GVTC Dedicates Auditorium to Honor Chuck Knibbe’s 32 Years of Visionary Leadership

GVTC Communications is proud to announce the retirement of Charles “Chuck” Knibbe after 32 years of dedicated service on the GVTC Board of Directors, including 27 years as Chairman. In recognition of his transformational leadership and visionary contributions, the GVTC Board of Directors unanimously voted to name the company’s auditorium the Charles J. Knibbe Auditorium. The dedication was revealed during GVTC’s 2024 Town Hall Meeting, where Chuck was celebrated for his unparalleled impact on the cooperative and the Hill Country community.

Chuck Knibbe joined the GVTC Board in 1992 and began serving as Chairman in 1996. As Chairman, he played a pivotal role in guiding the cooperative’s growth and innovation. During his tenure, GVTC transformed from a rural telephone cooperative into a full-service communications provider offering cutting-edge fiber-optic technology. Under Chuck’s leadership, GVTC became the only telephone cooperative in the nation to offer its members a monthly dividend.

“Chuck’s leadership has not only shaped GVTC’s growth but also its governance,” said Josh Pettiette, President and CEO of GVTC. “He pioneered a governance model that empowered management to focus on execution while the Board took on a more strategic and visionary role. As Chuck often says, ‘You’ve got to let the people who know what to do run the company.’ His philosophy of empowering our executive team while maintaining a well-informed and engaged Board has been a cornerstone of GVTC’s success.”

“Chuck Knibbe exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity and vision,” said Clint Swindall, Chairman of the GVTC Board of Directors. “His commitment to innovation and his dedication to serving our members have not only advanced GVTC but have also driven the growth and prosperity of the Hill Country region. Naming the auditorium in his honor cements his legacy as a guiding light for this cooperative and ensures that his influence will continue to inspire future generations.”

During his time on the Board, Chuck served as an ex officio member of the Audit/Finance, Safety, Governance, and Long-Range Planning Committees and led the Executive Committee. His contributions extended beyond financial growth, as he played a critical role in fostering stronger ties between GVTC and the Hill Country community. His commitment to enhancing connectivity and championing innovation has left a lasting imprint on the region.

GVTC extends its deepest gratitude to Chuck Knibbe for his exceptional service, unwavering leadership, and steadfast commitment to the cooperative’s mission. As he enters this next chapter, focusing on family and personal pursuits, his legacy will continue to inspire the GVTC family and the Hill Country community for years to come.