Ashley Travers brings more than 24 years of leadership experience in engineering and global supply chain management, supporting large-scale network initiatives for KGPCo and Verizon across domestic and international markets. Her expertise spans Outside and Inside Plant engineering and construction, where she led end-to-end OSP operations and helped pioneer Verizon’s first 5G build from New Jersey to Miami. Since joining KGPCo in 2023 as Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, she has led BEAD strategic planning and execution while actively contributing to the Fiber Broadband Association as Supply Chain Working Group Chair and a member of the Public Policy and Conference Committees. Ashley holds an MBA from Rutgers University and a BS from Emerson College, has completed executive education at Harvard, Wharton, and Penn State, and has been recognized as an ISE Visionary and Woman of Achievement for her leadership and industry impact.

Nominee Questionnaire

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

I’m Martha Galley, and I’ve spent over 40 years leading strategic and operational initiatives in the software and cloud industries across global markets. Today, I serve as the Chief Sustainability Officer at Calix, where we provide platform, cloud, and managed services solutions to the broadband industry. 

Throughout my career, I’ve focused on customer experience & success, go-to-market strategy, and sales. I’ve held executive roles at Microsoft, Salesforce, and Calix, where I’ve built new businesses from the ground up, essentially acting as an intrapreneur within each organization. I’ve led efforts to open new markets, expand into international regions, and reimagine global engagement and success services. I’ve also leveraged AI and analytics to help customers gain deeper business insights. 

Operationally, I’ve grown businesses by more than 100% year-over-year, led teams of over 300 people, built global organizations across 20 countries, and consistently delivered revenue growth and margin expansion. I’ve managed P&Ls ranging from $350M to $800M, overseen both direct and channel sales, integrated acquired companies, and turned around struggling business units. 

What drives me is building high-performance teams and forging strong strategic partnerships. I’m deeply committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences, driving operational excellence, and supporting employee development. I also prioritize creating a positive, inclusive, and diverse workplace culture. 

At Calix, I’m proud to serve as the executive sponsor for our Employee Resource Groups. I also co-chair the Women in Fiber committee at the Fiber Broadband Association, sit on the Industry Advisory Council for the President of Smith College, and am a member of Reno Women for Good. In the past, I’ve mentored through the U.S. Department of State’s TechWomen program and served as an advisor with Astia. 

I earned my BA in Biology from Smith College and have published scientific research. My executive education includes programs with McKinsey, Harvard Business School, and Stanford Graduate School of Business. 

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

I’m deeply passionate about the mission of the Fiber Broadband Association, especially its commitment to digital equity. I believe that a person’s opportunity and potential should never be limited by the zip code they live in. Expanding fiber access is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, much like rural electrification or the development of the interstate highway system. It’s not just about deploying technology, it’s about transforming lives and communities. 

While having compelling technology like fiber is essential, it’s not enough on its own to drive the societal change we’re aiming for. We also need to communicate the value of this transformation in ways that inspire action and build momentum. That’s where I believe I can bring unique value to the FBA Board. I’ve spent my career leading strategic initiatives, building high-performing teams, and driving customer engagement at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Calix. I understand how to translate complex innovation into meaningful impact. 

I also know how to build and grow communities. I founded the customer communities at both Salesforce and Calix, and I’ve seen firsthand how engagement and advocacy can fuel organizational success. I would bring that same energy and experience to help FBA expand its membership, deepen engagement, and amplify its voice across the industry. 

Serving on the FBA Board would be an opportunity to contribute my strategic perspective, operational experience, and deep commitment to equity and inclusion. I’m ready to help accelerate fiber deployment, support member success, and ensure that the benefits of broadband reach every corner of our society. 

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company. 

I currently serve as the Chief Sustainability Officer at Calix, a role I’ve held since June 2023. In this position, I lead our sustainability strategy across products, people, supply chain, and enterprise infrastructure. My responsibilities include aligning the organization around our sustainability goals, communicating our progress to stakeholders, and ensuring regulatory compliance and disclosure. I report quarterly to the Calix Board of Directors, regularly engage with investors and media, and serve as an executive sponsor for key customers. My role is deeply cross-functional and externally facing, allowing me to influence both internal operations and industry-wide conversations around sustainability and innovation. 

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

Before stepping into my current role, I served as Chief Customer Officer at Calix from July 2018 to June 2023. During that time, I was responsible for our entire services portfolio and its associated P&L. As Calix transformed into a platform, cloud, and managed services company, my team played a critical role in helping customers adopt new technologies and realize the full value of their investments. We focused on driving customer success, accelerating time-to-value, and building long-term relationships that supported both our customers’ growth and our own. 

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.  

While I haven’t yet served on a board with fiduciary responsibility, I’ve been actively involved in several executive advisory roles. I’m an Astia Advisor, supporting technology entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses, and I serve on the Presidential Industry Leadership Council for Smith College, where I help shape career development and entrepreneurship programs. I’m also preparing for future board service: I’ve completed the Harvard Business School’s board preparation program and included in the New York Stock Exchange’s board candidate database. I’m committed to bringing my experience, strategic insight, and passion for equity and innovation to a public company board in the near future. 

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

Calix has been an FBA member since 2009, 16 years. 

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

I’ve been actively involved with the Fiber Broadband Association for approximately four years. During that time, I’ve grown increasingly engaged in its mission, committees, and initiatives that support the expansion of fiber and digital equity across North America. 

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

Over the past four years, I’ve participated in several FBA committees and working groups. I began by engaging with the Women in Fiber committee and, this year, I stepped into a leadership role as Co-Chair of that committee. I also serve on the Sustainability Committee, where I contribute to current work comparing the environmental impact of fixed wireless and fiber, and upcoming efforts focused on LEO satellite vs. fiber sustainability. 

Additionally, I’ve championed FBA-sponsored research, including the CORI study “Beyond Connectivity: The Role of Broadband in Rural Economic Growth and Resilience.” I helped amplify its findings by hosting one of the study’s authors on my quarterly LinkedIn Live broadcast, bringing broader visibility to the importance of fiber in rural development. 

Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.) I have attended numerous Fiber Connect events. Volunteered for Policy committee.

I’ve supported FBA events as part of the Calix team, contributing both in-person and through content development. As Co-Chair of the Women in Fiber Committee (alongside Candy Reim of MEC), I’ve helped lead the committee’s strategic direction and outreach. 

Previously, I co-chaired the Professional Development working group within the Women in Fiber committee, where I collaborated with Tanna Hanna of ALLO to plan and host monthly webinars focused on leadership, career growth, and industry insights. 

In the Sustainability Committee, I’ve contributed to ongoing work around fiber’s environmental advantages and helped shape future comparative studies. I’ve also supported the CORI research by referring customers for assessment and promoting the findings through my LinkedIn Live broadcast, helping extend its reach to industry leaders and decision-makers. 

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

Over the past 14+ years, I’ve worked extensively in the telecommunications industry, always with a strong business focus. At Microsoft, I led half of the U.S. Telecommunications, Media, and Entertainment business, a $350M full P&L portfolio that included systems, software, mobile devices, application hosting, and IPTV. My primary customers were Tier 1 and Tier 2 providers, and I managed both sell-to and sell-through go-to-market strategies. 

Later, I led Microsoft’s go-to-market efforts across South America, partnering with major carriers like América Móvil, Claro, Telefónica, and Entel to bundle Office365 into their business services offerings. For the past seven years at Calix, I’ve been deeply involved in product planning across access, premises, cloud, and managed services. This requires a strong understanding of both the technical and business challenges our customers face in deploying and monetizing fiber and FTTH technologies. 

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

If elected to the FBA Board, I would focus on four key goals: 

• Reach: Expanding membership is essential to FBA’s long-term impact. I’ve proposed a Regional Ambassador program, currently being piloted within the Women in Fiber committee, to help drive local engagement and membership growth. 

• Engagement: Engaged members are more likely to stay involved and contribute. Drawing on my experience building vibrant customer communities at Salesforce and Calix, I can help FBA deepen member engagement and foster advocacy. 

• Value: I bring a strong business lens to the table. I want to help FBA build compelling business cases for fiber deployment, not just in terms of infrastructure, but in terms of subscriber connectivity and economic impact. 

• Enablement: Workforce development is a critical challenge. With my background leading education services and customer success teams, I can support FBA’s efforts to address skills gaps and prepare the workforce for the future of fiber, AI, and cybersecurity. 

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 fully understand the time and effort required to serve on the FBA Board and am committed to being an active, engaged, and collaborative board member. I have the full support of the Calix CEO and executive leadership team to dedicate the necessary time and resources to this role. 

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

Thank you to all the Premier Members who are taking the time to consider my candidacy. It would be an honor to serve the mission and members of the Fiber Broadband Association. From my very first engagement with FBA, I’ve felt heard, valued, and welcomed—and I deeply appreciate that. I’m excited about the opportunity to give back and help drive the next chapter of growth, innovation, and inclusion in our industry. 

Nominee Questionnaire

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

After working as a distributor in another industry for roughly 13 years, I joined AFL about 10 years ago. In my time at AFL, I have managed our Customer Service teams, been responsible for Distribution Channel Management, and for the last five years, held responsibilities for AFL’s Rural Fiber to the Home (RFTTH) initiative which includes a deep connection to the BEAD initiative. I have recently transitioned into our Market Development organization as the Director of Broadband Ecosystem Development. 

On a personal level, I’ve been married for 21 years and have two children: a daughter who is a junior in high school and a son in 7th grade. 

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

Having previously served on other boards, I have a reputation for bringing a collaborative approach to complex problems and driving to a solution. I find it exciting that the makeup of this Board would include my competitors, customers, as well as those with which I don’t have a direct professional relationship. All these groups coming together for the common good of driving the industry forward in a manner where all ships rise as the water level rises is something I would take great pride in.  

Specific to our company, AFL has deep roots in the Energy and Broadband markets, and we have become a significant player in the Hyperscale / Data Center market. These markets are heavily reliant on fiber as a solution, and the background I have in these markets would provide guidance and expertise to the FBA.  

There are plenty of qualified candidates, but I would add that I also bring the energy and eagerness to work with other board members, FBA staff, and the membership at large to promote and grow our industry.  

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company. 

I have recently transitioned over to a team with strategic responsibilities for the overall direction of the Broadband market relative to opportunities for AFL. This is a mix of being customer-facing, market-facing and driving internal initiatives to support the customers and markets. 

Examples of market-facing activities would include commitments like attending FBA events, presenting at industry events and serving on industry committees and boards. Thus, the commitment to the FBA would be fully supported by AFL.   

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

Previous position was Commercial Sales Director, with a focus on Rural Fiber to the Home (RFTTH). We focused on program management for multi-year RFTTH projects that employed an AFL solution for cable, connectivity, and hardware and accessories where applicable. For AFL, RFTTH represents a mix of T2/T3 service providers and telephone cooperatives, as well as electric cooperatives.  

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.  

Served on the Thornblade Club Board of Governors from 2020 – 2025 (ending in May), where I was Secretary for two years, Vice President for one year, and President of the Board for the final two years. 

Served as a Governing Elder on the Session of my church for 3 years, where I held the office of Treasurer. 

Currently serve on the United Way Community Impact Board for my area, where I am in the first year of service.  

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

Members since 2009.  

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

I became involved with the Fiber Broadband Association around the time RDOF funding became a hot topic, so I believe that was Fall of 2020. 

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

I first served on the Marketing Committee a few years ago. I have recently joined the Public Policy Committee, including the Public Policy Manufacturing working group and the Public Policy State working group.  

Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.) I have attended numerous Fiber Connect events. Volunteered for Policy committee.

In the past, I have participated in FiberConnect as a member of a Keynote Panel (Orlando, 2023), participated in Fiber Day on the Hill in Spring 2025, and will attend the Legislative Fly and Regional FiberConnect events this fall. I have attended FiberConnect 4 of the last 5 years, beginning with Nashville in 2021. As I recall, that was one of the first big industry gatherings post-COVID.  

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

I have worked in the industry for the past 10 years, having the opportunity to touch all of AFL’s markets while serving as the Distribution Channel Manager. This would include Energy, Service Provider and Enterprise markets.  

My most significant contributions have come in RFTTH, with focus on Electric Coops providing RFTTH with an ADSS architecture and distributed split to reach rural areas by following their power infrastructure. In the Service Provider market, my focus was primarily T2/T3 with a more traditional Broadband suite of products. Distributors and other partners were certainly involved in these efforts as well.  

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

• Execute on BEAD – We have come too far as an industry and as an Association to see BEAD not bring a major impact to our industry. It has been frustrating, to say the least, which also makes it easy to lose focus. Providing a Broadband solution driven by fiber optic infrastructure to the unserved and underserved must not be sacrificed. Perseverance is critical.  

• Incorporate AI into opportunity for FBA members – I believe that the AI / Data Center / Hyperscale movement has significant staying power and significant fiber demand. It is imperative that our Association begins to understand how all parties, not just some large Hyperscalers, can benefit from the opportunities associated with AI. It is already apparent that those opportunities will include Data-Center Interconnect and Ultra Long Haul for Service Providers, but how else can our industry participate? That’s a key question facing our industry and Association.  

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 the bandwidth and commitment from AFL to allow me to meet and exceed the requirements of the Board of Directors and would want to dive in with both feet! This would include board meetings, committee requirements, FiberConnect, Regional FiberConnects, Member Mingles, etc.  

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

Between this questionnaire and the video, I hope it is clear that I believe we have a strong industry and a great association with a lot of active members and abundant opportunities for all of us. I believe in this industry, and I believe in the leadership of the FBA. My hope is to work with the Board, the FBA leadership and the membership to ensure that fiber continues to provide the industry with ample opportunities to drive solutions to our neighbors and provide sustainable careers for all of us that call this industry home! 

I look forward to serving! 

Nominee Questionnaire

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

Jamie Pickup is an executive with deep experience in broadband and utility infrastructure.  With over 20 years of experience in broadband she currently serves as Regional Vice President-Communications at Hubbell Utility Solutions. There she leads initiatives supporting outside plant materials and fiber deployments across the US.  Jamie works with broadband providers, cooperatives, and tribal nations to deliver solutions that meet today’s challenges while preparing to meet the demands of both the grid and fiber for tomorrow. 

Living in Rural America all of her life, Jamie is a passionate advocate for broadband and has seen firsthand how it can impact communities and families.   

Today, Jamie and her family live in rural Oklahoma where she is active with her family (8 children and 9 grandchildren), community, and two spoiled French Bulldogs (Buddy Howlly and Ozzy Pawsbourne).   

Like her name suggests, Pickup is hard working, reliable, and ready to explore the new terrain ahead in the broadband industry.   

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

I am deeply committed to advancing broadband access in rural America, where I have lived and worked my entire life. My firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities of fiber deployment drives my advocacy for equitable connectivity. Through leadership roles in the FBA’s Women in Fiber Leadership Team, Middle Mile Working Group, and AI Machine Learning Working Group, I have demonstrated a strong dedication to collaboration and ensuring no community is left behind as technology evolves.  

Professionally, I bring a unique perspective from across the broadband industry—having worked as a contractor, distributor, and now as Regional Vice President for Communications at Hubbell Utility Solutions. My expertise spans fiber splicing, supply chain management, and manufacturing. I’ve navigated complex challenges such as BABA requirements, deployments, and supply chain challenges.  My work at Hubbell Utility Solutions uniquely positions me to manage our next industry challenge, the surge of AI data centers and the massive demands they place on not only fiber, but our electrical grid.  Hubbell sits at the intersection of Broadband and Power. I am committed to strengthening partnerships between FBA, utilities, and their various associations. My vision centers on expanding collaboration, developing the workforce of tomorrow, and driving fiber deployment further. My reliability, hard work, and readiness to tackle future demands make me an ideal candidate to help lead FBA’s advocacy and innovation efforts. 

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company.

I currently serve as Regional Vice President of Communications for Hubbell Utility Solutions.  In this role I lead sales strategy, market development, and customer engagement across key product lines with a particular focus on enabling fiber broadband deployment through innovative and scalable OSP solutions.  My functional responsibilities include: 

• Market Strategy & Growth with emphasis on our Utility Broadband Market
• Sales Leadership & Customer Engagement 
• Executive Communication & Reporting
• Product & Program Alignment 
• Industry & Community Partnerships 

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

My Previous Position with Hubbell was as a Territory Manager where I served for 2 years before advancing to my current role as RVP Communications.   

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.

No

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

9 Years of Membership with 3 years as Premier Members 

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

With Hubbell for 6 years and in previous roles for 12 years 

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

• Women In Fiber – 3 years 
  • Spotlight Committee Co Lead 
• Middle Mile Working Group – 1 year 
• AI & Machine Learning Working Group – 6 months 

Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.) I have attended numerous Fiber Connect events. Volunteered for Policy committee.

• Collaborated on the Middle Mile White Paper Published in June 2025 
• Women in Fiber Mentorship 
• Women in Fiber Mentorship Webinar 

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

I have extensive experience in the telecommunications sector, with a particular focus on fiber optics and FTTH technologies. My career began in the field as a contractor, where I gained hands-on expertise in fiber splicing and deployment. I then transitioned into sales and distribution, deepening my understanding of the supply chain and customer needs. Currently, I work in manufacturing at Hubbell Utility Solutions, where I specialize in Utility Broadband efforts and Tribal Broadband initiatives. This diverse background has given me a comprehensive perspective on the industry, from technical implementation to strategic collaboration, and enables me to address the unique challenges of expanding fiber networks to underserved communities. 

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, my primary goals are to keep FBA’s advocacy in top gear by expanding collaboration and growing membership across the broadband ecosystem. I am especially focused on ensuring that rural America is fully equipped for the digital future. I am committed to developing tomorrow’s workforce by supporting the FBA’s OpTIC Path Program. Additionally, I will focus on strengthening partnerships between the FBA, utilities, and their organizations to drive innovation and address the demands and opportunities presented by emerging technologies—such as AI data centers, their impact on the grid, and the role of fiber in enabling innovative solutions for grid efficiency.  

My vision is for FBA to continue leading the industry in reliability, hard work, and progress—making sure no community is left behind as fiber deployment accelerates. I aim to help the industry lay down more miles of fiber, enhance grid performance through fiber, and foster an environment where collaboration and advocacy deliver real results for all stakeholders. 

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 dedicating the time and effort necessary to actively serve the Fiber Broadband Association over the entire three-year term. I intend to participate consistently in board meetings, committee work, and advocacy initiatives, and to be available for collaboration with fellow board members, staff, and industry partners. My experience balancing hands-on work, leadership roles, and strategic projects demonstrates my reliability and readiness to tackle demanding responsibilities. I am prepared to contribute not only during scheduled events but also to support ongoing projects, respond to emerging challenges, and help drive FBA’s mission forward whenever needed. My goal is to be a dependable and engaged board member who helps ensure the Association’s continued success and impact. 

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

As someone whose last name is “Pickup” I like to think I’ve built my career in the same way a good pickup truck works-dependable, built for the long haul, and ready to tackle tough terrain.  Broadband deployment is not easy work, but it’s meaningful work, and I bring both determination and creativity to driving fiber further.  Serving on the FBA board would be an honor, and I am committed to serving our industry and the challenges ahead.    

Nominee Questionnaire

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

I am a business development and sales professional with a passion for building strong relationships and driving meaningful results. In just under eight years in the broadband industry, I have fostered meaningful relationships, developed creative partnerships, and delivered effective results with the organizations I’ve worked with. I bring creativity, energy, and a strong work ethic to every role, pairing strategic vision with hands-on execution. I am especially committed to fostering engagement and collaboration, and I strive to bring people together to solve challenges, spark new ideas, and create lasting impact.  

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

I bring a fresh perspective and energy to the table, with a strong belief that the future of broadband depends on engaging both experienced leaders and the next generation of talent. I want to help show that this industry offers meaningful opportunities for emerging voices and that their contributions are valuable. By introducing new, creative ideas, I aim to help the industry stay dynamic and forward-looking while also attracting the skilled workforce needed to achieve our shared goal of connecting communities through broadband.  
 

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company. 

In my current role at VETRO, I lead business development by using creative approaches to spread the word about our solutions and drive growth. I focus on fostering collaboration and finding innovative ways to achieve organizational objectives. I prioritize building meaningful relationships, making every interaction purposeful rather than transactional, and ensuring that connections I create deliver lasting value.  

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

My previous roles combined business development and account executive responsibilities, which I held for approximately six years. In these positions, I was responsible for representing and carrying out the company’s mission and vision in every client interaction, ensuring that each engagement aligned with organizational goals while delivering value to customers.  

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. 

No

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

Approximately 9 years  

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

Approximately 7 or 8 years  

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

I have served as a leader on the Women in Fiber Mentorship Committee, where I have been responsible for connecting mentors and mentees and supporting the program’s development. As one of the original members who helped launch the initiative in 2021, I take pride in having contributed to its foundation and have greatly valued watching both the committee and the program grow and thrive over the years.  

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

• Women in Fiber Mentorship Committee Mentor/Mentee guideline – Women in Fiber Mentorship Webinar  
• Participation in numerous Fiber Connects, Regional Connects, and Member Meet Ups.  

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

Like many, I stumbled into broadband without fully knowing what it entailed—but nearly eight years later, I have loved every minute of it. I have worked closely in the OSP construction and engineering space, providing software solutions to support the operations of fiber operators and EPC vendors. Every day, I feel that I am contributing in a meaningful way, playing a small part in our shared mission to connect communities and expand broadband access.  

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

I feel fortunate to have gained extensive exposure to this industry and recognize that not everyone has the same opportunities. If elected, I would like to help create a space where young, new, and diverse talent can enter and thrive, fostering new ideas and opportunities that will propel the industry forward. I also attribute my own success to the incredible “fiber family” I have had the privilege of working with—an industry community where collective efforts enable meaningful impact. I would be committed to helping the FBA not only lead in broadband deployment but also set the standard for supporting our people, encouraging collaboration, and strengthening connections across members 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 fully committed to dedicating the time and energy necessary to actively contribute throughout the three-year term. I will prioritize attending board meetings, participating in committee work, and engaging in discussions and initiatives that support the Association’s mission. Beyond the scheduled commitments, I intend to be an active ambassador—bringing energy, creativity, and collaboration to help move the industry forward. I see this role as an opportunity to not only contribute my skills and ideas, but also to engage meaningfully with fellow members to achieve our shared goals.  

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

I am deeply passionate about the FBA and the role it plays in advancing our industry. I regularly share the value of Fiber Connect and Regional Connects with peers and actively encourage others to attend FBA events because I know how impactful these interactions can be. Over the years, I’ve been consistently impressed by the FBA team—their professionalism, kindness, and ability to execute with energy and integrity—and I would be honored to help highlight their efforts and contribute to the Association’s success.  

As a board member, I want to help foster stronger collaboration among current members while also encouraging new talent to enter the workforce. Just as important, I want to ensure that emerging voices know their perspectives are welcomed and valued. Creating a supportive environment where fresh ideas can thrive will be critical to the continued growth of our industry, and I am committed to helping the FBA lead the way in making that a reality. 

Nominee Questionnaire

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

I live in rural Alabama with my wife Amanda. We’ve been married almost 30 years. I have two children, older. My son(Avery) is 25 and works for the local ISP. My daughter(Audrey) is 22 and working on her MBA in Business Management. She is also recently engaged.

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

Thanks to the opportunity to start from the ground up, I’ve had the ability to experience a lot of situations in the Telecom world. I would like to utilize those experiences to help the FBA in continued success. From OSP functions, permitting, regulatory, and even construction I’ve been

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company. 

I’m currently the Southeast Sales Executive and assist with other clients in various Engineering needs.

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

I began working for Otelco(GoNetspeed), a local ISP in Alabama. This was in 2000. I handled inventory and engineering. As the company grew and the landscape changed, I was presented the opportunity to become Engineering Manager for our Alabama properties. Then in 2016-17 I was promoted to direct all of the OSP Engineering functions. In 2022, I felt the calling to move on from that position and landed at CHR 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.  

Youth Park and Rec. – 4 years. Blount County Chamber of Commerce – 8 years. IPTA Association – 1 year

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

4 years 1 year as Premier Member. 

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

Off and on since 2018. Some years I could not make it to Fiber Connect.

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

I have been on the Policy committee for this year.

Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.) I have attended numerous Fiber Connect events. Volunteered for Policy committee.

Our company has presented a webinar for Cybersecurity.

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

Coming from a small ISP, you gain insight into just about every segment of operations. In my telecom tenure I’ve seen about 5,000 miles of fiber built. I’ve also led teams to design about 3,000 miles.

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

1. To assist in continuing to grow the organization.
2. Promote the benefits of being a member.
3. To aid in informing communities that fiber will always be the best path for internet connectivity.

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 and my company (CHR Solutions) are fully committed for me to be anywhere and anytime that the FBA deems necessary.

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

Until this point, I’ve haven’t really thought about being a Board Member. I would consider this a huge honor to work alongside great people that are as passionate about broadband as I am.

Nominee Questionnaire

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

Ariane Schaffer is the Head of Federal & State Public Policy for GFiber, an Alphabet company that provides Google Fiber and Google Fiber Webpass internet services to homes and businesses across the United States. Ariane joined the company in 2018 and focuses on advancing public policy to increase broadband deployments and realize digital equity for communities across the nation. In this role, she represents GFiber on a wide variety of issues impacting the business, including competition, utility safety, permitting reform, and taxes. She also serves as the company’s liaison to trade associations, industry coalitions, third-party groups, and participates on expert panels and in events with other thought leaders. She is currently serving a three-year term as a board member for the Fiber Broadband Association and is Chair of the Board for 2025. 

Prior to joining Google Fiber, Ariane was Executive Briefer to the Governor of New York. Ariane holds a bachelor’s degree from American University’s School of Public Affairs in Washington, DC and graduated from the School of Public Affairs Leadership Program and University Honors Program. She interned in the White House in the Office of Public Engagement under President Obama as well served as Legislative Intern for the U.S. Representative Cedric L. Richmond. A New Orleans native, and currently lives in New York City. 

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

I think I would be considered an excellent candidate for the Fiber Broadband Association Board of Directors due to my extensive professional experience in the fiber and telecommunications policy landscape and my proven leadership within the organization itself. 

Key reasons for strong candidacy include: 

• Executive Leadership at a Major Fiber Provider: I am the Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs for GFiber (Google Fiber), an Alphabet company that is a major player in deploying fiber and FTTH services across the United States. This provides the Board with a direct perspective from a prominent industry service provider. 

• Expertise in Public Policy and Broadband Deployment: My role focuses specifically on advancing public policy to increase broadband deployments and realize digital equity. I have expertise in crucial areas impacting the industry, such as competition, utility safety, and permitting reform. This expertise is vital for a trade association focused on policy and growth. 

• Direct Industry Involvement: I have already been serving a three-year term as a Board member for the FBA and has actively contributed to groups like the Public Policy Committee, showing a dedicated commitment to the FBA’s mission and operations. 

• Elevated Leadership Role: My election to Chair of the FBA Board for 2025 demonstrates that my peers and the association’s membership recognize my leadership capabilities and trust me to guide the organization’s strategic agenda during a historic period of fiber investment across North America.
   

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company. 

Setting Strategy and Vision
I am responsible for setting the goals, strategy, and vision for the company’s policy priorities. This includes managing the development and advancement of our policy agenda with internal teams, external partners, and governmental bodies at the federal, state, and local levels. I work with internal and outside experts across disciplines like infrastructure deployment, tariffs, and taxes to develop comprehensive policy analysis and advocacy positions, often in collaboration with trade associations, think tanks, and academic groups. 

Subject Matter Expertise and Internal Briefing
I serve as a primary subject matter expert on regulatory and legislative matters impacting our business. My function is to internally brief senior leadership on these issues to inform key decisions. Externally, I represent the company on a wide variety of critical issues, including competition, utility safety, permitting reform, and taxes. I also serve as the company’s key liaison to influential public official coalitions and third-party groups, such as the National Governors Association (NGA), the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. 

Strategic Communications and Advocacy
My role includes executing comprehensive legislative, regulatory, and political advocacy strategies. I lead cross-functional teams to champion policies that support the accelerated deployment of fiber-optic infrastructure. I also manage external lobbyists to help identify and realize new business and expansion opportunities. A core part of this function is performing research and analysis, preparing high-quality, succinct analysis, and crafting written government filings and industry articles to effectively articulate and support the company’s public policy positions. 

Executive Engagement and Business Development
I am engaged in business development by creating and advising on strategies that leverage our company’s strengths, competitive advantage, and market differentiation in the context of public policy. I engage our various business units to communicate public policy issues and market developments, and then develop and execute comprehensive plans to address them, ensuring policy strategy is aligned with overall business objectives. 

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

Previously, I served as the Executive Briefer to the Governor of New York from 2017-2018. 

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 am currently serving year three of a 3 year term for the Fiber Broadband Association (2023-2025) and I previously held a set on the American University Young Alumni Board (2019-2024).  

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

10+ years 

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. 

• Public Policy Committee Co-Chair – 2021-2022 

• Board Liaison Public Policy Committee – 2023-2025 

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

I have dedicated significant time and energy to supporting the Fiber Broadband Association’s goals, and I hope to continue this work! Please see some of my key accomplishments of the last year: 

• Chairwoman’s Keynote at Fiber Connect 2025: https://youtu.be/0UD88LFG33A?si=br2XsO6YFI61ob6f 

• Fiber Day on the Hill: https://fiberbroadband.org/fiber-day-on-the-hill/ 

• 2025 Public Policy Summit: https://fiberbroadband.org/2025-public-policy-summit/ 

• Fiber for Breakfast 2025 Week 1 – Plans, Policies & Programs with Ariane Schaffer, FBA Board Chair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubw5G3Q4BtU 

• Microtrenching Accelerates Fiber Paper: https://fiberbroadband.org/resources/https-fiberbroadband-org-wp-content-uploads-2023-03-fba-001d_microtrenching_whitepaper_lv2-pdf/ 

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

Most of my career has been dedicated to telecommunications, fiber optics, and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) technologies. My experience is concentrated on public policy, government affairs, and industry leadership within the fiber broadband sector. 

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

My primary goal is to accelerate fiber deployment. The FBA needs a powerful, consistent voice in Washington and in every State Capitol. As your board member, I will focus on tangible wins to remove regulatory barriers that are slowing us down. That means: 

1. Streamlining Permitting Reform so we can deploy faster. 

1. Updating outdated Locates Laws to improve safety and efficiency. 

1. And tackling the massive, industry-wide Workforce Development challenge head-on. 

These are massive, multi-year projects, and no single company or single industry can do it alone. I will leverage my experience to forge essential cross-industry relationships, turning our policy goals into powerful, unified lobbying efforts. 

Finally, we must grow our footprint. There are well over a thousand fiber companies deploying across the US—each one should be an FBA member. I will continue my work to make our association more relevant and more valuable to every single company deploying fiber, ensuring the FBA is the definitive voice of this industry. 

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 intend to continue to work with committees, travel to all FBA conferences and represent FBA’s interests at other industry conferences.  

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

This is an extraordinary time for fiber, and the FBA is at the center of it. We need proven policy leadership to turn our opportunity into reality. I humbly ask for your vote to continue delivering for the Fiber Broadband Association. Thank you. 

The Premier Members Meeting is where the Fiber Broadband Association’s leadership and vision come together. This exclusive gathering brings FBA Premier Members into one room to engage with the industry’s most important discussions and decisions. With high-level, industry-focused content at the center—from policy and regulatory updates to market trends, workforce development, and the evolving fiber supply chain—every session is designed to spark meaningful dialogue and strategic collaboration. It’s more than an event—it’s a chance to shape the future of fiber, connect with peers who are driving the industry forward, and gain the insights and influence that only come from being in the room.

Schedule of Events

• Monday, December 8 – Networking Activities 
  • Golf at PGA West Resort Mountain Golf Course (7:30 AM Departure)
  • BMW Driving Experience (11:15 AM Departure)
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride (5:30 AM Departure)
  • Joshua Tree Guided Hike (10:00 AM Departure)
  • Guacamole, Salsa & Margarita Making Competition (11:30 AM Start Time)
  • Palm Springs Downtown Experience (10:00 AM Departure)

Transportation to and from each activity is included, if applicable. Networking activity details and start/end times are subject to change. Activities are first-come, first-served until an activity reaches maximum capacity. You are not guaranteed your selection. If we are UNABLE to accommodate your selection, we will be in contact within 24 hours of your registration. Otherwise, FBA staff will contact you to confirm your activity selection with more information closer to the event date. 

• Monday, December 8 – Welcome Reception followed by dinner at 5:30 PM
  • AI After Dark with Peter Cresse & David Eckard at 8:30 PM
• Tuesday, December 9 – Premier Member Meeting from 8 AM – 5 PM

Hotel Information

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
 68900 Frank Sinatra Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Tel: (760) 321-8282

NOTE: Link to discounted room block will be provided upon registration.

Alternative Housing Options

There are no FBA negotiated rates at any property outside the Ritz Rancho Mirage – Palms Springs. Attendee must call/book directly with the property. No transportation is provided between additional hotels and The Ritz.

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Palm Desert

Hampton Inn & Suites Cathedral City

Hyatt Vacation Club at Desert Oasis

Additional Information

Each Premier Member Company’s first representative attends at no cost (attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the resort). Additional company representatives may register for the event and will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis as space permits requiring receipt of payment prior to the event. We will notify the affected individuals in the case that we reach capacity. The cost for an additional representative is $800. Each additional representative will be invoiced, and payment of the invoice is required by the deadline provided along with the invoice instructions. FBA will reach out directly to these additional representatives after registration.

NOTE: FBA Board members and FBA Committee/Working Group chairs may attend at no charge and do not count against the complimentary attendee for that company. 

Past Meetings

For questions directly related to this event, please contact Nadir Noon, Director of Internal Operations & Events at nnoon@fiberbroadband.org.

For questions related to your FBA membership, please contact our membership team at membership@fiberbroadband.org.