Director, West Virginia Office of Broadband
West Virginia Department of Economic Development
Charleston, West Virginia, United States
As Director of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development. Office of Broadband, Kelly Workman has positioned broadband as a leading target industry, emphasizing its critical role in West Virginia’s economic development strategy. Workman coordinates the expansion of broadband connectivity throughout West Virginia in strategic partnerships with numerous state and federal agencies, including the U.S Department of the Treasury, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Appalachian Regional Commission.
In 2022, Workman led the creation of broadband expansion programs under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), through which West Virginia became one of the first four states in the nation to secure its allocation of Capital Projects Funds, resulting in a $136 million investment. In 2024, Workman accelerated the pace, as West Virginia became one of the first four states in the nation to secure approval from the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) for a historic allocation of $1.2 billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding.
As Director, Workman leads a talented team to advance broadband data and mapping initiatives, creating a public dashboard that tracks the progress of publicly funded broadband projects through numerous federal agencies. This team coordinates broadband workforce development, digital equity programs, and numerous initiatives that promote the expansion of broadband in communities throughout West Virginia.
Workman holds a master’s degree from Marshall University and a bachelor’s degree from Concord University. Her experience includes positions in the West Virginia Senate, West Virginia Department of Administration, and Contractors Association of West Virginia. Her professional background includes marketing and communications, administration of federal infrastructure programs, project management, training, and human resource management.
State Broadband Officer Roundtable: Update from the States
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
9:40 AM – 10:15 AM CT