Ben Lewis-Ramirez joins CNE as Director of Business Development
Communication Network Engineering (CNE) is excited to introduce Ben Lewis-Ramirez as our Director of Business Development. This newly created position marks a pivotal step in CNE’s ongoing commitment to expand both our geographic service area and the range of services we offer to clients in the rapidly evolving fields of broadband, cybersecurity, and managed IT services.
CNE President Blake Griffin said, “Ben is dynamic, energetic, and a real thought leader in the broadband industry. He is an exciting addition to our leadership team, and I look forward to working with him to launch CNE into a new era of growth and innovation.”
Broadening Horizons: A Strategic New Role
The Director of Business Development role sharpens CNE’s focus on expansion. From his office in Lakewood, Colorado, Ben will lead efforts to increase CNE’s visibility and engagement with new clients, influencers, and stakeholders across the country. His charge: to extend CNE’s reach, cultivate new relationships, and position CNE as a leader in connectivity solutions for communities and organizations seeking robust, future-proof networks.
“CNE is a growing, entrepreneurial company and I’ve gravitated toward that kind of culture my entire career,” Lewis-Ramirez said. “I love connecting need with expertise, creating opportunities for progress and growth, and collaborating with a team that possesses a diverse set of skills. And I’m a pretty tenacious guy, so CNE’s company values really speak to me.”
Meet Ben Lewis-Ramirez: Experience and Vision
Ben brings more than 15 years of executive management expertise in outside plant engineering and construction to CNE, with a particular emphasis on business development and strategic planning the past five years. His career spans successful collaborations with cities, counties, and regional coalitions nationwide, helping public sector clients navigate complex broadband initiatives and achieve meaningful results.
A recognized advocate for the open access model of broadband expansion, Ben has authored numerous magazine articles and blog posts and regularly speaks at conferences and industry events nationwide. His creative problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial spirit have been evident throughout his career—from co-founding Lit Communities, a consultancy and ISP, to becoming an ISA Certified Arborist to design and manage tree survey programs for large-scale FTTX deployments in Google Fiber and AT&T markets.
Ben’s hands-on experience covers the full spectrum of the OSP industry, including field work, design engineering, project management, and consulting. This diverse background gives him a uniquely holistic understanding of wide area network and FTTX deployments, making him a valuable resource for CNE and our clients.
“Ben has done it all,” said Griffin. “He can apply all that experience and knowledge as he connects with stakeholders and works to propel CNE and national broadband expansion into the future.”
Proven Success in Broadband Initiatives
Ben’s track record includes guiding broadband strategic plan implementation and oversight for El Paso County, Colorado; leading broadband planning and feasibility studies for Thornton, Colorado; and Jefferson County, Colorado; and developing the innovative Yamhill County Broadband Fund to address digital divide challenges in Yamhill County, Oregon.
Looking Ahead
With Ben Lewis-Ramirez on board, CNE is poised to accelerate its growth, build new partnerships, and deliver a broader suite of solutions to help communities and organizations meet their connectivity goals. We look forward to the energy, insight, and leadership Ben brings to CNE, and to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Please join us in welcoming Ben to the CNE team!