Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper on Wednesday appointed former telecom industry executive Stephanie Copeland to the state’s top economic development post, effective in January.
Copeland will replace Fiona Arnold, who has served as executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade since November 2014.
Copeland has worked for close to three decades in the telecommunications industry, according to the announcement. Most recently, she served as president of the Boulder-based Zayo Group from April 2014 to November 2015, when she resigned to spend more time with her family, according to a company news release.
Previously, Copeland served as chief operating officer at WildBlue, where she was responsible for operations of the $500 million rural broadband business, the governor’s office said. She also worked at telecommunications firms in Russia and Europe.
“From small startups and early phase companies to large multi-national companies, Stephanie focuses on ensuring high growth for companies both in the U.S. and Europe,” Hickenlooper said in a statement. “Stephanie’s leadership will enhance OEDIT’s ability to attract investment from both the international and national business communities, as well as unlock new opportunities to accelerate the state’s job growth.”