Beacon Broadband, powered by Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative (CCEC), announces the appointment of Val Early as General Manager of Beacon Broadband. Following careful consideration of Beacon’s future leadership needs, the position was filled from within the organization, and Early’s familiarity with Beacon’s construction, funding, and growth priorities positions her to lead the organization into the future.

Beacon Broadband provides fiber internet service across Coos and Curry counties, delivering high-speed connectivity to rural communities on the south coast. Beacon now serves more than 7,000 customers. As Beacon moves from its initial network buildout into its next stage of development, the organization’s priorities are shifting toward customer growth, support and operational efficiency.

Early joined Beacon approximately two and a half years ago as its grant management specialist. She subsequently assumed additional responsibilities, applying her permitting experience with federal and state agencies to regulatory work and then leading construction project management for the fiber network. Through these roles, she helped direct the receipt and utilization of nearly $25 million in grant funding that made the network possible. Her approach is direct and inquisitive: she asks questions, addresses problems head-on, and does not back away from demanding work.

Early's leadership experience includes owning and operating a successful sportfishing business in Oregon and Alaska, where she oversaw staffing, operations, and long-term business planning. Managing a complex operation across challenging environments required strategic decision-making, financial oversight and strong team leadership. Those experiences translate directly to 

leading a growing organization focused on customer service, operational excellence and long-term sustainability.

She also brings significant governance experience from 12 years on the Oregon State Marine Board, including six years as chair. In that role, she helped shape statewide policy priorities and worked with state leaders and stakeholders on issues affecting Oregon's waterways, recreation and marine infrastructure.

Early has also remained actively involved in her community through a variety of civic and nonprofit roles. She managed Salmon Run Golf Course and has served with organizations including the Winchuck Rural Fire Protection District, South Coast Community Aquatics, the Coos-Curry Electric Charitable Foundation and numerous other local entities. Her record of service reflects a longstanding commitment to strengthening the communities Beacon serves.

As general manager, Early will lead Beacon into its next phase of development, focusing on strategic planning, operational efficiency and continued collaboration between Beacon Broadband and Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative. Her experience across multiple facets of the organization positions her to build on shared strengths, maximize resources and continue delivering value to customers along the south coast.

“Val brings many years of successful leadership experience to Beacon Broadband,” said Brent Bischoff, CEO of Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative and Beacon Broadband. “Though relatively new to the broadband space, she will provide the focused leadership and local connections that Beacon needs. The Beacon Broadband Board of Directors and I give Val our full support.”

“Beacon has built a strong foundation in the communities we serve,” Early said. “Our focus now is on strengthening those connections, growing responsibly, and continuing to deliver value to our members and the south coast.”

Val Early