Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

CHARLES R. DENNIE

St. Albans,WV

Summary

Dynamic leader with extensive experience in government relations and economic development, notably as District Director for the U.S. House of Representatives. Proven track record in strategic marketing and stakeholder communication, successfully advocating for broadband expansion and fostering partnerships that drive small business growth. Proficient in CRM tools, enhancing engagement and outreach initiatives.

Overview

45
45
years of professional experience

Work History

Co-Founder & Strategic Outreach Lead

Thundercloud, LLC – Huntington, WV
Huntington, WV
01.2021 - Current
  • - Built a regional innovation ecosystem for open-access broadband; recruited early-stage partners including local ISPs, chambers of commerce, and Marshall University.
  • - Launched outreach strategies resulting in strong small business engagement across the Huntington area.
  • - Led relationship-building with over 20 regional stakeholders to promote broadband access and entrepreneurship, including organizing local events and securing media coverage.

Inaugural Director

State of West Virginia – Office of Broadband
01.2020 - 01.2021
  • - Appointed by the Governor to lead the state’s first broadband office.
  • - Recruited diverse community and business partners to participate in planning and funding efforts for broadband expansion.
  • - Directed communications strategy including statewide outreach events, public presentations, and stakeholder briefings.
  • - Partnered with regional chambers and lending institutions to reach small business owners in rural communities.

VP, Government Relations and Special Projects

Alpha Technologies – South Charleston, WV
South Charleston, WV
01.2011 - 01.2020
  • - Oversaw strategy and outreach for acquisition and revitalization of a global data center, including laying 35 miles of fiber.
  • - Coordinated with multiple municipalities and economic development organizations to support small business access to high-speed infrastructure.
  • - Developed and presented proposals to secure financing from public and private institutions, emphasizing job creation and entrepreneur support.
  • - Designed and managed the deployment of a 35-mile fiber network, coordinating with state and local agencies, utilities, and contractors to deliver broadband infrastructure in high-demand business districts.
  • - Engaged and advised members of the West Virginia Legislature, successfully advocating for broadband legislation that supported statewide infrastructure expansion and aligned with Alpha’s strategic goals.
  • - Developed and presented winning proposals to secure financing from public and private entities, including commercial banks, the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, and the SBA.
  • - Negotiated across multiple stakeholders to resolve permitting, legal, and construction challenges, ensuring successful delivery of projects on time and under budget.
  • - Worked closely with municipalities, chambers of commerce, and development organizations to position Alpha as a leading broadband provider and economic development partner.

President

Executone/Franchise Owner – Charleston, WV
Charleston, WV
01.1983 - 01.2011
  • - Built a top-performing low-voltage contracting firm serving small businesses statewide; first in WV to sign I.B.E.W. low-voltage contract.
  • - Led outreach, sales, and relationship management across every county in the state.
  • - Created training programs for staff to better serve local small businesses and adapt to digital transformation.
  • - Designed and implemented a custom tracking system to monitor material usage, job profitability, and technician performance, enabling data-driven billing and cost control.
  • - Managed full client lifecycle from initial contact through project completion, ensuring timely communication, scope alignment, and long-term relationship development.
  • - Utilized branded marketing collateral and coordinated outreach through co-branded print and digital materials to drive customer engagement.
  • - Engaged satisfied clients and partner organizations to generate peer referrals and repeat business, strengthening long-term pipeline sustainability.
  • - Built and scaled a top-performing technology franchise from the ground up.
  • - Directed operations, workforce training, and innovation initiatives across all service lines.

District Director

U.S. House of Representatives – West Virginia
01.1981 - 01.1983
  • - Served as senior district staff for a U.S. Congressman, managing constituent services, local outreach, and economic development initiatives.
  • - Built strong relationships with business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and municipal officials across the state.
  • - Organized public meetings, community briefings, and stakeholder events to support federal engagement at the local level.
  • - Provided policy input on infrastructure, economic development, and small business legislation impacting the district.

Education

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Candidate - Innovation And Entrepreneurship

Marshall University
Huntington, WV
01-2027

Bachelor of Arts - Economics And Political Science

West Virginia State University
Institute, WV
12-1972

Skills

  • Entrepreneur recruitment and engagement
  • Ecosystem partner development
  • Public speaking and stakeholder communication
  • Cohort program management
  • Strategic marketing and outreach
  • CRM and pipeline management
  • Event planning and community representation
  • Government, nonprofit, and private sector liaison
  • Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
  • Remote collaboration tools expertise
  • CRM tools proficiency
  • AI writing and analytics tools

Affiliations

  • - Author: Old, Wired, and Fabulous: Mastering the Internet of Things to Live Independently (2025) A guide to smart home tech for aging in place, blending real-world application with public policy insight.
  • - Author: The Policymaker’s Guide to Broadband (2025) A practical primer for state and local leaders navigating broadband expansion.
  • - Member: Business Curriculum Advisory Committee, Bridge Valley Community and Technical College

Timeline

Co-Founder & Strategic Outreach Lead

Thundercloud, LLC – Huntington, WV
01.2021 - Current

Inaugural Director

State of West Virginia – Office of Broadband
01.2020 - 01.2021

VP, Government Relations and Special Projects

Alpha Technologies – South Charleston, WV
01.2011 - 01.2020

President

Executone/Franchise Owner – Charleston, WV
01.1983 - 01.2011

District Director

U.S. House of Representatives – West Virginia
01.1981 - 01.1983

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Candidate - Innovation And Entrepreneurship

Marshall University

Bachelor of Arts - Economics And Political Science

West Virginia State University

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