Vice President of Infrastructure Strategy and Research, Merit Network
Bob Stovall has more than 37 years of experience in networking, spanning the fabrication of enclosures for the first-generation routers installed by Merit to the design, implementation, and operation of a statewide research and education network. Career highlights include designing and implementing a statewide dial-in network that provided local-call access to more than 97% of Michigan, as well as overseeing the design and installation of more than 2,500 miles of middle-mile fiber infrastructure across the state, from Ironwood to Monroe.
Bob has served in leadership roles at Merit since 2009. As Vice President of Network Operations, he oversaw all technical operations and guided the organization’s short- and long-term network strategy. In 2018, he shifted his focus to infrastructure strategy and leadership of Merit’s outside plant (OSP) and research teams.
Throughout his career at Merit, Bob has collaborated with service providers across Michigan and the Midwest to strengthen connectivity throughout the state—not only for higher education and K–12 institutions, but also for communities and residents across Michigan.
