Roanoke Electric Cooperative announced that Robert “Bo” Coughlin has joined its team as vice president of broadband operations. 

Coughlin will be responsible for directing the co-op’s broadband subsidiary’s activities and buildout of the broadband service. 

In this role, Coughlin will lead, plan, oversee and coordinate the strategy, design and operations of Roanoke Connect Holdings, LLC.  A major focus for Coughlin will be moving the broadband initiative forward to get more subscribers connected faster. 

“We want our communities to know that we heard them loud and clear concerning the urgency to receive broadband service,” said Curtis Wynn, the co-op’s president and CEO.  “A lot has been taking place behind the scenes to offer added value to our community and bringing Bo onto our team brings additional resources needed to strengthen those efforts.”

Coughlin joins the Roanoke team following his role as executive vice president and chief technology officer at Knight Broadband LLC – a leading provider of specialty contracting services throughout the United States, providing program management, engineering, construction, maintenance, and installation services for telecommunications providers.  

At Knight Broadband, he led business strategy execution and developed systems to improve operational quality and efficiency while being instrumental in the company’s expansion.  Coughlin also brings an undeniable ability as a corporate strategist, strong operations leader, and innovative pioneer with expertise in vision-planning-execution.  

Additionally, he has held executive leadership roles at Time Warner Cable, Kickstand Inc. and Rekindl LLC.

“Broadband is something we realize people need and are excited to get, and we’re working as hard as we can to get it to you,” Wynn said.  “I am confident that our team is better-positioned than ever before with Bo’s addition.”