Kenneth Kuchno

Deputy Assistant Administrator for Policy and Outreach
USDA Rural Utilities Services

Kenneth Kuchno is a 1980 graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. degree in electrical engineering. He began his career with the Rural Electrification Administration (now Rural Utilities Service) directly after graduation and was initially responsible for reviewing system designs associated with the construction of telecommunication facilities for rural telephone companies. In addition, he was responsible for reviewing and approving plans and specifications and contracts for this construction.

Over the past 30+ years, he has had a multitude of responsibilities at the RUS, from the general field representative covering projects in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Hawaii, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Saipan and Marshall Islands to director of the broadband division, responsible for a loan portfolio that exceeds $1 billion. In 2009, Kuchno was charged with administering the day to day operations of the Broadband Initiatives Program as well. Approximately $3.5 billion has been awarded in this program. He was also selected to lead RUS efforts in developing an on-line application system along with automated review, underwriting and advance of funds systems. These IT efforts will span across the service’s telecom/broadband, electric, and water and environmental programs.

Kuchno was chosen to become RUS deputy assistant administrator for policy and outreach in 2014. His duties include outreach events to promote RUS’ many programs, implementing and updating regulations, staying current with industry, responding to the FCC and many other activities. He is also responsible for administering the ReConnect Program.