Ken Budd

Ken Budd is the Chief Executive Officer of 702 Communications and Aurora Fiber Optic Networks, a regional telecommunications and managed IT provider headquartered in Moorhead, Minnesota, delivering connectivity and technology solutions to the Fargo-Moorhead market and surrounding communities since 1999. Ken's career has been defined by the design, engineering, and leadership of large-scale fiber and data networks across the Upper Midwest — work that spans more than 25 years and reflects a deep, hands-on understanding of how networks are built, operated, and evolved to meet the demands of growing communities. That technical foundation, combined with broad experience in infrastructure strategy, business development, and organizational leadership, shapes how he approaches the challenges and opportunities facing regional telecommunications operators today. As CEO, Ken is focused on partnering with local service providers and businesses to navigate a rapidly changing industry characterized by increasing bandwidth demand, ongoing price compression, and heightened customer expectations. His leadership centers on building scalable fiber infrastructure, expanding managed technology services, and positioning regional operators for sustainable growth in both the wholesale transport and broadband markets. He brings to every conversation a perspective that is equally at home in the engineering room and the boardroom.