Nominee Questionnaire

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

I am Vice President of Government and Community Relations at EPB in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where I lead our government relations, community engagement and economic development efforts. I joined EPB in 2019 after spending more than a decade working in government and public policy, including serving in several roles with U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander. I am a Chattanooga native and have always believed that infrastructure is ultimately about creating opportunities for people and communities. At EPB, I have had the opportunity to work on initiatives ranging from broadband and digital equity to energy, economic development and emerging technologies. I currently serve as Vice Chair of the Fiber Broadband Association Board of Directors and am also Chairman of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

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

I will continue to bring a perspective to the Board that is useful because my work sits at the intersection of broadband, public policy, economic development and community impact. 

EPB has seen firsthand what happens when a community makes a long-term investment in fiber. It has changed how we think about education, economic development, energy, innovation and even what technologies our community can pursue next. 

I also believe board service means doing the work. During my current term, I have been actively involved in the Conference Committee, Public Policy Committee and in leadership of the Board. I served as Board Secretary in 2025 and now serve as Vice Chair. I would like to continue building on that work and helping FBA remain the leading voice for fiber and the communities, companies and people it serves. 

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company.  

I serve as Vice President of Government and Community Relations for EPB. I lead our relationships with local, state and federal government partners as well as much of our work around community engagement, economic development and external strategic partnerships. 

My role also involves bringing people together around major initiatives that cross traditional business lines. That includes broadband, energy, workforce development, economic development, quantum, and efforts that create additional value for the communities we serve. 

A major part of my job is making sure EPB is engaged in the conversations that will shape the future of our industry and our community. 

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

I joined EPB in December 2019 as Director of Government Relations and served in that role for nearly four years before being promoted to Vice President of Government and Community Relations in September 2023. 

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. I currently serve on several boards and have had the opportunity to serve organizations at the local, state and national level. 

• Fiber Broadband Association Board of Directors – 3 years Currently serve as Vice-Chair 
• Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry – 4 years; Currently serve as Board Chair  
• Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority – 3 years;  
• Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association – 5 years; currently serving in Board leadership 

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

Over 18 years. EPB’s involvement with FBA goes back to the days of the FTTH Council. 

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

5 Years

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

Conference Committee – 2022- Present (Chair, 2023-2025) 

Public Policy Committee – Member, 2023-present 

FBA Board of Directors – 2024-present 

Board Secretary – 2025 

Board Vice Chair – 2026    

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

One of my largest areas of involvement has been the Conference Committee. As Chair, I have worked closely with FBA staff, members and industry leaders on the development of Fiber Connect programming as well as the Regional Fiber Connect events around the country. 

I have also participated in FBA public policy efforts, represented the Association at industry and policy events, participated in Fiber for Breakfast and other FBA programming, and worked to bring elected officials, broadband leaders, utilities and other stakeholders into FBA conversations. 

As a Board member and officer, I have also tried to be someone FBA can call when there is an opportunity to help, make a connection, participate in an event or advance the work of the Association.

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

My experience with fiber has focused on what the infrastructure makes possible for a community. At EPB, I have worked on efforts ranging from digital equity and HCS EdConnect to economic development, smart grid applications and advanced technologies. 

More recently, I have helped build Chattanooga’s quantum ecosystem by connecting EPB’s fiber and quantum infrastructure with universities, technology companies and government partners. 

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

I believe the next chapter for FBA is about making sure fiber is understood not just as broadband infrastructure, but as the infrastructure that will support the next generation of the economy. We have spent years fighting to get communities connected. We cannot stop there. The networks being built today will support AI, advanced energy systems, smart communities, quantum technologies, new business models and applications that may not even exist yet.  

I want FBA to help lead that conversation and make sure fiber is seen as the foundation those technologies depend on. I also want FBA to continue growing its influence with policymakers at every level. As technology moves faster, decisions around funding, permitting, workforce, cybersecurity, energy and emerging technologies are becoming more connected. Our industry needs to be at the table early, not reacting after those decisions are made. 

 I want us to keep expanding who sees themselves as part of the fiber ecosystem. That means bringing together traditional broadband providers with utilities, technology companies, economic development leaders, researchers, manufacturers and policymakers.

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. 

I have made FBA a priority during my current term, whether that has meant Board meetings, committee calls, Fiber Connect, regional events, policy discussions or representing the Association externally. I understand the time commitment that comes with serving on this Board, especially as a Board officer, and I am prepared to continue making that commitment for another three years.

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

Serving on this Board has deepened my appreciation for FBA and the people whose dedication drives the organization forward. 

The fiber industry is at a pivotal moment. After years of making the case for connecting communities, we must now lead the conversation about the economic opportunity, innovation and quality of life those connections enable. 

I want to continue to help FBA expand its reach, strengthen its voice, welcome more people into the organization and ensure that fiber remains central to the national conversation about America’s infrastructure and technology future. I ask for your vote and support and would be honored to continue serving you and the FBA community.