Cablefax The Magazine - August 2021 - 18

OPERATIONS LEADERS
20. WE BUILT
THIS STATE
Ron Duncan | Founder & CEO
GCI
Years in Media & Broadband: 45
Education: BA, Johns Hopkins University;
MBA, Harvard
My personal superpower is: I can fly.
I'm a pilot. Technically that's a skill,
not a superpower, but still pretty cool.
Greg Chapados| President & COO
GCI
Years in Media & Broadband: 38
Education: AB & JD, Harvard
My personal superpower is: Eating Girl
Scout Thin Mint cookies in lockdown
This duo not only keeps Alaska connected, but ensures America's
49th state has cutting edge technology. When Duncan founded the
company more than 40 years ago, Alaska lagged behind other states
in basic connectivity. These days it's taking the lead, with GCI set to
deliver 2 Gigabit internet access to 77% of Alaskans in 2022. The
company is on track to provide 10G service in the next five years
in nearly 20 cities and towns. Chapados has served as COO since
June 2012. He's led a number of initiatives including the construction
of an 800-mile undersea fiber optic cable that will link western
communities to high-speed broadband by 2022. Dubbed the Alaska
United-Aleutians Fiber Project, it will provide terrestrial broadband
service for the first time to Unalaska/Dutch Harbor and five other
communities. But that's not the only way they keep Alaskans connected.
Duncan and Chapados have fostered a spirit of community
at the company that includes countless donations for scholarships
and nonprofits. In 2021, GCI committed to give $2 million in direct
donations, in-kind services and products to Alaska organizations,
including an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion.
DUNCAN
WHAT HABIT ARE YOU KEEPING POST-PANDEMIC?
I'm a big fan of my Alaska Moose Teams background. Keeping it.
FAVORITE MASK? My Iditarod trail mask. It's Alaska's signature
sport.
HOW MANY TIKTOK DANCES HAVE YOU LEARNED?
Zero. And I plan to keep it that way.
YOUR PANDEMIC THEME SONG? " Don't Stand so Close to
Me " by The Police.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS
SUMMER? Hitting the Alaska trails on my mountain bike.
CHAPADOS
MY PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL
ACHIEVEMENT OVER THE PAST
12 MONTHS IS...Three achievements:
First, working with the entire GCI team to
meet Alaska's data services needs during
the height of the pandemic. Second,
GCI's decision to launch a Diversity,
Equity and Inclusion initiative. We serve
a diverse state and encouraging diversity
at all levels within GCI will put us on
a path to better understand and meet
our customers' needs. Third, launching
GCI's AU-Aleutians project to deliver
fiber service to some of the most remote
communities in the country, including
Dutch Harbor/Unalaska of " Deadliest
Catch " fame.
FAVORITE MASK? I grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, so my favorite
mask has to be my University of Alaska - Fairbanks Nanooks mask.
WHAT SHOW/MOVIE HASN'T BEEN REBOOTED THAT
YOU WISH WOULD BE? " Gilligan's Island. " People trapped on
an island and can't go anywhere? I think Covid audiences could relate.
Seems like a missed opportunity.
STATUS OF YOUR SOURDOUGH BREAD STARTER?
Sourdough starter is the basis for every respectable loaf of bread and
pancake served in Alaska. I was born and raised in Fairbanks. My
sourdough starter is thriving.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS
SUMMER? Kayaking, fishing, and hiking in western Alaska. ■
18
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August 2021
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