Greg Coltrain, from BCCC to CEO | Eastern NC Now

    Washington, NC - With an Associate's in Business Administration under his belt, Pantego native Greg Coltrain had enrolled at East Carolina University to purse a computer science degree when he was offered a job at TriCounty Telecom in Belhaven. Not quite 18 years later, he is now the Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of the company.

    "I went to ECU for a semester," Coltrain says, "but I interviewed for the job - a couple of interviews, actually - and then they wanted me to start full-time. I knew that I wanted to stay local, so it was a good opportunity."

    TriCounty Telecom has provided telecom services in Eastern North Carolina for 60 years, but with the rapid advance of technology, the mid- to late-1990s was a time of transition, as the company added television and Internet service to its offerings. Coltrain was hired as the Information Systems Coordinator, tasked with building a proper network for the company's own computer system.

    "Then they found out I had some experience with customer service as well," Coltrain adds.

    In 2001 he was promoted to Customer Service Supervisor, in 2005 to Customer Service Manager, and in 2006 to Operations Manager. In 2011 he became the CEO, and he also serves as Executive Director of the TriCounty Foundation, which manages an endowment that serves the community by funding scholarships and supporting local fire and rescue services and hospitals.

    Coltrain says his experience at BCCC built the foundation he needed for his career.

    "I liked the smaller class sizes, where you have more connection to your teachers," he says. "The atmosphere and environment was one where people were eager to help; I didn't feel like I would get lost."

    His relationship with BCCC has continued since he received his degree. Coltrain currently serves on the BCCC Foundation Board, and TriCounty funds scholarships for the BCCC Foundation.

    Other TriCounty employees have received training at BCCC as well; at one point half of the staff were Beaufort alumni. Continuing Education classes have also benefited Coltrain's customers, including training for mobile devices, online safety and security, and streaming video.

    "Continuing Education is really important because things change so quickly in this business," he says.

    Coltrain says he feels fortunate to have been able to find a job he enjoys in his home community. He and his wife, Tiffany, who attended BCCC's Cosmetology program, live in the Belhaven area with their children.

    BCCC would like to recognize alumni who are making a positive contribution to their communities. To nominate a former BCCC graduate, contact Public Relations Coordinator Jules Norwood at Jules.Norwood@BeaufortCCC.edu.

    Beaufort County Community College is a public comprehensive community college committed to accessible and affordable quality education, effective teaching, relevant training, and lifelong learning opportunities for the people served by the College.