Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC; McKee, Ky.) recently celebrated Keith Gabbard’s 50 years of service, recognizing a career that has helped guide the cooperative through decades of growth, change and community impact across Eastern Kentucky.
Gabbard joined PRTC in May 1976, beginning a career that spanned several roles across the cooperative, including dispatch and engineering, before becoming CEO in 1996.
“I would have never dreamed that I would be fortunate enough to work my entire career in the town where I grew up and be able to play a part in helping to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve in Eastern Kentucky,” Gabbard said.
During his time at PRTC, Gabbard has helped lead the cooperative through major changes in the telecom industry. Under his leadership, PRTC broadened its services, invested in fiber and continued strengthening broadband access for its members, businesses and community institutions.
PRTC now serves nearly 10,000 broadband customers in Jackson and Owsley counties, as well as expansion areas in six adjoining counties. Its fiber network became especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting remote work, remote learning and telehealth services across the region.
“Whether it has been providing our area with state-of-the-art fiber-to-the-home broadband, excellent wireless service or helping with community development or economic development, it has been such an honor to play a small role in helping Eastern Kentucky become a better place to live and work,” he said.
Gabbard’s career also reflected PRTC’s long-standing commitment to community service. Over the years, the cooperative has supported local schools, parks, emergency services, veterans and economic development efforts, while also earning one of the first Smart Rural Community designations.
Through his 50 years with PRTC, Gabbard has helped advance the cooperative’s mission to connect and serve its members while supporting the Eastern Kentucky communities PRTC serves.