Day 7: eNCore looks to redefine North Carolina’s broadband future
MCNC is one of the country’s oldest research and education networks. For 45 years MCNC has connected and protected communities with high-speed internet and cybersecurity technologies throughout North Carolina. MCNC also has a successful history of expanding broadband into places that have been traditionally underserved or overlooked. Now, with Fybe, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Roanoke Cooperative, together are spearheading an innovative collaboration called eNCore to help bridge the connectivity gap for residential and business communities alike – providing access to the modern resources North Carolinians need to have better-educated, healthier, and wealthier lives.
Welcome to eNCore!
Next-Gen Connectivity for NC
The idea of eNCore began in 2024 with the goal of improving North Carolina’s technological, economic, and social landscapes. This past March, the idea continued to blossom with the announcement of the first eNCore Board of Directors, which helped secure full non-profit status by the end of the year. This first board includes Tracy Doaks, president and CEO of MCNC; Sarah Taylor, chief financial officer at MCNC; Heather Kinder, vice president of accounting and finance at Roanoke Cooperative; Jeff Sural, owner of Sural Consulting, LLC; and Robert “Bo” Coughlin, chief operating officer at Fybe. Coughlin also has been named the first president of eNCore.
Additionally, Sarah Taylor has been appointed treasurer. Kent Melum, Fybe’s finance and strategy manager, will serve as chief accounting officer. Phil Emer, vice president of business development at MCNC, assumes a similar role at eNCore serving as chief business development officer. And James Nester, chief marketing officer and senior director of client advocacy at MCNC, will be eNCore’s chief marketing officer.
“The creation of eNCore is a testament to the power of collaboration and the brilliance of this team,” said eNCore President Bo Coughlin. “Everyone involved understands how connectivity and innovation drive job creation and economic development in North Carolina. This is an exciting venture, and I’m looking forward to working together to do something right and something good in the communities that need our help the most.”
eNCore’s overall operations will be a collaboration with FYBE, MCNC and Roanoke Cooperative.
The eNCore Story Continues
North Carolina is poised to become a national leader, ranking in the top five states for high-speed internet adoption. As North Carolinians in every corner of the state can access, afford and use high-speed internet, they also can take advantage of career, education and health care resources. The transformative power of broadband can change the lives of so many in North Carolina, and eNCore with its member organizations will provide essential high-speed infrastructure and technology services to ensure no community gets left behind.
North Carolina’s broadband challenges require bold strategies. eNCore was formed as a shared call to action to remedy the technological inequities that keep so many in North Carolina from reaching their full potential. eNCore is poised to take significant steps in 2026 with this unique delivery model.
