the NRTC Board and management team,” Bryan said. “With over 1,500 members, serving more than 20 million customers, and covering almost 75% of the nation’s geography, NRTC and its members have the size, scale, and capital to deploy next-generation wireless, smart grid, satellite, and landline technologies. I look forward to working with NRTC’s existing and future partners to develop and then deploy real-world solutions for members, and most importantly, for rural Americans.”
