As National Market Manager Broadband Markets & Applications for Graybar, Scott is actively involved with network operators. Scott has more than 20 years of technology and business modeling experience in Broadband, IT and telecommunications applications in the industry. In his current role at Graybar, Scott focuses on Broadband networking, applications and the supply chain for broadband network operators, utilities, wireless operators and contractors. His past roles include Service Provider, Smart Grid and Smart City as a market and business development manager.
He is currently his company’s representative for the Fiber Broadband Association, National Rural Electric Association, Utilities Technology Council, National Association of Tower Erectors and Wireless Industry Association. Scott has served as various industry technology committee chair and board of director and officer/chair positions. He also serves, or has served on, various industry tasks forces from time-to-time; currently on the Wireless Industry Association’s Smart City Task Force and as a former active participant on the Smart Grid Task Force submittal of Electri International and Michigan State University School of Planning, Design, and Construction.
Katie Espeseth
Vice President of New Products, EPB
Katie Espeseth joined EPB, Chattanooga Tennessee’s electric power distributor and fiber optics communications provider in 2004, bringing with her over 30 years of marketing and telecommunications experience with a national telecommunications carrier. As Vice President of New Products, Katie guides the company’s effort to maximize the value of its 100% fiber optic network with new and enhanced products for both business and residential customers. In 2019, Katie and her team also began offering support to other municipals and Co-Ops who are interested in deploying a fiber optic network for their communities through EPB Broadband Solutions.
Currently, Katie serves on the board for NCTC (National Cable Television Co-op). She has previously served on the boards for FOSA (Fiber Optics Sensing Association) and the LATAM Chapter of FBA. Katie also chairs the Fiber Deployment Advisory Group for TVPPA (Tennessee Valley Public Power Association).
Mark Boxer
Technical Manager, Solutions and Applications Engineering, OFS
Mark Boxer assists customers deploying fiber in a wide variety of network design scenarios around the world and analyzes trends in telecommunications markets that drive new product innovation in his role at OFS. Mark has a BME degree from Georgia Tech, and has spent his 30+ year career in the fiber industry. His experience includes varied roles in manufacturing and applications engineering for fiber-based products and markets. Other activities include inventor of five US Patents, member and past Secretary of the IEEE Power Engineering Society Fiber Optic Working Group, contributing member to the Fiber Broadband Association Technology Committee and Board of Directors member of North Carolina Broadband Matters.
Kim McKinley
Chief of Staff - TAK Broadband
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.
Joe Jensen
Americas Market Development, Corning Incorporated
Joe leads the Americas Market Development team for Corning. With 18 years of telecom experience in engineering, product management, and product development, Joe pioneers FTTx architectures, optical solution advancement, and design optimization for today’s evolving networks. This approach to optical network evolution helps make fiber based access networks more accessible by using innovation to lower barriers to deployment. His most recent areas of contribution focus on converged network architectures and defining potential impacts of next generation networks such as 4G densification and 5G on both the carrier infrastructure and investment business case. Joe obtained his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from NCSU and Executive MBA from UNC Chapel Hill.
Jimmy Todd (Treasurer)
CEO & General Manager, Nex-Tech
Jimmy Todd is the CEO & General Manager for Nex-Tech, a rural cooperative communications company, based in Lenora, Kansas. He is overall responsible to strategically lead growth, innovation, and diversity. Nex-Tech was the first company in the nation to bring FTTH technology to a community and an entire telecom exchange. Today, its broadband service area is primarily fiber-optic covering approximately 10,000 square miles across Northwest and Central Kansas.
Including his military service and telecom roots originating in field service installation, Jimmy has served the communications industry for more than 35 years gaining extensive knowledge and experience in technical, operational, and managerial aspects. Rising thru the ranks, he held supervisory positions in Field Services and Network Operations at two companies in Oregon; was President for Malheur Bell, also in Oregon; and was the President/GM for MTC in Kansas. While at MTC, Jimmy was involved in the creation of the Kansas Fiber Network organization, a statewide fiber network, and he still serves on the Board today.
Jimmy has been active for many years in advocacy for fiber broadband at the State and National levels serving as a board/committee member and holding officer positions for organizations such as WTA, NTCA, and NRTC. In December 2021, he was appointed to a two-year term to serve on the FCC’s Task Force for Reviewing Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States. Prior to this appointment, he served two years as a Working Group Committee member for the Task Force.
Joseph Jones
President, On Trac, Inc.
Joseph Jones has spent his entire career in the telecommunications industry which has spanned over twenty-five years. JJ has vast experience from field installation services, quality assurance functions, administration roles, to operations which includes over twenty various cable and fiber broadband start-ups nationwide and direct involvement developing operational and customer service strategies that help define On Trac, Inc. in an increasingly competitive market. JJ’s previous role as Executive Vice President had him overseeing daily company operations with a focus on company strategy, profitability, and customer relationships.
Along with his responsibilities at On Trac, Inc., he gives countless volunteer hours to the Fiber Broadband Association. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, JJ has served and chaired various committees for the past 13 years including being the Fiber Connect Conference Chairman for seven consecutive years where he oversees the Fiber Connect Conference which is the industry’s leading all fiber conference. JJ is a two-time recipient (2010 & 2020) of the Photon Award which recognizes a Fiber Broadband Association member who, through their volunteer contribution, has demonstrated a high level of dedication to the organization and contribution to the industry.
Become a Member
All Fiber Network Certification Application
Women in Fiber Committee
Fiber Broadband Association believes the world is a better place when women’s voices are heard. We believe companies are more successful when women are encouraged and rewarded to reach their full potential. We believe it is up to us to help identify, develop, and promote women in the Fiber Broadband industry as well as technology, telecommunications, construction and manufacturing. We pledge to use this forum to help women succeed in the Fiber Broadband industry.
Demonstrate the verifiable link between women in leadership and improved business performance. Identify our own potential leaders.
Represent women in fields where women are not often well-represented.
Highlight different career paths for women within fiber, telecommunications and technology.
Identify challenges particular to women in the workforce in these industries and possible solutions.
To The Member Companies and Individual Members
Networking: Provide opportunities for connections, networking, and building relationships with other women in fiber of all areas and experience.
Professional Development & Leadership: Deliver professional development and leadership opportunities. Emphasize pathways for success and advancement.
Workplace Education: Identify relevant everyday workplace issues for discussion and education. Learn to navigate challenges, varied situations, and problem solving. Find solutions.
Recognition: Create opportunities to recognize different career paths held by women in fiber. Highlight those who demonstrate dedication and hard work within the field, the leadership of industry veterans, the talent and potential of developing leaders, and the stories that inspire us.
Women in Fiber Committee Leadership, Working Groups, and Meetings
Our leadership team is led by Candy Riem, VP of Marketing & Customer Solutions at Midwest Energy & Communications. Ashley Brown, Senior Director of Field Marketing at Adtran, serves as the FBA Board Liaison.
Supporting Candy are our are Co-Chair, Martha Galley, Chief Sustainability Officer of Calix and Vice Chair, Holly Ruser, Manager of Comm Data Business at Graybar. Together, they collaborate closely with the co-chairs of our five subcommittees.
Diane Garcia, ITA, serves as our Communications Assistant, further strengthening our team.
We are dedicated to advancing the role of women in the fiber industry and look forward to your involvement and support.
The Women in Fiber Committee webinars occur bi-monthly on the third Wednesday at 12 PM Eastern.
Committee members are invited to participate in the following working groups:
Events
Professional Development & Mentorship
Social Media & Marketing
STEM Promotion for Women & Girls
Recognition
Each working group has separate monthly meetings. More information will come from these working groups – stay tuned!
FBA member company employees and FBA Woman in Fiber members may join the Women in Fiber Committee. Individuals may participate in organized activities and/or general committee meetings, and there is no requirement to join a working group in order to be a member of the overall Women in Fiber committee.
2024 Women in Fiber Spotlights
Nominate a Committee Member for a Spotlight by Clicking Here.
Women in Fiber Mentorship Program
FBA member company employees may participate in the Women in Fiber Mentorship Program. Mentors and mentees are accepted on a rolling basis. Please click here to sign up. Women in Fiber Committee members will follow up with you on the next steps.
Please contact Kim Rickard with any questions or to inquire about FBA membership status.
Fiber Network Operator Certification
The Fiber Broadband Association’s Fiber Certification recognizes members for their commitment to ensuring customers receive the fastest, most reliable broadband services—connectivity delivered over “future-proof” fiber networks.
Why become a certified fiber network operator?
Consumers and businesses everywhere are clamoring for the fastest, most reliable broadband service. Fiber broadband is the proven gold standard. This certification program is designed to help our fiber network operator members highlight the critical work they are doing to bring all fiber connectivity to those they serve. It’s a way to identify those who are truly bringing the best to their communities.
Is my network eligible?
To be eligible for All Fiber Certification, network operators must be a member of the Fiber Broadband Association and must have marketed fiber networks to 90% or more of customers in a community or territory, delivered either through PON or Active Ethernet, and exhibited a high-level strategic commitment to all fiber deployment. If a network operator member has not marketed 90%, but has marketed to at least 70% of customers, they are eligible for a Fiber Certification.
“Strategic Commitment” is defined as the ratio of the total number of residential households to which fiber services are marketed divided by total residential households to which services are marketed, all within the operator’s entire local access network. Ex: if you market fiber to 90,000 households within a 100,000 household network, you are qualified to be All Fiber.
Once your application is accepted and eligibility confirmed. FBA will contact you with your All-Fiber Nework Operator Certificate, badge logo, and media kit.
If you are already an All-Fiber Certified Network Operator, please contact member services at membership@fiberbroadband.org.
Our Associate Members are engaged in support industries related to fiber deployment. Associate membership is open to: non-profit organizations, post-secondary educational or philanthropic public institutions, small consulting firms, and other professional service businesses (typically under 20 employees), and federally recognized tribes within the United States. These professional service categories include legal, finance, insurance, advertising/marketing, graphic design, ad/media buying, sole consultancies, and others similar in scope.
Benefits
FBA Event Registration Discounts – Reduced registration for all in-person FBA events including Fiber Connect, the largest all-fiber event featuring top industry expert speakers, inspiring keynotes, in-depth training sessions, and peer networking.
Collaboration 24/7 via our virtual FBA Community Platform – a designated FBA Members Channel for posting educational content
Participation and learning through our nearly 20 committees and working groups
Access to FBA Member Directory for networking and client/partner development
Our extensive resource library, composed of exclusive industry research, case studies, webinar recordings, and much more
Submit company news to be featured in our Fiber Forward Weekly e-newsletter
Invitations to special exclusive, complimentary FBA member events and meet-ups
Learn and participate in ongoing federal and state advocacy
Post position openings on FBA Job Board
Option with preferred pricing to bundle OpTIC Path licensing with membership for your organization’s training needs for staff, contractors, subcontractors and other partners or businesses in the communities you operate in
Discounted rates on CFHP & OHP Certification Exams
Paid marketing opportunities with special member rates
Note: Associate members do not have voting privileges. The Premier membership level allows for voting for the Board of Directors and additions or amendments to the association bylaws.
Pricing
North America
Latin America
Not-for-Profit Associate Membership
$1,400 Annually
$1,100 Annually
Public Institution Associate Membership
$1,400 Annually
N/A
Consulting or Professional Services Associate Membership
