Ben Lomand Board of Director Wins National Award

Joe Roper Wins NTCA James L. Bass Director of Life Achievement

 McMinnville, TN – March 6, 2025 — Ben Lomand Connect’s General Manager and CEO, Greg Smartt, announces that Ben Lomand Connect’s Board of Director, Joe Roper, was awarded the James L. Bass Director of Life Achievement award at the National Telecom Cooperation Association meeting on February 26^th in San Antonio Texas.

Mr. Roper is the longest-serving board member, starting in 1981. He has worked with all seven of the cooperative’s General Managers. His leadership roles on the board have included multiple terms as board president, vice president, and treasurer. NTCA, a national association representing rural telecom companies, honored Joe in front of his cooperative peers from across the country. This recognition reflects his tireless efforts and his exemplary service to rural broadband and the communities that rely on it.

Shirley Bloomfield, NTCA’s CEO, praised Joe’s leadership and commitment: “Joe’s lifetime of service exemplifies the values and dedication that are the hallmark of rural telecom directors. His contributions have been invaluable, and this award recognizes his tremendous impact on the industry and the cooperative spirit that makes rural America stronger.”

Mr. Roper lives in the Hillsboro community of Coffee County and represents the counties of Coffee, Rutherford, and Franklin with his board seat.  Regarding the announcement, Roper commented, “I am humbled and deeply honored to receive this award. It has been a privilege to serve our communities and work alongside such passionate and dedicated individuals at Ben Lomand Connect. This recognition reflects our collective work to ensure our customers receive the best service and access to the vital communications services they need.”

“Mr. Roper has the experience we need on our board. He has been involved in all phases of change at our cooperative, from network redesigns to industry deregulation, forming the first competitive local exchange carrier in the state, and now the explosion of fiber speeds.  Men like Mr. Roper have the dedication and vision a cooperative needs to survive and thrive in such a competitive market.”, says Greg Smart of Mr. Roper.