Michael leads strategy and regulatory engagements for service providers, network operators, equipment vendors, investors, and regulatory authorities at Cartesian.

He has over 30 years of experience in the telecoms sector including 12 years in industry. Specific areas of expertise include fibre broadband, fixed-mobile convergence, enterprise services, network technology, and telecoms sector regulation. Michael has advised clients on opportunity sizing, entry option analysis, proposition development, and go-to-market planning.

Rich is the founder and president of Connect2 Communications, Inc. Since founding Connect2 in 2003, he has helped companies in telecommunications, networking, cybersecurity, data center, and other B2B technology markets develop and implement creative public relations and marketing strategies that enable each to achieve corporate, business and sales objectives. Before starting Connect2, Rich served as director of marketing and business development for Hatteras Networks, directing their brand and go-to-market strategy for their last-mile Ethernet platform encompassing direction of all PR and marketing communications activities. Prior to this, Rich was director of corporate communications at Sycamore Networks, leading Sycamore’s communications efforts from Initial Public Offering through the development of an integrated global public relations program, including secondary offering, acquisition, investments, regional launches and impact-of-market contraction. Rich began his career at the American Plastics Council, an industry group focused on environmental issues in Washington DC.

Carl Horosz is an award-winning creative director skilled at using innovative design to elevate brands. He provides strategic direction for integrated marketing campaigns that support business growth. By aligning creative vision with client objectives, he has orchestrated campaigns that resonate with key audiences and deliver measurable outcomes. Carl is also highly skilled at increasing team efficiency by optimizing business processes and streamlining workflows. His work has been recognized by leading global arts and design organizations, reflecting an unwavering dedication to pushing creative boundaries while achieving tangible results. Carl is passionate about synthesizing data and understanding client goals to deliver innovative print, web, video, and social media solutions that drive new business and exceed expectations.

Join the Fiber Broadband Association’s 2026 Public Policy Summit & Fly-In on February 24th and 25th, in Washington, D.C., for impactful discussions on shaping federal broadband policy. This full-day event features keynotes and panels with policymakers, industry leaders, and agency officials, exploring strategies to expand fiber broadband and boost economic growth. Attendees can also participate in advocacy meetings on Capitol Hill the next day, championing policies to bridge the digital divide and promote high-speed internet access nationwide.

Tuesday February 24th

• 2026 Public Policy Summit (Agenda to be released at a later date.)
  AT&T Forum
  601 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
• Post Summit Dinner
  Location TBD

Wednesday February 25th

• Meetings on Capitol Hill
  Meeting Schedule to come at a later date.

This form is currently closed for submissions.

Nominee Questionnaire

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

Roger Timmerman has served as Executive Director of UTOPIA Fiber since 2016, bringing over 20 years of experience in telecommunications and information technology leadership. A recognized expert in network architecture and broadband infrastructure, Roger has led efforts to design and deploy open-access fiber networks that serve communities across the western United States. His previous roles include Vice President of Engineering at Vivint Wireless, Chief Technology Officer at UTOPIA Fiber, Network Engineer at iProvo, and Network Product Manager at Brigham Young University. He holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Information Technology from Brigham Young University. 

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

As an designer, builder, and operator of broadband networks for over 20 years, I know all the in-and-outs of what it takes to be successful in this industry. I have a passion for bringing all of the benefits that fiber brings to communities across the country. With a strong technology background, I love to share experiences and educate on how to use the latest technologies and how fiber can enhance and enable the latest technologies.  

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company.  

I am currently the CEO of UTOPIA Fiber. As a relatively small operator, I am very involved in the day-to-day functions of our company. From technology decisions, operations, financing, governmental partnerships, staffing, sales, and growth strategies, I rely on an amazing team at UTOPIA Fiber and do my best to contribute and to support the success of our organization. 

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

I was the Vice-President of Engineering for Vivint Internet, which was a wireless ISP startup that quickly grew to 20k subscribers and then was sold off and dissolved into other companies. I held the position for the life of the startup, which was about 3 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.  

I have served on various boards including the following:

• Information Technology & Cyber Security Industrial Advisory Board – Brigham Young University –  2015-2025

• Utah Broadband Advisory/Outreach Center Council – 2010-2020

• Broadband Nation Expo Advisory Board – 2023-current

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

15 years (estimate) – there were some lapses in membership and we do not have a clear record of when membership was active/inactive 

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

 20 years 

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

In-home Experience Committee – Board Liason – 2024-current 
Marketing Committee – Board Liason – 2024-current 
Public Official – Participant – 2023-current 
 

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

Various sponsored events at Fiber Connect Conferences. Participated in various webinars, and contributed to many whitepapers, but I don’t have a list of these.  

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

I have been designing, building, and operating fiber broadband networks for 20+ years including for Brigham Young University, Provo City, Vivint Internet, and UTOPIA Fiber. In addition to providing broadband services, I have hands-on experience with various deployments of applications including IPTV systems, VOIP systems, Public Wi-Fi, wildfire detection systems, air quality sensor networks, access control systems, various software and server installations, and cybersecurity systems. I hold both a BS and MS in Information Technology and my masters these was on Open-Access Fiber-to-the-home networks, published in 2009. 

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

I would like to see dramatic investment in further expansion of FTTx throughout the country.  

I would like to promote the improvement of Internet-based services to take advantage of the higher capacity, lower latency, and reliability of fiber.  

I would like to see a dramatic increase in the ease-of-use, security, and capabilities of home-automation/smarthome solutions. 

I would like to see dramatic investment in smartcity, precision agriculture, and sustainable technologies as a result of fiber availability. 

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 commit to attending all Fiber Connect Conferences, FBA board meetings, and at least 75% of Regional Workshops, at least 75% of assigned Committee meetings, and to participate in as many webinars and other events as they become available. 

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

I believe there is enormous opportunity in expanding the role and importance of the FBA into other industries that are related to the connectivity that fiber broadband brings (i.e. Consumer Electronics, Smart-City, Precision Agriculture). I believe there is also enormous benefit to the organization as we support partner or sub-organizations such as LATAM. If elected, in addition to my responsibilities as a board member, I will increase my involvement in these partner organizations and other industry groups to benefit the FBA organization’s influence and to create additional opportunity for its members. 

Nominee Questionnaire

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

Paul F. Weintraub is the Vice President of Fiber Deployment at Watch Hill Technology Group, where he leads large-scale fiber construction and installation projects nationwide. With over 30 years of experience in the ICT and broadband industries, Paul has built a career dedicated to advancing network deployment and bridging the digital divide.

He previously led international business expansion at Superior Essex Communications and served as Vice President of Global Development and Support at BICSI. Additionally, he has actively served on the boards of several prominent fiber and telecommunications organizations, including APOLAN and the Fiber Connect Council MENA, where he has played a key role in governance, strategic planning, and bylaw development. In addition to his leadership and governance roles, Paul is a frequent speaker at industry events, where he shares insights on fiber deployment, technology solutions, and broadband growth strategies.

Paul holds an MBA in International Business from Rollins College and maintains multiple professional certifications, including the Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD). A U.S. Navy Veteran and fluent Spanish speaker, he brings discipline, global perspective, and cross-cultural collaboration to his leadership. He is committed to ensuring the construction and deployment community has a strong voice in shaping the future of broadband through the Fiber Broadband Association.

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

Throughout my 30+ year career, I have worked across the entire broadband ecosystem, from design and manufacturing to installation, construction, and association leadership, serving regional, national, and international companies and clients.

As Vice President of Fiber Deployment at Watch Hill Technology Group, I founded and led a national division overseeing fiber construction and installation across diverse markets. This hands-on experience has provided me with a deep understanding of the complex realities of network deployment, encompassing strategic planning and financing, supply chain logistics, workforce management, and service activation.

I bring a strategic lens grounded in operational expertise, with a clear view of how policy, funding, and standards translate into field execution. Having represented both manufacturers and contractors, I’m able to bridge perspectives across the broadbandecosystem, OEMs, distributors, engineers, contractors, and operators—ensuring FBA decisions reflect the full value chain.

My governance experience includes serving on the boards of APOLAN and the Fiber Connect Council MENA, as well as active roles on FBA’s Education and Marketing Committees. With an MBA in International Business, RCDD certification, Spanish fluency, and global experience across North America, LATAM, and MENA, I offer both business rigor and cultural insight.

I aim to bring the voice of deployment and construction to the Board—a perspective essential to shaping strategies that are practical, safe, and sustainable.

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company.  

I serve as Vice President of Fiber Deployment at Watch Hill Technology Group, where I lead our nationwide fiber construction and installation operations. My responsibilities include overseeing the design, construction, and delivery of turnkey fiber broadband projects, managing execution from permitting and construction through testing and turn- up, and ensuring projects meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance.

These are the same challenges mirrored by members of the Fiber Broadband Association across the nation. This direct operational insight allows me to ensure that the Association’s strategies remain aligned with the real-world needs of those designing, building, and deploying broadband networks.

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

For more than three years, I served as Head of International Business at Superior Essex Communications, where I led the company’s global market expansion and strategic partnerships in the fiber and telecommunications space. In this role, I worked closely with customers actively deploying fiber around the world, giving me valuable insight into regional differences, regulatory challenges, and deployment strategies, perspective that continues to shape my work today.

During this time, I also served on the boards of APOLAN and the Fiber Connect Council MENA, contributing to governance, strategic planning, and bylaw development. I joined the Fiber Broadband Association’s Education Committee as well, marking the start of my direct involvement with FBA. My candidacy for the 2024 FBA Board of Directors, though not elected, reinforced my commitment to the Association and clarified how I could best contribute to its mission.

In addition, I spent nearly a decade at BICSI as Vice President of Global Development and Support, where I partnered with the Board to advance governance, standards, and education internationally. This experience deepened my appreciation for bridging the priorities of for-profit businesses and nonprofit associations, a perspective I continue to bring forward.

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.  

I have served on the boards of leading fiber and telecommunications organizations, where I contributed to governance, strategic planning, and bylaw development.

• APOLAN (Association for Passive Optical LAN): Served as Secretary until mid- 2024, providing leadership in governance, board operations, and association initiatives. Continued as a special consultant to the Board after my officer term ended, supporting strategic projects.
• Fiber Connect Council MENA: Served on the Board in 2024 and continued as Director of Strategic Implementation following my elected term, playing a key role in the Council’s governance, strategic planning, and the rewrite of its bylaws.

In addition, I bring nearly ten years of governance experience as Vice President of Global Development and Support at BICSI, a professional membership association. In that role, I partnered closely with BICSI’s Board of Directors to advance international standards, professional education, and global membership growth, giving me a strong foundation in nonprofit governance, fiduciary oversight, and aligning strategy with member needs.

These experiences have collectively prepared me to contribute effectively as a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member, combining deep industry knowledge with proven nonprofit governance expertise.

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

Watch Hill Technology Group has been a Premier Member of the Fiber Broadband Association for just over a year, having joined in September 2024. Although Watch Hill’s corporate membership is recent, it reflects a deliberate and ongoing commitment to supporting the Association and advancing its mission.

My personal engagement with the Fiber Broadband Association predates Watch Hill’s membership. I have participated in FBA activities for several years, including serving on the Education Committee since my tenure at Superior Essex and, more recently, contributing to the Marketing Committee. This continuity ensures that I bring not only Watch Hill’s full organizational support but also a long-standing individual commitment to the Association.

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

I first engaged with the Fiber Broadband Association in 2016, while at BICSI, by fostering collaboration with its LATAM Chapter. That early engagement introduced me to the Association’s mission and the value of alignment across industry organizations.

My involvement deepened during my time at Superior Essex Communications, which was a Premier Member of the Fiber Broadband Association. In that capacity, I joined the Education Committee and supported the Association by exhibiting and participating in Fiber Connect and Premier Member meetings in the U.S., as well as exhibiting and speaking at events through the FBA LATAM Chapter. I also became closely engaged with the Fiber Connect Council MENA, where I served on the Board, exhibited, spoke at events, and contributed to the development of its bylaws.

Today at Watch Hill Technology Group, I continue that commitment by serving on the Education Committee and the Marketing Committee, while also exhibiting and presenting at FiberConnect, attending Premier Member meetings, and participating in regional FiberConnect events.

Altogether, my engagement with the Fiber Broadband Association spans nearly a decade, encompassing multiple companies, committees, and international chapters, which demonstrates a consistent and growing commitment to the Association and its mission.

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

My engagement with the Fiber Broadband Association goes beyond events and membership; I have actively contributed through committee participation, supporting the Association’s mission in both technical education and industry outreach.

Education Committee (2023 – present)

Joined while at Superior Essex Communications and continue to serve at Watch Hill Technology Group.

Marketing Committee (2025 – present)

Began serving after joining Watch Hill Technology Group.

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

Over the course of nearly a decade, I have contributed to the Fiber Broadband Association and its affiliated chapters in multiple ways:

Governance Support: Served on the Board of FCC MENA, where I contributed to the rewrite of the Council’s bylaws, strengthening governance and alignment with FBA’s mission.

Committee Engagement: Serving on the Education Committee since 2023 and the Marketing Committee since 2025, supporting FBA initiatives in training, workforce development, and outreach.

Cross-Association Collaboration: Facilitated collaboration between FBA’s Latin America (LATAM) Chapter and BICSI, enabling mutual speaking opportunities and expanding the Association’s visibility in the region.

Event Participation: Exhibited and participated in FiberConnect (U.S.), regional FiberConnect events, and Premier Member meetings, ensuring company and personal support for the Association.

International Contributions: Exhibited and spoke at FBA LATAM Chapter events (Bogotá, Santiago, Mexico City) and Fiber Connect Council MENA events (Riyadh, Baghdad, Dubai), broadening FBA’s international reach.

Membership Growth: Helped secure FBA memberships at both Superior Essex and Watch Hill Technology Group, including Watch Hill’s Premier Membership in 2024, reinforcing organizational commitment to FBA.

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

I bring more than 30 years of experience in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry, with extensive involvement across the full fiber lifecycle. My background spans distribution, fiber and ICT network installation, design and estimating, project management, and manufacturing, and deployment programs.

I currently serve as Vice President of Fiber Deployment at Watch Hill Technology Group, where I oversee nationwide fiber construction and FTTH deployment projects. My work encompasses the entire scope of network rollout, from permitting and directional boring to splicing, testing, and final turn-up, with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.

Earlier in my career, I led international business at Superior Essex Communications, where I worked with customers worldwide on fiber deployments. I also spent nearly a decade as Vice President of Global Development and Support at BICSI, advancing global standards and education in telecommunications, including fiber optics.

I hold multiple industry credentials, including RCDD, RTPM, ESS, and ICT Technician certifications from BICSI, as well as an MBA in International Business. This technical foundation, combined with global experience across the U.S., Latin America, and the Middle East, provides me with a comprehensive perspective on FTTH technologies, deployment challenges, and growth opportunities. This blend of expertise allows me to bring to the Board the practical insights needed to align FBA’s strategic goals with the realities of building broadband networks.

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

During my tenure, I aim to address the pressing challenges facing the fiber construction and deployment community, as these directly impact the success of broadband expansion.

First, the fiber broadband industry faces a significant workforce shortage. Deployment is growing faster than we can train and qualify people, which threatens both project timelines and quality. I will be an advocate for workforce development, specifically by expanding the visibility and adoption of FBA’s OpTIC PATH training and certification programs within the construction and deployment community.

Second, the growing demand for skilled labor is driving higher wages, while many clients are simultaneously seeking lower costs and extending payment terms. This tension often places construction teams under significant pressure, compromising quality to meet deadlines and stay on budget. I want to champion the importance of quality over shortcuts, raising awareness of the risks associated with underfunding, undervaluing, or rushing fiber deployment.

Third, forecasts for fiber deployment through 2025–2030 suggest potential shortages of key materials, which will add further strain to construction schedules. I want to bring the perspective of the construction teams, the people actually building these networks, into Board discussions so that the FBA can proactively address these challenges on behalf of its members.

In short, “I want to ensure the perspective of building those networks is represented in Board discussions, complementing the voices of operators, manufacturers, and other members to ensure that the Fiber Broadband Association’s strategies reflect the realities of workforce, financial, and supply pressures facing deployment companies today. By bringing the construction and deployment perspective, which is currently underrepresented on the Board, I will help ensure that the Association’s initiatives are grounded in the practical realities of building broadband networks, while also promoting long-term sustainability and quality.

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 fully committed to meeting and exceeding the responsibilities of a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member. I will prioritize attending all Board meetings, whether virtual or in-person, and will devote the necessary preparation and engagement to contribute meaningfully to discussions and decisions. I also look forward to serving as a liaison to committees and working groups, ensuring that their initiatives receive full support.

With the full backing of Watch Hill Technology Group, I have the flexibility and organizational support to devote the time required for effective Board service, including travel, committee involvement, and representing the Association at industry events. Beyond simply meeting attendance requirements, I intend to actively participate in FBA’s strategic initiatives, particularly those addressing workforce development, deployment quality, and sustainability in fiber construction.

My decades of experience in ICT, fiber deployment, and association leadership position me to bring a unique perspective to the Board. I view this commitment not just as service, but as an opportunity to help the Association align its strategic goals with the realities of building broadband networks on the ground, ensuring that our collective efforts accelerate deployment and deliver lasting impact.

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

As the fiber industry accelerates toward historic levels of deployment, I believe the Fiber Broadband Association’s leadership must represent the diverse perspectives of every part of the ecosystem. Today, the construction and deployment community faces unique challenges, including workforce shortages, cost pressures, and material availability issues, yet this voice is underrepresented on the Board.

With over 30 years of experience spanning fiber deployment, ICT design, project management, manufacturing, and international business, I bring both breadth and depth to addressing these challenges. My career has provided me with a global perspective on broadband deployment across the U.S., Latin America, and the Middle East. My service with associations such as BICSI, APOLAN, and FCC MENA has strengthened my ability to bridge the needs of both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

I am committed to ensuring that the Fiber Broadband Association remains the leading advocate for high-quality fiber deployment and sustainable growth.

With my experience bridging corporate and association leadership, and my global perspective on deployment, I am committed to helping the FBA align its strategies with the realities of building broadband networks, ensuring sustainable growth and connectivity for all.

Nominee Questionnaire

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

Lori Adams is a seasoned telecommunications attorney, strong fiber broadband advocate and senior executive with more than 20 years of experience in both government and the private sector. Lori has expertise in business development, federal and state telecommunications policy, legal and regulatory matters, grant funding, municipal broadband, strategic planning, and project management for large, complex initiatives. She is also experienced in public policy, government affairs, lobbying, and public speaking.

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

Throughout my career, I have been driven by the belief that every community in this country deserves access to fiber infrastructure. This isn’t just about providing robust, high-speed internet today—it’s about ensuring future-proof networks that can scale to support emerging technologies such as AI. Short-term, stopgap solutions may offer immediate appeal, but they cannot stand the test of time. Only fiber can deliver the applications, services, and innovations of the future.

I am deeply passionate about this work and have been a leading public advocate for fiber. My approach goes beyond words—I take action. I believe in collaboration to achieve shared goals, whether that means partnering with competitors or building coalitions of like-minded organizations. In today’s policy environment, where fiber is not always prioritized, it is more important than ever that we work together to keep fiber at the center of our nation’s broadband and telecommunications strategy.

I have relationships across the industry, within state governments and beyond, that I will leverage to help support the mission of the FBA. This includes working closely with FBA premier members and the general membership. As a member of the Board, I pledge to be a visible leader for FBA and the organization at large to further the goals of the association in this challenging time.

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company.  

Currently, I am the Vice President of Broadband Policy & Funding Strategy for Nokia’s Network Infrastructure business group. In 2023, I was part of the core team that helped Nokia achieve Buy America compliance for the BEAD program, culminating in a joint event with Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announcing U.S. manufacturing of select Nokia broadband products.

In my functional responsibilities, I lead Nokia’s go to market strategy for increasing participation in government funded programs by supporting sales teams, customers, partners, distributors and others. In this capacity, I serve as Nokia’s subject matter expert and spokesperson on all federal funding programs and broadband policy. In the last three years I have spoken at over 75 events including keynotes, conference panels, webinars, podcasts, internal events, partner events and media events as well as authoring more than a dozen articles and blogs. I am directly responsible for over 250+ engagements and filings with state broadband offices regarding BEAD and Buy America. I work closely with Nokia’s federal government affairs team on lobbying and engagements with federal agencies and lawmakers on broadband policy and federal funding program issues. This includes close collaboration with associations and industry partners.

Internally, I regularly provide executive updates across Nokia’s various divisions and product teams. I am responsible for creating and updating collateral on funding programs for internal and external use as well as meeting with customers on request by sales teams to assist with federal funding strategy and understanding of program requirements. I also work closely with sales and business operations to assist with implementing solutions on critical business issues, including eliminating internal barriers to sales as well as legal and compliance concerns related to funding programs.

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

When I joined Nokia in January of 2022, I took on the role of Senior Director of Broadband Policy & Funding Strategy within the Nokia Government Affairs Team. After approximately 18 months, I was promoted to Vice President of Broadband Policy & Funding Strategy and subsequently moved from the Government Affairs team into the sales organization to lead the Go to Market strategy for all government funding programs and to support customers, partners, associations and external relationships directly with the state broadband offices.

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 served two Board terms with the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA). This national association represents local governments in telecom issues. Board Member 2010-2014; 2016-2020.

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

Since the beginning – over 20 years.

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

Since approximately 2010

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

Policy Committee 2023 to present

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

I have been a passionate contributor to the FBA both publicly and behind the scenes for the last 15 years. I’ve delivered multiple keynotes, served on and moderated panels, presented on webinars and published articles in support of the Association. Additionally, I’ve worked closely with Gary and Marissa to share intelligence and support negotiations on the Buy America waiver, BEAD reset and other issues. The industry relationships I’ve cultivated span the entirety of the broadband ecosystem allowing me to bring a breadth of knowledge and perspectives from consultants, construction companies, manufacturers, trade associations as well as government officials at the local, state and national level.

Some highlights include a speaking role at:

• Fiber Connect 2019, 2022, 2023, 2025; Regional events prior to 2020, 2023
• Webinars with Women in Fiber committee, multiple FBA webinars on BEAD and broadband policy issues;
• Fiber on the Hill in 2023, 2024 and Policy Summit and Fly in 2025

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

I am a Maryland-licensed attorney and began my career in telecom nearly 25 years ago as a Government Affairs Manager with Comcast in Montgomery County, MD. I was subsequently appointed Cable Administrator for Howard County, MD, where I led efforts to secure a $115 million grant through NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP). For this initiative, I authored the grant application and then directed the project on behalf of a consortium of nine local governments and the state of Maryland, building a coordinated middle-mile network that connected every county and over 1,000 anchor institutions with fiber. To date, this remains the largest middle-mile network in the U.S. owned exclusively by state and local governments.

After completing that project on time and under budget, I spent nearly a decade consulting with rural communities to bring fiber broadband to some of the most underserved locations in the country. My current role at Nokia, detailed elsewhere in this questionnaire, has broadened my expertise to include supply chain and manufacturing, including leading efforts to negotiate the Build America Buy America waiver with the Department of Commerce.

Throughout my career, I have focused on wireline technologies, building networks and overseeing all aspects of deployment—from planning to implementation—while increasingly engaging in policy, procurement, and strategic initiatives to advance broadband nationwide.

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

We are at a pivotal time in our industry, where for the first time in many years, fiber is no longer prioritized by the federal government as the technology of choice. This is evidenced by the de-prioritization of fiber for BEAD in the attempt to make the program technology neutral by favoring the cost of deployment over need to provide every American with access to high-speed networks and future proof infrastructure.

This presents a unique set of issues for FBA where the organization will need to come up with effective and creative ways to continue to push the federal government on fiber prioritization while also reaching out directly to Governors and states who will have a significant role in furthering fiber deployments within their states. As such my top 3 goals are as follows:

• Work with the states and the federal government to protect the BEAD non- deployment funds so they may be re-purposed for fiber infrastructure to support data centers and AI in the states.
• Advocate for state legislatures to appropriate state funds for fiber initiatives, workforce development and adoption initiatives to support broadband, data centers and AI to pick up where the federal government falls short.
• Develop a broader coalition of industry groups including private equity companies that are investing in fiber projects and consolidating providers, fiber technology vendors that are onshoring manufacturing to support the US market, public interest groups and others to both achieve collective goals and bring in new members for FBA.

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 commit to attending all of Fiber Broadband Association’s conferences and events. I will continue to prioritize participating in committee calls and policy events, board meetings and be present for other events as they develop. I anticipate that this will equate to approximately 10-15 hours of time per month exclusive of in-person events.

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

I am asking for your vote and support for my candidacy for the FBA Board of Directors.

While others may have more committee experience, leadership is about results and action. Over the past five years, I have been deeply engaged with FBA—participating in conferences and events, consulting on strategy, and shaping external messaging and advocacy. My work has delivered tangible results, and I am a passionate, leading voice for fiber broadband and infrastructure across government and industry.

Our industry faces critical challenges and opportunities and ensuring that fiber remains central to the nation’s long-term broadband strategy requires collaboration and strong advocacy. I hope I can count on your support and partnership as we work together to advance this mission.

Thank you for your consideration.

Nominee Questionnaire

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

John George has served with AT&T, Lucent Technologies/Bell Labs, OFS and now Lightera for 42 years. Lightera designs, develops, and manufactures optical fiber, fiber optic cable, connectivity, and specialty fiber solutions. He currently leads Lightera’s Business Development, Applications Engineering, and Fusion Splicer teams. John has published and presented in various forums, served on the Fiber Broadband Association’s Board of Directors, and currently chairs the FBA Technology Committee. John is located in the Lightera optical fiber manufacturing facility in Norcross, GA. He has a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and a Master of Science in Engineering Administration from Virginia Tech and holds 10 patents. 

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

I have the experience, motivation, and vision to guide the FBA in its mission to accelerate the deployment of all-fiber networks to all in America and enable communities to leverage the economic and societal benefits of fiber-optic technology. I have been consistently supporting the FTTH Council (now FBA) since its founding year in 2001, guiding the education program, serving on the Board of Directors, and as Chair of the Technology Committee.  

My deep understanding of FTTH Technologies and applications, and active participation in the industry serving leading deployments from the beginnings of FTTH give me valuable perspective on how the FBA can more effectively achieve its goals and mission. In addition, I will apply knowledge of AI fiber architectures and requirements to help guide FBA toward facilitating the fiber deployments essential to enable the promise of AI across America. 

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company.  

I lead a team responsible for Business Development, Applications Engineering, and Fusion Splicers. We cover applications including Fiber Broadband, Data Centers, Artificial Intelligence, and Advanced Networks using new emerging fiber technologies including hollow core and multicore fiber and fiber optic sensing.  

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

From 2005 – 2008 I led a team developing FTTH solutions.  

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.  

FTTH Council/FBA for 11 years from 2008 – 2018.  

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

24 years and counting, first as Lucent, then OFS, and now as Lightera. 

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

24 Years

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

Member of Conference Education Committee for 24 years. 

Member of Technology committee for 20 years from the beginning through 2019. 

Chair of Technology Committee 5 years from 2020 – present. 

Member of Public Policy Committee for 3 years since its inception. 

Member of Artificial Intelligence Committee for 1 year since its inception. 

Member of Middle Mile Committee. 

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

Technology Committee White Papers: 

• FTTH Opex Comparison and Advantages  

• The Road to 5G is Paved with Fiber  

• Fiber Technology Guidelines for MDUs  

• FTTH vs. LEO Satellite Broadband  

• Fiber Broadband Can Close the Digital Divide  

• Fiber Scalability and Longevity  

• The Benefits of Retiring Copper Today 

• Fiber Enabled Rural Health Care (Oct 2025)  

Webinars 

• Webinars for the White Papers above. 

• The Underappreciated Need to Enable AI and Data Center Growth: INCREASED AND MORE STRATEGIC FIBER INTERCONNECTIONS 

Advocacy 

• Various Advocacy Briefs for Public Policy 

• Fiber Day on the Hill Content, Exhibition and Lobby 3 years 2023 – 2025. 

• FBA Fly-in Lobby 2024 and 2025. 

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

John has helped develop new technologies for FTTH, Data Center, and Enterprise applications, including 10 Gigabit Multimode fiber, bend insensitive single-mode fiber, low visibility fiber solutions for MDU deployments, fiber optic sensing and holds 10 patents. John actively participated in the creation of key IEEE 802.3 standards including 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and Ethernet in the First Mile. John has a deep understanding of FTTH technologies and capabilities including GPON, Active Ethernet, RFoG, XGS-PON, NG-PON2, 25G/50G/100G-PON. John’s team at Lightera configures FTTH cabling system solutions for customers unique needs and provides training on the installation and applications for these solutions.  John has published over 30 articles and papers relating to optical fiber technology and FTTH. John also understands the capabilities of alternative broadband technologies such as wireless, HFC, Satellite, and xDSL. 

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

FBA has succeeded over the years facilitating the deployment of fiber broadband to over half of America, and through private investment, BEAD, and other programs we expect 80 – 90 percent of households will have fiber available by 2030. Much of this success has been enabled by the FBAs efforts since 2001.  

With fiber penetration nearing 100% FBA will need an objective, strategy, and plan to continue serving its members. Going forward I will work with the BOD to  

1) Facilitate the fiber build necessary to support AI which elevates human productivity and experience.  

2) Help complete the public and private fiber deployment that offers all in America the benefits of fiber broadband  

3) Accelerate copper replacement with fiber 

4) Enable FBA members and Communities to benefit from fiber broadband, AI, sensing, and new applications.  

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 fully committed to support and participate in the BOD meetings and support the BOD as required. 

If I elected, I would offer the Technology Chairmanship to a successor and would be willing to serve as technology committee liaison and AI committee liaison.

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

It would be an honor and a privilege to serve on the FBAs Board of Directors to help improve our member’s businesses while helping FBA achieve its mission to bring fiber wherever it needs be to benefit America. 

Brendan O’Boyle joined the Fiber Broadband Association in 2013, and his company, PLP, has been a member of the association since its inception, including participation in its global sister organizations. He serves as National Sales Manager at PLP, where he is responsible for leading a network of direct and contract sales professionals, developing and achieving sales and budget forecasts, and supporting fiber projects across the United States by partnering with operators, engineers, and contractors to ensure reliable installation and operation of critical infrastructure. Brendan lives in Fort Worth, Texas, with his wife of 16 years, Rachel, and their daughters, Macy (14) and Molly (12).