Lee Davenport

Lee Davenport is the Director, Smart Communities for US Ignite where he leads the US Ignite Communities program with more than 50 communities. Working with the support from the National Science Foundation, Lee served as Principal Investigator for Project OVERCOME testing rapid deployment of advanced wireless to connect the unconnected. For 25 years, he has worked with national nonprofit organizations, large corporations, federal agencies, and local governments to create and deliver technology-informed economic empowerment strategies to communities nationwide. He has expertise in program design, multi-partner program development, communications, implementation, and evaluation strategies. Before joining US Ignite, Lee founded a successful consultancy delivering strategy and operational leadership for nonprofits and private sector agencies delivering consumer technology to low-income communities. Prior to that, he served as Vice President, Programs at One Economy Corporation leading a national effort for digital literacy and broadband adoption.

Lee has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Science in Urban Policy/Nonprofit Management from the New School for Public Engagement in New York City.