James Nester

In his work as MCNC’s chief marketing officer and senior director of client advocacy, James Nester drives strategic growth through collaborative innovation across teams and with clients. With his marketing leadership, MCNC’s audience has grown, its important missions have become more visible and it has built and grown partnerships with community institutions.

Over an accomplished career in marketing, James Nester has built extensive experience doing marketing, communications, branding, and public relations in the technology services space. Before joining MCNC, he spent over ten years at Segra (formerly Lumos Networks), where he orchestrated major rebranding initiatives and spearheaded the company’s market expansion. James is a strategic communications leader specializing in high-stakes M&A, crisis management, and the execution of premier athletic sponsorships that fuel corporate growth. He holds a deep professional foundation in building consensus among diverse stakeholders to advance critical broadband infrastructure.

Throughout his career, James has remained deeply committed to the evolution of North Carolina’s technology landscape. He is an active contributor to high-profile initiatives focused on digital equity and broadband expansion, often serving as a thought leader in regional policy discussions. His professional affiliations and service reflect a dedication to the mission of connecting North Carolina, earning him recognition as a key architect of brand reputation and stakeholder engagement within the state’s digital ecosystem.