Connected Nation’s CEO Honored by Centre College
Connected Nation’s Brian Mefford Receives Distinguished Young Alumnus Award from Alma Mater in Danville, Kentucky Bowling Green, KY - Connected Nation Chief Executive Officer Brian Mefford has received the Distinguished Young Alumnus award from Centre College for his tireless efforts to bridge the digital divide.
“Brian Mefford was named Centre’s Distinguished Young Alumnus for 2010 because he exemplifies what Centre prepares its alumni to do,” said Centre President John Roush. “Through his tireless efforts to extend Internet connectivity to rural or impoverished areas of the state, the nation, and now the world, as well as through his service to his alma mater, Brian has demonstrated a commitment to making a difference through a life of work and service.”
Mefford, a 1995 graduate of Centre College in Danville, Ky., received the Distinguished Young Alumnus award for 2010 on Saturday, October 23, during the school’s annual homecoming celebration.
The award recognizes young alumni for their professional achievements, civic accomplishments, and/or service to Centre College, and is awarded to alumni who have graduated within the last fifteen years.
“We are proud that Brian has received such a meaningful recognition from his alma mater. Under his leadership Connected Nation has grown from an economic development initiative to an internationally recognized organization,” said Tom Ferree, Connected Nation’s chief operations officer. “Anyone who comes in contact with Brian can’t help but be inspired by his vision and dedication to serving others through technology opportunities. We offer him and his wife, Allison, heartfelt congratulations.”
In his home state of Kentucky, Mefford spearheaded ConnectKentucky, an organization that has succeeded in bringing Internet access to rural areas throughout the state. The success of ConnectKentucky led to the formation of Connected Nation, which now operates across the country building strategies for technology expansion and economic growth.
At Centre, Mefford has volunteered his time to Centre College by serving as an alumni board director, a member of the President’s Advisory Council, and an admission volunteer.
He has been profiled in The Economist and the Wall Street Journal and has served as a contributor on C-SPAN. Internationally, Mefford is serving on the Malaysia International Advisory Panel (IAP), which advises the Prime Minister of Malaysia on technology and wealth creation issues.