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Ryan O’Sullivan

Director of Broadband Ecosystem Development - AFL

 

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! 

 

 

Jamie Pickup-Grogg

Regional Vice President, Communications - Hubbell Utility Solutions

 

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.    

Niki Carnahan

Manager of Business Development - Vetro

 

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. 

Jason Fuller

Engineering Account Director - CHR Solutions, Inc.

 

Nominee Questionnaire

 

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

I live in Blount County, in rural Alabama. I have been married to my best friend, Amanda, for 30 years. My wife and I have one son, Avery, who is 26 years old and a daughter, Audrey, who is 23 years old. Both have weddings this year! We try and travel when possible and we really enjoy a good beach! I would say I’m living my best life

 

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

I’ve had the opportunity to live/work on “both sides of the fence, as an operator and as a valued service provider. From years of OSP experience to yearly budget demands, this position affords me the opportunity to see all aspects of moving fiber forward. I would bring that same mindset to the Board, around all aspects of what The FBA stands for.

 

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company. 

I have been with CHR Solutions since 2022. Since that time, I have held roles as an Engineering Manager, Sr. Systems Engineer, and Subject Matter Expert in OSP and Network Engineering, providing guidance on complex network deployments. For the past two years I have assumed the role of Engineering Account Director covering all states east of the Mississippi river.

 

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

Before CHR, I was the Director of Engineering for an ISP located in six different states, where I oversaw the expansion of fiber broadband service, resulting in the connection of thousands of homes. Having 20+ years in Telecom has allowed me to experience everything from DSL to HFC Network Design, and now Fiber to the Home networks.  

 

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 a local Parks & Recreation Board for approximately 4 years, as Secretary. I have also served on the Blount County Chamber of Commerce for 6+ years, holding positions of Vice Chairman and President. 

 

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

CHR Solutions has been a member for 6 years and a Premier Member for 3 years of that timeframe.

 

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

Since around 2008, I’ve attended Fiber Connect, off and on. It’s been since 2024 that I’ve been able to participate in committees and working groups.  

 

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

I’m currently on the Membership Committee, Public Policy Committee, and Deployment Committee. Working groups include Engineering Best Practices Working Group and Permitting Working Group. I’ve been on all committees for about 2 years.

 

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 been able to attend a few Regional Fiber Connects and one Member Mingle. I’ve participated in creating Engineering Best Practices white papers.

 

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

 I’ve been in this industry for over 26 years. Coming up in a small rural ISP, I’ve had the opportunity to experience everything from Construction and Engineering, to Regulatory and Finance. This kind of environment allowed me to gain firsthand knowledge of network architecture, permitting, and real-world construction issues. I gained a huge understanding from Opex and Capex struggles and cut my teeth on early ACAM requirements. More recently, I’ve worked with numerous clients that are navigating the BEAD program. 

 

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

  1. Bolster Industry Workforce.
  2. Continued Education for Members and Communities.
  3. Growth, growth, and growth in membership.

 

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. 

My company and I are 100% committed to the three-year term. Our support for FBA wouldn’t end when the term does. 

 

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

When I first started in this industry, I never realized it would shape up to what we’re experiencing. Now, I feel it’s time to give back to a community that has given me so many benefits. For me, it’s using a servant’s heart to repay for the years of experience.

Ariane Schaffer

Head of Federal & State Public Policy - GFiber

 

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: 

 

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. 

2026 Premier Members Meeting

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 7 – Networking Activities 
  • Monday, December 7 – Welcome Reception at 5:30 PM followed by dinner 
  • Tuesday, December 8 – Premier Member Meeting from 8 AM – 5 PM

The full agenda will be provided to all registered attendees and posted here at a later date. 

 

Breakout Sessions

This year we will be doing official sign ups for breakout sessions. Please select one session to attend when registering. Sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis until a session reaches maximum capacity. The sessions are outlined below. 

  • Business Models: Go-to-Market for the Digital, AI-Enabled Economy
    Explore how operators and partners are evolving go-to-market strategies to serve AI-driven enterprises and new digital economies, and where FBA can help members capture emerging opportunities.
  • AI & Quantum: Scale, Needs, and Readiness
    AI and quantum computing are driving massive new demand for network capacity. Discuss what the industry needs to meet it, from research and workforce certifications to case studies that prove fiber’s essential role.
  • Issues & Advocacy: Influencing Policy at Every Level
    Identify the industry’s top federal, state, and local priorities, assess how FBA is positioned to influence them, and define metrics for measuring advocacy impact.
  • Membership Growth & Sustainability: Who and How
    As the fiber industry expands into AI and quantum, FBA’s potential membership is growing with it. Discuss how to retain our existing broadband-focused members while attracting new members from this expanded industry.

If you are interested in acting as moderator for any of the above topics. Please reach out to Nadir Noon (nnoon@fiberbroadband.org).

 

Hotel Information

Baker’s Cay Resort
97000 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Tel: (305) 852-5553

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

 

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, Senior Council 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.

Fiber Connect 2025 Kick-Off at the Bluebird Café RSVP

Fiber Connect 2025 Kick-Off at the Bluebird Café RSVP
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Code of Conduct Violation Report

Fiber Connect 2025 Code of Conduct Violation Report

Please use this form to confidentially report any incidents of inappropriate behavior, harassment, discrimination, or other concerns that violate the Fiber Broadband Association Code of Conduct. All submissions will be reviewed promptly and handled with discretion.

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FC25 Executive Experience Sign Up Form

FC25 Executive Experience Lounge Sign Up Form

This year at Fiber Connect Premier Member Executives are invited to take advantage of the Executive Experience Lounge in Governors Ballroom A at the Gaylord Resort in Nashville, TN which will be open all day on both Monday, June 2, and Tuesday, June 3. Food, beverages, and meeting pods will be available. This will allow for a designated space to connect with other Premier Members!

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2025 C-Suite Forum RSVP

2025 C-Suite Forum RSVP

A private networking program for FBA Premier Member executives; federal, state, and regional regulatory officials; and leading innovators that are defining the platforms that make what’s possible probable. Designed as a forum that brings the brightest minds together to address issues and opportunities as our industry works to close the Digital Opportunity Gap for all Americans.

The C-Suite Forum will take place on Monday June 2nd from 2:30 - 5:00 PM in Governors Ballroom A at the Gaylord Resort in Nashville, TN and will be followed by a small cocktail and hors d'oeuvres networking reception.

Note: Each FBA Premier Member Company may send one C-Level Executive to the Forum. Space is limited.

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2026 Fiber Broadband Association Award Nominations

This form is currently closed for submissions.

2025 Fiber Day on the Hill RSVP

2025 Fiber Day on the Hill RSVP

Fiber Day on the Hill will take place on April 9th from 10AM - 2PM in the Rayburn Foyer and provides an informative, hands-on experience to learn more about fiber’s role in expanding broadband access, creating jobs, strengthening rural communities, and driving economic growth. Demonstrations will showcase:

- Fiber 101 – The foundation of high-speed connectivity
- Fiber in Our Communities – How fiber transforms daily life across America
- Workforce Development – Addressing the demand for skilled fiber technicians and broadband jobs
- Rural and Agricultural Benefits – Empowering precision agriculture and remote economies
- When Fiber Leads, The Future Follows – Fiber’s Role in Artificial Intelligence, Data Centers, and Emerging Technologies

Attendees are welcome to briefly drop in to experience the demos, try fiber splicing, make fiber necklaces, and enjoy our giga-BITES station with District Doughnuts, Chick-fil-A, and more.

This event is designed to comply with House and Senate Ethics Rules. Executive Branch employees should obtain permission to attend from their designated agency ethics office.

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