Robert brings more than 30 years of experience in telecommunications across rural and enterprise networks, with a proven track record as an operator and strategic leader with deep understanding of the communities and infrastructure of the North Slope. Robert combines C-suite financial stewardship with hands-on technical authority and established relationships across Alaska, the North Slope and state/federal government agencies. Most recently, he served as Chief Operations Officer at ASTAC, where he was the senior operational executive for the Arctic Slope’s member owned telecommunications cooperative, providing executive leadership across network operations, project delivery, engineering support, fleet, and facilities. Robert and his wife are proud residents of Utqiagvik, where his wife serves as an employee of the North Slope Borough. His connection to the communities ASTAC serves goes beyond professional experience, the North Slope is home, and its members are his neighbors.

“On behalf of the ASTAC Board of Directors, we are excited to promote Robert Sharpe as the new General Manager/CEO of ASTAC,” said Marietta Aiken, President of the ASTAC Board of Directors. “The Board of Directors was looking for new direction in the changing times that ASTAC is facing ahead. Robert is a visionary leader and we are confident that he will guide the company into its next phase of growth and innovation.”

In his new role, Robert will lead the company’s strategic direction, focusing on strengthening service delivery and advancing ASTAC’s mission in one of the most operationally complex environments in the United States. Robert is committed to growing ASTAC alongside the communities it serves, deepening member engagement, expanding access, and ensuring that every person on the North Slope feels the strength of a cooperative that truly belongs to them.

About ASTAC

ASTAC provides Fiber Broadband Ethernet and Internet, LTE wireless as well as local and long-distance services across the North Slope. Additionally, ASTAC offers a Nomadic WAN and Internet service using the North Slope’s only private LTE network covering the oil fields. As a member-owned cooperative, ASTAC’s mission is rooted in the communities it serves; connecting people, supporting local economies, and strengthening the North Slope for generations to come. For more information, visit www.astac.net.