A New Chapter: My Journey Beyond Open Broadband

After a fulfilling tenure, I am moving on from my role at Open Broadband. It's a bittersweet moment, filled with gratitude for the past and excitement for the future.

My journey at Open Broadband has been nothing short of transformative. Starting as an Area Manager overseeing network deployment in Western North Carolina, I've had the privilege of contributing to and witnessing the company's remarkable growth across the southeastern United States. This experience not only reinforced my existing skills but also introduced me to new learning curves that I eagerly embraced. The opportunity to bring affordable broadband internet to both rural and urban communities in our region has been a source of immense pride and satisfaction.

One of my most cherished achievements at Open Broadband was leading the charge in our expansion into Florida. The acquisition of a local provider there and securing grant funding from the Florida broadband office was a significant milestone, one that I believe will have a lasting impact on the communities we serve. This endeavor, along with playing an instrumental role in securing an $8 million fiber-to-the-home grant in South Carolina from the SC Office of Broadband, are highlights that underscore the collective effort and dedication of our team in bridging the digital divide.

As I prepare for this new chapter in my career, I carry forward not just the skills and knowledge I've gained, but also the invaluable relationships and collaborations that have enriched my time at Open Broadband. I am excited to apply these experiences and learnings in my future endeavors and remain committed to the mission of enhancing digital connectivity and access.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for your support, encouragement, and partnership during my time at Open Broadband. Our shared efforts have not only advanced the company's goals but have also played a crucial role in connecting communities and empowering individuals through technology.

As I embark on this new journey, I look forward to staying connected and potentially collaborating in new capacities. Please feel free to reach out to me at hello@NickSteward.com

For interactions related to past and present Open Broadband projects reach out to Network Deployment Manager, Curtis Hill. His email address is curtis@openbb.net

Thank you all again for being a part of my journey at Open Broadband. Here's to new beginnings and continued success in all our future endeavors.

In this next phase of my career, I am thrilled to announce that I will be joining the Vernonburg Group. This move not only broadens the scope of my professional impact across the United States but also reignites my passion for international projects. The Vernonburg Group, with its commitment to digital equity and connectivity, offers a platform where I can further my work in bridging the digital divide, a mission that has always been close to my heart.

At the Vernonburg Group, I'll be focusing on expanding our reach in providing sustainable and innovative connectivity solutions, both domestically and globally. This role aligns perfectly with my previous experiences and interests, allowing me to continue advocating for and implementing strategies that promote digital inclusion. The prospect of contributing to projects that have a tangible, positive impact on communities around the world is incredibly motivating.

I look forward to the continued support and collaboration from my professional network, which has been instrumental in my growth. The challenges and successes we've shared at Open Broadband have been invaluable, and I am excited to bring those experiences into my new role, where I hope to make an even greater impact on digital connectivity and inclusion.

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The Vernonburg Group is a consulting firm dedicated to closing the global digital divide. Their mission is to support governments, companies, non-profits, and other organizations in developing and implementing effective regulatory regimes, innovative business models, and cutting-edge technologies aimed at providing affordable and high-speed internet access to all.

Specializing in digital divide connectivity, program development, public policy, and market analysis, the Vernonburg Group works extensively with a diverse range of clients, including large and small ISPs, cloud and connectivity technology companies, and major international organizations. Their goal is to build bridges across the digital divide, emphasizing digital equity, connectivity, and social responsibility, thereby enabling broadband access for underserved communities and fostering a world where every individual has equal access to digital resources. You can learn more about the Vernonburg Group by visiting https://www.vernonburggroup.com/