Kenneth Kuchno

Deputy Assistant Administrator for Policy and Outreach
USDA Rural Utilities Services

Mr. Kuchno is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University. In 1980 he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

Mr. Kuchno started his career with the Rural Electrification Administration (now Rural Utilities Service) directly after graduating from Penn State in 1980 as an engineer in the North Central Area. In this position, he was 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.

In 1990 Mr. Kuchno was chosen to be a General Filed Representative for the Rural Utilities Service covering projects in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Hawaii, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Saipan and Marshall Islands. During the next seven years Mr. Kuchno traveled extensively assisting companies in a wide variety of activities from inspection of construction to the development of financial projections to support a loan application. His time in the field allowed him to experience first hand the day to day operations of a telecommunications company.

In 1997, Mr. Kuchno became the Engineering Branch Chief for the South West Area for the Rural Utilities Service. As Engineering Branch Chief, Mr. Kuchno was responsible for overseeing the engineering activities associated with the approval and monitoring of loans for a twelve state area and the Agencies Pacific Rim projects.

In 1999, Mr. Kuchno was selected for the position of Director, Eastern Area, Rural Utilities Service. He was responsible for administering the Agency’s loan portfolio for all projects located east of the Mississippi River.

In 2003, Mr. Kuchno became the Director for the Rural Utilities Service’s Broadband Division. Mr. Kuchno is responsible for the development of the processes and procedures associated with implementing the Rural Broadband Access Loan Program. Today he is responsible for a loan portfolio that exceeds $1 billion for this program. In addition, Mr. Kuchno is responsible for administering the Community Connect Grant Program. This grant program provides funds to construct broadband facilities in communities that do not have access to broadband service.

In 2009, Mr. Kuchno was charged with administering the day to day operations of the Broadband Initiatives Program in addition to his duties as the Director of Broadband Division. Approximately $3.5 billion have been awarded in this program.

In August 2013, In addition to his other duties, Mr. Kuchno was selected to lead the Rural Utilities Service’s 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 Telecom/Broadband, Electric, and Water and Environmental Programs of the Rural Utilities service.

In July 2014 RUS underwent a major reorganization and Mr. Kuchno was chosen to become the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Policy and Outreach. In this role Mr. Kuchno will be responsible for a variety of duties. These duties will include outreach events to promote RUS’ many programs, implementing and updating regulations, staying current with industry, responding to the FCC and many other activities.