Curtis Knobloch Named NRTC’s CEO

Following a comprehensive search, NRTC’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that current NRTC executive team member Curtis M. Knobloch, President of NRTC’s Mobile Solutions business unit, has been chosen as the organization’s next CEO, effective June 1.

“Curtis is the right leader for NRTC – both now and into the future,” said Board Chairman Lynn Hodges, CEO and General Manager of Ralls County Electric Cooperative in Missouri. “He brings a deep knowledge of NRTC’s technology solutions and a track record of delivering for our members. He has an appreciation for NRTC’s member driven, technology focused mission and a vision for driving that mission forward.”

 In 2000, Curtis founded Telispire, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator with the vision of being a premier choice for companies looking to offer wireless service to their customers. In 2006, Telispire was acquired by NRTC. Aligned perfectly with NRTC’s mission, Mobile Solutions’ goal is to put customers first while continuing to improve current services and create and innovate new services that will best serve customers.

“I’m honored and humbled to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading NRTC. Over the 20 years I’ve been part of the NRTC family, I’ve seen the impact NRTC can make serving our rural electric, telephone and broadband members. We have a talented team of technology experts who are focused on our members. I can’t wait to get started in this new role and make sure we’re doing everything we can to be a valuable partner for our members – today and for years to come.”

Under Curtis’ leadership, Mobile Solutions has enjoyed impressive and sustained growth. Revenue has grown by 79% over the past six years, the number of members who now offer mobile has grown significantly, and the number of end users supported by the Mobile team has doubled over the past two years.

Mobile Solutions continues to invest heavily in its back-office capabilities, including AI enablement, and expanded its service offerings to better serve members. The team created a special MVNO opportunity in collaboration with NTCA and a mobile broadband bundle to help broadband providers compete for subscribers. Mobile has also developed solutions to save members money on their corporate mobility services.

Curtis has leveraged his deep industry knowledge to evaluate the ability for cellular connectivity to enhance metering solutions and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, especially in the more rural areas served by NRTC members.

 Curtis looks forward to meeting with members at upcoming industry meetings and events and visiting members at their offices and in the communities they serve.

 “The Board was impressed by the number of exceptional individuals who expressed interest in this position,” said Dustin Durden, Vice-Chairman of the Board and CEO of Pineland Telephone Cooperative in Metter, Georgia. “We’re thrilled that the candidate who stood out above others is a current member of the NRTC team.”