BJ Tanksley joined the Department of Economic Development in January 2022, as the Director of the Office of Broadband Development. Prior to his role at the state BJ was the State Legislative Director for Missouri Farm Bureau, the leading advocate for broadband in Missouri. Throughout his career he has seen the need for high-speed internet. He is excited to turn his advocacy into action leading the Office of Broadband during this vital time for our state. BJ’s team awarded $261 million in their ARPA Broadband Infrastructure Program and recently announced $20 million invested to deploy cell coverage into areas of need. Missouri was allocated over $1.7 billion in BEAD funding, the 3rd highest in the US, making this a truly once in a life time opportunity in Missouri.