Friday Otuya has a passion to see rural America thrive in the new economy. He leads digital transformation, digital adoption, and economic development initiatives in western Kansas through Nex-Tech – a top rural technology company serving over 32,000 customers and more than 100 communities across 10,000 square miles, larger than the state of New Jersey. He collaborates with local, regional, and national leaders to devise innovative ways to foster rural economic development, particularly by leveraging technology infrastructure such as fiber broadband. 

Friday supports small businesses and rural economic growth through a Revolving Loan Fund, which has loaned out over $10 million and created over 300 jobs. Friday brings a breath of fresh air to the boardroom, where he advises rural leaders on ways to transform communities and position organizations as key economic impact drivers. He serves on several economic development boards and committees, including the Western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance (WKREDA), and co-chairs the Rural Issues Committee of the National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA).

Friday draws competencies from a career spanning radio and TV journalism, media management, public and international affairs, social impact, higher education, broadband/telecom expansion, and digital transformation. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Studies from the University of Wyoming and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications. He is the recipient of several awards and scholarships for facilitating change, including recognition as a Semifinalist of the U.S. Presidential Management Fellowship in 2022.