Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you. 

I’m Kimberly McKinley, and I got my start in the fiber industry in 2010 at UTOPIA Fiber. I came in as a Marketing Manager, rolled up my sleeves, and quickly found myself deeply involved in the operations side of the business. Over the years, I worked my way up to CMO and Deputy Director, overseeing multiple operational departments while helping grow UTOPIA into the nation’s largest open access provider. Today, I serve as Chief of Staff at TAK Broadband, one of the country’s largest construction firms specializing in network builds, drops, and fulfillment. Along the way, I’ve picked up a reputation for my bad jokes and some pretty interesting dance moves. 

Please summarize why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the FBA Board of Directors? 

Our industry is at a critical moment—balancing unprecedented funding opportunities with complex challenges around deployment, workforce, and execution. Having worked across both the provider and construction sides of broadband, I bring a diverse perspective on how we can overcome these roadblocks and accelerate the mission of connecting America.  

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company. 

As Chief of Staff at TAK Broadband, I oversee the company’s marketing strategy and execution while also managing broader Chief of Staff responsibilities. My role includes aligning leadership priorities, driving cross-departmental initiatives, and ensuring the organization is positioned for long-term growth and industry leadership. 

What was your previous position, and how long did you hold that position before transitioning to your current one? 

CMO / Deputy Director – UTOPIA Fiber. 14 Years  

Do you have any experience as a member of a Board of Directors? If so please provide name of the entity and number of years of which you served. 

Yes, Fiber Broadband Association – 2022-2024, AAPB – Founder and Board Member 2020-2023 

How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?

1.5 years  

How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities? 

2019-current  

Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served. 

Public Officials Roundtable / Co-Chair, Marketing Committee  

Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.) 

Over the years, I’ve presented on several Fiber Broadband Association webinars, covering topics like marketing and open access, and I’ve had the opportunity to take part in multiple FBA fly-ins on Capitol Hill. 

Please provide a short overview of your experience with telecommunications, fiber optics, and FTTH technologies. 

I bring extensive experience in telecommunications through my work on the operations side of the business. I started at an ISP in a very hands-on role, which gave me early exposure to the realities of network deployment. Over time, I worked closely with the operations team and oversaw many of the core operational functions, giving me a broad and practical perspective on how networks are built and maintained. I’ve been involved in a wide range of FTTH deployments, and I know how to translate those technical details into terms that matter for communities, customers, and decision-makers. Having experience on both the ISP and construction sides, I understand how to bridge technical expertise with real-world impact. 

Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member. 

During my term on the Fiber Broadband Association Board, my goal is to help take our industry from simply building networks to unlocking their full potential. We’re seeing unprecedented levels of fiber deployment across the country, and now the challenge is to ensure those networks are maximized — not just for ISPs, but for the communities they serve. 

FBA needs to be at the forefront of helping providers monetize these networks in ways that expand real connectivity — reaching farms, cities, and everywhere in between. By focusing on the next iteration of our industry, we can make sure these historic investments translate into lasting impact for people and communities nationwide 

Please describe the level of commitment (in terms of time and effort) that you intend to make to the Association during the three-year term. 

If I’m elected, I’ll dedicate the time that’s needed to be an engaged and effective board member. I recognize the responsibility that comes with this role, and I’m committed to showing up, contributing, and doing the work required to support the mission of the Fiber Broadband Association. 

Please use this space to include any additional information you feel is important to share with voting members.   

I truly care about this industry and the people in it. Fiber has been my career for more than a decade, but it’s also my passion — and I only want the best for it. Serving on the board would be my way of giving back and doing my part to help move the industry forward.