Rich O'Brien

President
Alpha Innovations
Hurricane, West Virginia, United States

Rich O’Brien is President of Alpha Innovations, a technology company blazing the trail in fiber connectivity, managed services, and intelligent infrastructure. A passionate champion of open access broadband, Rich brings both pragmatism and vision to the mission of building networks that are fast, fair, and future-ready.

With deep experience in sales and marketing leadership across telecom and tech, Rich has helped transform organizations from the ground up. At Alpha Innovations, he’s led the shift toward next-gen infrastructure while staying rooted in real-world results. He also sits on the board of Thundercloud, an open-access organization creating collaborative fiber ecosystems across Appalachia and beyond.

Known for his straight-talk, strategic insight, and ability to connect policy with performance, Rich is a regular contributor to conversations around broadband equity, municipal partnerships, and digital transformation. Whether he’s in the boardroom, at a community roundtable, or speaking on a national stage, he brings a relatable, real-world perspective to an industry that often forgets the people on the other side of the signal.

Off the clock? Rich is a sports car enthusiast with a need for speed, an avid outdoorsman who finds clarity on mountain trails, and a book lover who’s always juggling a few reads. He lives in West Virginia, where his passion for community, technology, and wide open spaces all intersect.

Presentation(s):

• Panel II  – Lessons from the Frontlines: Do’s and Don’ts of Open Access Networks

  Sunday, June 1, 2025
  2:00 PM - 2:50 PM CT