Kelleigh Cole
Salt Lake City,UT
Summary
Innovative leader with 10+ years of expertise in broadband program management, digital infrastructure development, and federal-state funding strategies. Proven track record of implementing large-scale broadband initiatives, securing multimillion-dollar funding, and navigating federal compliance requirements. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, policy development, and program design to advance digital equity and connectivity. Adept at managing cross-functional teams and driving results in dynamic, high-stakes environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
2018
2018
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Utah Education and Telehealth Network (UETN)
11.2018 - Current
- Lead strategic broadband and digital infrastructure initiatives, managing planning, budgeting, and execution across multiple projects
- Successfully secured $19M in federal Capital Projects Fund (CPF) grants and designed statewide programs to enhance public Wi-Fi in 55 library locations
- Spearheaded a $125M CARES-funded statewide broadband deployment project, overseeing 250+ projects with 150 partners, ensuring timely and compliant delivery
- Advise the Utah State Broadband Office as a Broadband Commissioner, focusing on infrastructure planning, GIS mapping, and federal funding compliance
- Evaluate and influence federal broadband policies, drafting official comments and leading advocacy efforts to shape regulatory frameworks
Special Advisor
Wyoming Governor’s Office
06.2018 - 09.2018
- Developed Wyoming’s first Broadband Enhancement Plan, providing strategic guidance to state agencies and the Wyoming Broadband Advisory Council
- Established the state’s broadband office and delivered leadership training to support ongoing program success
Project Director – Utah Broadband Outreach Center
Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development
05.2011 - 06.2018
- Directed the creation of Utah’s first State Broadband Office and Broadband Advisory Council, leading statewide broadband initiatives and public-private partnerships
- Managed a $5M federal grant to map broadband infrastructure, develop policy recommendations, and launch a web-based broadband mapping tool
- Authored Utah’s first broadband plan and collaborated with policymakers to secure funding and establish the center in statute
Public Involvement Coordinator – Intermountain Region
Environmental Planning Group
12.2007 - 03.2011
- Directed public involvement strategies for environmental planning and infrastructure projects, promoting stakeholder engagement and public participation
- Produced communication materials and managed public outreach to align with NEPA compliance
Writer-Editor/Public Affairs Specialist
Bureau of Land Management
04.2006 - 05.2007
- Developed and executed public awareness campaigns, earning a Golden Spike Award for the Antiquities Act Centennial Campaign
- Crafted press releases, speeches, and digital content to communicate agency initiatives and policies effectively
Education
Executive MBA -
University of Utah
MA - Anthropology
University of Utah
BA - Communications/Public Relations/Journalism
University of Utah
Skills
Broadband Program Management
Federal and State Policy Expertise
Stakeholder Engagement
Program Design and Evaluation
GIS Mapping and Technical Analysis
Websites
Boardappointmentsandcommunityservice
- Utah Broadband Commissioner, 2022–Present
- Vice Chair & Member, FCC Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee, 2017–2021
- Advisory Council Member, Utah Education and Telehealth Network, 2013–2018
- Membership Chair, Public Relations Society of America, Salt Lake City, 2014–2016
Key Qualifications
- Broadband Program Management: Expert in designing and managing state-level broadband programs, aligning with federal funding requirements.
- Federal and State Policy Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of broadband policies, compliance requirements, and grant management.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled at building coalitions among public, private, and nonprofit entities to advance broadband initiatives.
- Program Design and Evaluation: Proven ability to design, implement, and evaluate broadband infrastructure plans and funding programs.
- GIS Mapping and Technical Analysis: Experience in broadband mapping and data-driven analysis to guide infrastructure development.
Timeline
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Utah Education and Telehealth Network (UETN)
11.2018 - Current
Special Advisor
Wyoming Governor’s Office
06.2018 - 09.2018
Project Director – Utah Broadband Outreach Center
Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development
05.2011 - 06.2018
Public Involvement Coordinator – Intermountain Region
Environmental Planning Group
12.2007 - 03.2011
Writer-Editor/Public Affairs Specialist
Bureau of Land Management
04.2006 - 05.2007
MA - Anthropology
University of Utah
BA - Communications/Public Relations/Journalism
University of Utah
Executive MBA -
University of Utah
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