Meet Fran Gladden
Occupation: Vice President, Government and Public Affairs
Organization: Cox Communications
BRAC Involvement: Board Member, FuturePAC Member, Executive Committee Member
What does your organization do?
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone, and home security and automation services over its own nationwide IP network. The largest private telecom company in the U.S., Cox serves more than 6 million residences and businesses and is consistently recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; among DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity. Locally, Cox employs 1,300 in the state and 750 in Baton Rouge, which is home to a customer service call center for technical support.
What are some advantages of being located/doing business in the Capital Region?
As a long-time resident of Baton Rouge, it’s no wonder why I’m such a fan of and advocate for our Capital Region. From unbeatable eateries, a dynamic culture and recreational options in just about every viewable direction, Greater Baton Rouge is an ideal fit for my family of hunters, fishers and LSU tigers! Host to two of the state’s flagship universities and an ever-growing community college, Baton Rouge’s demographics is matched by an adaptable economy, diverse industry groups and still-thriving real estate options – making it truly a great place to live, work and play!
Why did you decide to invest in BRAC?
Growing up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, my parents impressed upon me the importance of leaving the world a better place than we found it. Certainly, that is the legacy of James M. Cox, who founded Cox Communications’ parent company in 1898. Doing the right thing and taking care of employees, our customers and the communities we serve are core values of Cox Enterprises, now being led by CEO Alex Taylor, a fourth-generation family member. BRAC, in turn, is an important change agent and champion of doing the right thing for the Capital Region. Its leadership is essential to the future health and vitality of the nine parishes it serves.
What would you say to companies contemplating joining BRAC?
Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,500 small, medium and large businesses, civic organizations, education institutions and individuals. I encourage you to be counted in that number and become a part of our efforts to recruit top talent, advance our unique culture, build vibrant communities and leave the Capital Region a better place than we found it.
What do you anticipate for your company in the next five years? For the Capital Region?
Cox is incredibly proud of the millions we spend annually to upgrade our infrastructure to provide our leading-edge telecommunications technology. Just last year, Cox announced a $10 billion investment over the next five years to improve the customer experience. The company will also continue to invest in new businesses and its own infrastructure to better power the smart homes, smart businesses and smart cities of the future. Whether it’s connecting low income school students and their families to the Internet for the very first time or delivering speeds of 100 gigs or greater to area businesses, Cox is committed to keeping Louisiana residents and businesses connected and making their lives easier. BRAC is an investor-driven organization leading economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area. BRAC’s investor base includes small businesses, midsize firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as other individuals and organizations.
Each month, BRAC highlights one of its investors in the Investor Spotlight. To learn more about becoming an investor, visit the Join BRAC page or schedule a meeting with BRAC’s Investor Development and Relations team.