INDIANA – The Office of Community and Rural Affairs today announced Purdue University’s Roberto Gallardo will be assisting with the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant programs.
In this role, Gallardo will be responsible for guiding the suite of rural broadband programs, including program delivery, compliance and reporting, training and policies, partnerships, and fiscal integrity.
Gallardo joins OCRA on a contractual basis and will continue to serve as the Director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development and a Purdue Extension Community & Regional Economics Specialist.
“Roberto brings years of experience in the broadband space and enhancing the quality of life for Hoosiers in rural Indiana,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner. “His expertise and OCRA’s continued collaboration with PCRD will benefit the future of broadband and the Next Level Connections Broadband programs.”
As part of his services, Gallardo will also work with OCRA, Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, and Indiana State Personnel Department staff to help identify, recruit and vet a permanent NLC Broadband Program Director.
“PCRD and OCRA have a long-standing relationship which has allowed us to engage with Indiana communities in multiple ways,” said Steve Abel, associate provost for engagement. “For this reason, we are excited that PCRD’s director, Roberto Gallardo, has been asked to serve as acting director of OCRA’s next-level connections programs. The Office of Engagement and Purdue Extension are thrilled for this opportunity.”
Gallardo will start his role immediately.
