Antonio Martinez has been appointed the second-ever executive director of the Colorado Broadband Office, the Governor’s Office of Information Technology announced Tuesday.

The Colorado Broadband Office leads the state in expanding broadband coverage and capacity. As executive director, Martinez will be responsible for the state’s broadband strategy in collaboration with various state agencies.

Martinez said he looks forward to emphasizing the importance of broadband reaching rural communities.

“Many of us take access to high-speed internet for granted but the digital divide still exists,” Martinez said. “Broadband is a vital component to growing economies, and in times like these, enables remote access to education, health care and more.”

Martinez is a fifth-generation Coloradan from San Luis Valley. He graduated from Antonito High School, received a bachelor’s degree from the Air Force Academy and earned a master’s in public administration from Harvard University.

Martinez has served in federal leadership positions for 32 years and served the military in combat zones in Afghanistan, Iraq and North Africa.

Some of Martinez’s former titles include U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Department of Treasury advisor to the chief operations officer, U.S. Department of Energy deputy director and director at the U.S. Department of State.

Gov. Jared Polis announces winners of Tom Clements Better Government Awards

“We are proud of the work the Colorado Broadband Office is doing to help bring reliable high-speed broadband to every community,” said OIT Executive Director Anthony Neal-Graves. “I am pleased to have someone of Antonio’s caliber to lead these efforts.”

The Colorado Broadband Office collaborates with the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Department of Local Affairs and Department of Regulatory Agencies.

The office exists under OIT, an organization responsible for information, communications, technology services and innovation across executive branch agencies in Colorado.