Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch announces new Director of Broadband Opportunities

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2018) – Today, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch announced Scott Rudd will serve as the state’s new director of broadband opportunities, effective Aug. 20, 2018.

Rudd most recently operated as the town manager and economic development director for the town of Nashville, Ind. There he oversaw seven town commissions, three task forces, directed four departments and served as the town’s public information officer over the course of the last four years. He founded the Brown County Broadband Task Force to help steer the county’s broadband strategy and secured more than $20 million in private broadband investments to expand access to more than 7,500 homes and businesses in the area.

“Scott has made significant strides in increasing broadband access to Brown County, which is a rural community that thrives on their tourism industry,” Crouch said. “His experience and dedication will help transform the broadband accessibility in our state, and I am eager for him to bring in his perspective and experience to help our rural communities.”

Crouch said Rudd will be working closely with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to work with farmers and farm businesses within the community on ways to make sure they are keeping up with the advancing technology that will keep the agriculture industry thriving.

Rudd will also be working closely with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to collaborate with communities and identify the best ways to attract reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet to rural Indiana.

As a part of the task set forth for the director of broadband opportunities, Rudd will be working with OCRA on their Broadband Readiness Plan in the Community Development Block Grant Planning Grants program.

The planning grants will be awarded to five communities as a pilot program, and interested communities must complete a survey – open Friday, Aug. 17 through Tuesday, Sept. 4 –  to be considered for the planning grant. The communities will then form a plan that will work on the current broadband conditions, creating a long term vision based on their needs and identifying solutions for achieving that vision. Visit in.gov/ocra/2371.htm for more information. 

“I look forward to seeing Scott take the progress he has made in Brown County, and transitioning that work to the entire state of Indiana,” Crouch said. “Broadband plays a vital role in our economic growth, and I am excited to see what he can do to help take our rural communities to the Next Level.”

Crouch said that Scott understands the important impact broadband access has on the quality of life for Hoosiers who are able to access it. He understands that rural broadband can provide opportunities for employment, help others continue their education and offer more effective and timely communication.

Rudd holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University and resides in Nashville, Ind., with his wife Erika and their son Carter.