Nominee Questionnaire

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

Daniel Berkowitz is a strategic market and policy leader with more than 19 years of global experience spanning engineering, product management, telecommunications, energy, and infrastructure. At Bekaert, he leads market strategy and policy engagement for the energy sector while supporting telecommunications and utility growth. He combines technical expertise with practical experience in government policy, domestic manufacturing, customer engagement, and long-term market development. Throughout his career, Daniel has built cross-functional teams, introduced new products and business models, and translated complex technical and policy issues into clear strategies that create value for customers and communities.

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

I bring a combination of technical, commercial, and public-policy experience that is highly relevant to the Fiber Broadband Association. My background includes aerial fiber deployment solutions, product strategy, domestic manufacturing, Build America Buy America requirements, and engagement with policymakers and industry stakeholders. I understand both the field-level realities of broadband deployment and the broader funding, supply-chain, permitting, and workforce issues that shape project success. I would bring a collaborative, practical voice to the Board, focused on accelerating reliable fiber deployment, strengthening the domestic supply chain, and helping members navigate an evolving policy and market environment. My long-standing involvement with FBA committees, educational programming, webinars, and Fiber Connect also gives me a strong understanding of the Association and the needs of its members.

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company.

As Strategic Market Manager, Energy at Bekaert, I lead market strategy, policy engagement, and growth initiatives serving energy, telecommunications, and utility infrastructure. My responsibilities include evaluating government policy and funding programs, supporting compliance with Build America Buy America and U.S.-made steel requirements, developing long-term market strategies, and translating customer and industry needs into commercial priorities. I work cross-functionally with sales, engineering, operations, communications, and leadership to advance products such as aerial messenger strand, and lashing wire. I also engage policymakers, industry associations, customers, and other stakeholders to support resilient domestic supply chains and cost-effective infrastructure deployment.

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

Senior Product Manager, held for three years before joining Bekaert.

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.

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

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

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

Technology, Policy, Supply Chain, and Middle Mile Committees, serving as a member for approximately four years. I have also remained engaged with FBA public-policy working-group activities.

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

Participated in Fiber Connect 2022 and supported Bekaert booths at Fiber Connect 2024 and Fiber Connect 2025 & 2026. Delivered the first Fiber 101 session on aerial fiber deployment using messenger strand and lashing wire. Presented an FBA webinar on aerial solutions for fiber deployment. Contributed technical, policy, and supply-chain perspectives through FBA committees and working-group discussions.

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

I have more than 19 years of experience across engineering, product management, telecommunications, and infrastructure markets. My fiber-related work has focused on the aerial pathway for FTTH deployment, particularly messenger strand and lashing wire used to support fiber-optic cable. I have worked across the product lifecycle, including market analysis, product strategy, customer education, commercialization, and performance evaluation. I also assess how federal funding, domestic-content requirements, permitting, workforce availability, and supply-chain conditions affect broadband projects. This blend of technical, commercial, and policy experience allows me to understand how deployment decisions are made and how the industry can expand fiber access efficiently, reliably, and affordably.

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

During my term, I would focus on four priorities. First, advance practical policies that accelerate fiber deployment, especially in underserved and rural communities, while improving permitting coordination and effective use of public funding. Second, strengthen collaboration among network operators, manufacturers, contractors, policymakers, and communities so that deployment challenges are addressed earlier and more effectively. Third, promote resilient domestic supply chains and clear, workable implementation of Build America Buy America requirements. Fourth, expand member education on aerial deployment, total project cost, workforce needs, and emerging technologies. Across these priorities, I would support data-driven decision-making and help strengthen FBA’s voice with policymakers and industry leaders.

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 am prepared to make the time and effort required for effective Board service throughout the three-year term. I will prioritize attendance at virtual and in-person Board meetings, prepare in advance, participate actively in discussions, and follow through on assigned actions. I am also willing to serve as a committee liaison, contribute to working groups, support member education, and represent FBA at industry and policy engagements. I will uphold the Association’s antitrust and governance requirements, collaborate professionally with fellow Board members and staff, and dedicate the necessary monthly time and travel to be a reliable and engaged Board member.

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

My career has consistently centered on connecting technical knowledge, market strategy, and public policy to solve infrastructure challenges. At Bekaert, I advocate for cost-effective aerial fiber deployment, resilient domestic manufacturing, and policies that help public broadband investments deliver lasting value. I also bring experience building coalitions, educating stakeholders, and communicating complex issues clearly to technical, commercial, and policy audiences. If elected, I would approach Board service with a member-first mindset, strong preparation, and a commitment to practical outcomes that expand reliable fiber connectivity and strengthen the broadband ecosystem.