James R.J. Martin II

Jim Martin is the President and CEO of Citynet, West Virginia’s leading telecommunications and broadband infrastructure company. A lifelong West Virginian and entrepreneur, Mr. Martin launched his first company, MARCOM, while still a computer science student at West Virginia University. MARCOM quickly became a regional leader in internet service, web design, and hosting. After its acquisition by City National Bank, alongside Charleston-based Citynet, Martin was named CEO of the newly formed company.

Determined to grow the business independently, Mr. Martin later led a team of investors to acquire Citynet from the bank. At the time, the company had just 20 employees. Under his leadership, Citynet has since grown into a dynamic, privately-owned technology company with more than 250 employees, offices, and data centers in Bridgeport, Morgantown, and Charleston, WV, and additional data facilities in Columbus, OH, and Pittsburgh, PA.

Today, Citynet delivers an expansive suite of services, including ultra-fast fiber-optic GIG Internet, advanced business voice systems, managed IT solutions, and secure enterprise networking—all powered by Citynet’s wholly-owned and aggressively expanding fiber network. What began as a regional ISP has become the telecommunications backbone for communities, businesses, and institutions across the Mountain State.

Mr. Martin has long been a leading advocate for broadband expansion and digital equity across West Virginia. He served as a board member of the West Virginia Broadband Deployment Council and continues to work alongside state and local governments, nonprofit coalitions, and industry partners to bring fiber to unserved and underserved areas. He is widely respected for his ability to translate complex technology and policy issues into practical, actionable insights, making him a regular speaker at broadband conferences and policy roundtables.

Through a combination of public and private investment, Citynet has secured funding through programs such as the West Virginia Line Extension Advancement and Development (LEAD) Program, the GigReady initiative, and multiple rounds of federal broadband infrastructure grants. These initiatives have powered high-impact fiber builds in over a dozen counties, bringing transformational connectivity to homes, schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities.

Jim Martin’s commitment to innovation, local investment, and digital inclusion continues to position Citynet and West Virginia for a brighter, more connected future.