Sam Ackley | Chief Operating Officer
Hunter Communications

Sam Ackley, Chief Operating Officer, Hunter Communications

Sam Ackley is the Chief Operating Officer of Hunter Communications, the fastest‑growing residential fiber provider in Oregon and owner of the state’s largest privately held fiber network. Hunter delivers fiber services across Southern Washington, Oregon, and Northern California, covering an operating territory of roughly 10,000 square miles. Sam oversees the company’s technology, regulatory, compliance, project management, and construction functions, guiding Hunter through rapid expansion and major strategic initiatives. In December 2025, Hunter announced its acquisition by Oak Hill Capital, expected to close in early 2026. Sam has more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. He serves as Immediate Past President and a Director on the Board of the Oregon Joint Use Association, an advisory body to the Oregon Public Utility Commission, where he has represented competitive carriers for more than a decade. He is also active in the Northwest Telecommunications Association and serves on the Board of Directors for the Britt Music & Arts Festival in Jacksonville, Oregon. He lives in Southern Oregon with his wife, teenage son, and their 120‑pound dog.

Appearances:



Connected America 2026 - Day 2 @ 12:10

The business of rural broadband: Strategies for building profitable commercial models

  • What are the current challenges facing rural broadband providers in the US? 
  • Understanding the investor’s perspective: What are investors looking for in rural broadband business plans? 
  • Exploring the funding and commercial options for addressing gaps left behind by BEAD? 
  • What role do alternative business models such as cooperatives and public-private partnerships play in rural network builds? 
  • Ensuring adoption and long-term ROI: Are community-centric models the answer? 
last published: 10/Mar/26 11:05 GMT

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