Bill helps communities make the connection between telecommunications and economic development. As principal in Community Technology Advisors since 2000, he assists clients develop and implement programs of broadband infrastructure investment and technology promotion and training. Coleman believes that both are required for community technology and economic vitality.

Prior to forming Community Technology Advisors, Bill managed Onvoy’s (now Zayo) Integrated Community Network (ICN) rural market development efforts. ICN, a Nortel Networks sales process, was a superb market development strategy to link a community’s economic development planning to telecom providers’ broadband infrastructure business planning, creating a win-win environment for providers and communities.

Earlier, Bill staffed the MN Department of Trade and Economic Development Star City and Business Retention and Expansion Programs, working with local community teams to vision, strategize and implement local economic development programs.

Bill serves as a juror for the Intelligent Community Forum.  He is a former board member of PCs for People, a non-profit dedicated to getting computers into the hands of those without, the Economic Development Association of Minnesota and the Midwest Institute for Telecommuting Education.

Bill has a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Studies and Political Science from Mankato State University. He has studied telecommunications management at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, completed non-profit management, facilitation and training programs at the University of St. Thomas and is certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional.

Community Technology Advisors has a reputation for building and maintaining long-term productive relationships with clients.  

Bill’s successful consulting career has been enabled by his ability to work with intermediary organizations that brings Bill’s expertise to rural communities.  Bill specializes in creating community assistance program that he delivers in partnership with these regional and national organizations.  These programs build the capacity of local leaders to stimulate positive change in their communities while enhancing the sponsoring organization’s internal capabilities and external relationships.