Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	Anis Khemakhem is deeply passionate about technology, particularly in advancing fiber optics and telecommunications solutions. Throughout his career, he has consistently focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve connectivity and enhance digital access across various sectors. At Clearfield, he is particularly enthusiastic about supporting the broadband expansion goals of programs like BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment), which aim to close the digital divide by making high-speed internet more accessible. His work at Carlisle Interconnect Technologies and Amphenol reinforced his commitment to developing high-performance connectivity, including fiber optics, for robust, reliable connections in demanding environments. This dedication aligns with his vision of using technology to solve connectivity challenges, especially in rural and underserved areas. Anis’s technical background, combined with his strategic leadership roles, enables him to drive innovation that makes fiber optic technology more adaptable, efficient, and widely accessible for everyone. Anis has a notable background in strategic roles within the telecommunications and technology sectors. Before his current role as Clearfield’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), he was a prominent leader at Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, serving as the Global Director of Sales. Here, he was instrumental in scaling sales operations for interconnect solutions across aerospace, military, and other high-reliability markets. His previous experience includes a ten-year tenure at Amphenol, where he oversaw business development in technology applications, enhancing sales growth and managing critical client relationships in diverse markets, including wireless and industrial sectors. Additionally, Anis has experience in strategic development from his time as Senior Market Development and Strategy Manager at TE Connectivity, where he focused on market expansion efforts, and earlier as a Senior Development Engineer at ADC Telecommunications. This engineering background, combined with his strategic sales and marketing expertise, positions him as a leader who integrates technical knowledge with business acumen to drive growth and operational excellence across complex, technical markets. My executive experience, including leadership positions at Clearfield, Amphenol and Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, demonstrates my executive engagement capabilities and capacity to handle complex, multi-stakeholder projects in sectors of telecom and other market sectors. My background in both technology development and business strategy gives me a holistic perspective on the fiber industry—from engineering innovations to market positioning and regulatory compliance. My educational background in mechanical engineering (B.S. from the University of Minnesota) and an MBA in Global Management and Marketing from the University of Phoenix have equipped me with a unique combination of technical acumen and strategic insight, essential for board-level guidance in advancing fiber broadband initiatives.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	I would be an excellent candidate for the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) Board of Directors due to my extensive experience, proven leadership, and deep-rooted passion for expanding fiber broadband access. With my current role as Chief Marketing Officer at Clearfield, I am actively involved in shaping fiber connectivity strategies and supporting initiatives that address digital inclusion, including the BEAD program, which aligns closely with FBA’s mission to promote fiber deployment for accessible and equitable broadband solutions. Throughout my career, I have held significant roles at leading technology companies like Carlisle Interconnect Technologies and Amphenol, where I was instrumental in growing business operations and delivering high-performance fiber solutions for critical applications across industries such as defense, aerospace, and telecommunications. My technical and strategic expertise uniquely positions me to provide valuable insights to FBA on how to navigate regulatory landscapes, develop technology standards, and advocate for policies that facilitate fiber infrastructure expansion. My expertise extends well beyond fiber connectivity solutions; I’ve also been deeply engaged with RF, satellite, high-speed interconnects, and other critical technologies that enable fast, reliable networks. This comprehensive understanding of various connectivity technologies—including their unique strengths and limitations—gives me insight into the diverse requirements of network infrastructure. Moreover, this experience allows me to more effectively communicate the importance of building robust fiber optic networks as the foundation for future technologies and the evolving demands of high-speed, resilient connectivity. My engineering background and market-driven approach to business growth would benefit FBA’s initiatives focused on innovation in fiber technology. My track record of driving growth while championing the role of fiber in bridging the digital divide demonstrates my commitment to FBA’s goals and makes me an ideal candidate to contribute meaningfully to the board.
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	23 Years
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?	Participated in events for over 18 years
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.	None. I have not participated in any in the past. However, I am interested in being an active participant in committees that help achieve my stated goals below. This would include being part of the Technology, Marketing, Sustainability, Trusted Fiber or other committees.
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	None directly with FBA.
How many years have you been in your current position?	1 Year
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	As Chief Marketing Officer at Clearfield, Anis Khemakhem oversees all marketing and branding initiatives to drive Clearfield’s mission in delivering innovative fiber management solutions. His primary responsibilities include shaping and executing Clearfield’s global marketing strategy, expanding brand presence, and enhancing market engagement across telecommunications, broadband, and data infrastructure sectors. He leads cross-functional teams in aligning the company’s messaging with its goal of bridging the digital divide, especially in rural and underserved areas, through fiber deployment. A key component of Anis’s role is managing Clearfield’s product portfolio, positioning, and go-to-market strategies for solutions that simplify fiber deployment and improve service speed. He collaborates closely with product development, sales, and customer service teams to tailor Clearfield’s offerings to align with customer needs, focusing on innovation that enables providers to expand network capacity and meet growing demand for high-speed internet. Anis also engages in partnerships with stakeholders in the telecom ecosystem, working to position Clearfield as a leader in fiber technology within initiatives like BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment), which supports nationwide broadband expansion efforts. Additionally, Anis brings his strategic background to refine Clearfield’s approach to industry challenges, such as labor efficiency and cost-effectiveness, reinforcing Clearfield’s value proposition as a craft-friendly, scalable solution for fiber connectivity. His focus on combining technical insight with market knowledge strengthens Clearfield’s ability to meet the increasing need for advanced, accessible broadband solutions.
What was your previous position?	Global Director of Sales at Carlisle Interconnect Technologies
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	3 Years
Do you have experience as a member of a Board of Directors?	No
The bylaws prohibit convicted felons from serving on the board. Is there any legal impediment that would prevent you from serving on the Board?	No
Is there any legal issue personally of which the Association should be aware?	No
Being a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member requires a considerable time commitment. Please confirm that you have the support of your company if you are elected.	Yes
Please provide a short overview of your experience with telecommunications, fiber optics, and FTTH technologies.	Anis Khemakhem has over two decades of experience in telecommunications, fiber optics, and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) technologies. His roles across industry-leading companies have focused on expanding access to advanced connectivity solutions, particularly through fiber optics. His work at Clearfield centers on bringing innovative, craft-friendly fiber management solutions to market, supporting high-speed broadband deployment across the U.S., especially for underserved regions under initiatives like the BEAD program. In previous roles, Anis has held executive positions with companies like Amphenol and Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, where he directed sales and business development efforts in fiber optic interconnects for telecommunications, aerospace, and defense. These experiences underscore his expertise in FTTH and his commitment to scaling fiber access to meet growing demands for connectivity. His technical and strategic background enables him to address the unique challenges of fiber deployment in diverse environments, making him a valuable leader in advancing telecommunications infrastructure.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	During my term as a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member, I aim to achieve several key goals: 1. Advance Nationwide Fiber Deployment: Advocate for policies and funding initiatives that support rapid fiber deployment in underserved areas, with an emphasis on equitable access to broadband. 2. Enhance Workforce Development: Work on initiatives to expand training and certification programs to grow a skilled workforce, essential for supporting FTTH (Fiber-to-the-Home) projects. 3. Drive Technological Innovation: Encourage research and development in fiber technology to improve deployment efficiency, reduce costs, and increase the scalability of fiber infrastructure. 4. Combat Commoditization of Fiber Technology: Advocate for preserving high standards and stimulating innovation in fiber optics to ensure sustainable industry practices, ensuring delivery of durable, cutting-edge solutions capable of meeting evolving connectivity needs. 5. Prepare for Future Applications: Equip the industry for emerging applications, such as IoT, and help customers leverage their networks and these advancements for enhanced connectivity and services. 6. Promote Industry Collaboration: Foster partnerships across the telecom and broadband industries to align on goals and tackle shared challenges in expanding fiber infrastructure. These objectives reflect my commitment to overcoming industry challenges and expanding high-speed internet access across the nation, particularly in underserved communities.
Have you reviewed the Board of Directors’ Responsibilities document, and do you understand what is required?	Yes
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 committed to dedicating the necessary time and effort to the Fiber Broadband Association during his three-year term. Building on Clearfield’s longstanding support for the FBA, I intend to continue the same level of commitment by actively participating in board meetings, committees, and industry events to advance the association’s objectives. Clearfield is committed to this investment and believes in the value of uplifting the profile of our industry. I will focus on strategic initiatives that align with our goals, such as promoting fiber deployment, workforce development, and technological innovation. I see this role as an opportunity to contribute insights from my extensive experience in telecommunications and fiber optics, ensuring that the FBA continues to thrive and effectively addresses the challenges within the fiber broadband landscape.
Please inform us of any other information, issue, or concern of which the Association should be aware.	No issues or concerns.