Broadband Development Office Director Named

Missouri Farm Bureau is commending the selection of a former staff member to direct a state agency.  BJ Tanksley will become the new director of the Office of Broadband Development in the Missouri Department of Economic Development.  Tanksley pushed for the establishment of the office while serving as Farm Bureau’s director of state and local legislative affairs.  Now in charge of the office, Tanksley will oversee Governor Mike Parson’s plan to invest $400 million in expanding broadband access throughout the state.  Farm Bureau president Garrett Hawkins says Tanksley is, “the right person to ensure the plan is executed wisely and effectively.”