Our Team
Amy Kuhlers
Program Manager
Amy Kuhlers is the Connect Iowa state program manager, where she leads Connect Iowa’s continuing statewide effort to increase broadband adoption and use throughout the Hawkeye State. Connect Iowa has been leading the way since 2009 to bring the economic and quality of life benefits of broadband to all Iowa residents.
As Connect Iowa’s program manager, Kuhlers’ duties include promoting collaboration between Connect Iowa, the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the public arm of the Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress, and local, state, and federal stakeholders. Kuhlers is also responsible for spreading awareness of the benefits of broadband, gathering and sharing information on best practice programs, and publicly demonstrating program impact and progress in communities across the state.
Prior to joining Connect Iowa, Kuhlers was a program manager of MyEntre.net Iowa at the University of Northern Iowa’s Regional Business Center. In this role, Kuhlers provided support, counseling, and resource assistance to Iowa businesses. She holds an associate of arts degree and an associate of science degree from North Iowa Area Community College, a bachelor of arts degree in business management / entrepreneurship from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, and a masters of public administration from Drake University in Des Moines.
Brent Atwood
Project Manager
Brent Atwood serves as Project Manager for Connected Nation. In this role, he will assist in the development and diffusion of a project management culture throughout the Connected Nation enterprise. Brent will have a lead role in Connected Nation project management activities including implementation efforts for our Connect State engagements and provide project management support for identified Connected Nation deliverables including eCS activities and assist in the facilitation of the governance process for Connected Nation’s Project Management methodology.
Brent joined Connected Nation with over ten years experience in materials management, production management, and sales and marketing. Prior to joining Connected Nation, he was a Senior Account Executive for Data Records Management Services in Paducah, Kentucky. In this role, Brent led sales efforts to achieve a 60% increase in customer base in both government and private sector industry. He also developed a regional sales initiative for state-of-the-art records management software program meeting all required HIPPA compliance standards for medical facilities as well as spearheading the design and development of a document management software program for safety engineering industry resulting in an initial 22% increase in revenue to corporate profits.
Brent holds a B.S. in Managerial Economics and Marketing from Liberty University.
Jeremy Thacker
Communications Specialist
Jeremy Thacker serves as a Communications Specialist where he is responsible for assisting with projecting a positive image of Connected Nation to stakeholders and the general public through various media activities including web and other multimedia assets. Jeremy coordinates with media at a national level to gain maximum exposure for Connected Nation’s activities and support partner communications and assist in strategic downstate media outreach.
Jeremy brings with him more than 15-years of experience in television show producing, breaking & entertainment news and live event planning. He has most recently served as Freelance Producer for CMT/MTV Networks, GAC and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Prior to his tenure in Nashville, Jeremy was a Supervising Producer for E! Networks in Los Angeles.
He holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Arizona.
