Brian Young

President - ConVergence Technologies, Inc

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	Brian has been a vital part of ConVergence Technologies, Inc., IPpay’s parent company, for over 20 years. Before joining ConVergence, he owned a successful IT consulting firm and founded a nationwide DirecTV MDU business in 1997. Over his tenure, Brian has served the ConVergence companies in various executive roles, including EVP and CRO, contributing significantly to the growth and strategic direction of each business. For the past six years, he has led IPpay as President, while also serving as a director of several trade associations within our community.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	After spending over 25 years in the industry and growing the ConVergence businesses, I have personally committed much of my time and energy to growing the Associations I have been a part of. I believe that Associations like the Fiber Broadband Association are vital to the growth of the Membership, especially when it comes to policy items. While events and training are important to any Association, Managing the policy agendas for the Members is critical. I have been engaged with State and National level policy advancement for over 15 years, and will use that experience to help the Fiber Broadband Association advance and be another tool for the staff to utilize
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	2
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?	Since 2018
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.	Conference Committee – 2 Deployment Specialists Committee – 1 Power Utilities – New
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	As most have participated with and over the years, Fiberconnect events have been the majority of the time involved. However, that has changed over the last two years, and as I have had time become available for me to commit to the Fiber Broadband Association, I have now engaged with 3 committees to apply efforts available to the Association.
How many years have you been in your current position?	6
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	I oversee all financial services offered by IPpay, managing the subsidiary with full responsibility for business growth, budgeting, P&L, and strategic leadership. I also drive innovation initiatives and ensure compliance across all operations.
What was your previous position?	Chief Revenue Officer, ConVergence Technologies
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	4
Do you have experience as a member of a Board of Directors?	Yes
If you answered yes, please provide the entity, the number of years served, and the officer position held.	FISPA – 2012-2015 – Treasurer WISPA – 2015-2023 – Vice Chairman WISPA – 2023 – 2024 Secretary Various other Water Districts and personal interest boards
The bylaws prohibit convicted felons from serving on the board. Is there any legal impediment that would prevent you from serving on the Board?	No
Is there any legal issue personally of which the Association should be aware?	No
Being a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member requires a considerable time commitment. Please confirm that you have the support of your company if you are elected.	Yes
Please provide a short overview of your experience with telecommunications, fiber optics, and FTTH technologies.	In 1992, I joined DePaul University’s Information Technology group, where I was part of the team responsible for connecting the Lincoln Park and Loop campuses with fiber running along the Chicago ‘L’ train tracks. Our team also led the onboarding of several departments to the campus Ethernet network, providing them with internet access. From there, I was recruited to launch a business that would later merge into ConVergence Technologies. In this role, I deployed networking for projects within Chicago Public Schools and businesses ranging from small 5-person shops to large, publicly traded companies. Recognizing, as many in our industry do, that true control lies in owning your facilities, I moved away from reselling 64K and T-1 lines from the LEC and founded ConVergence. By leveraging our network in Chicagoland, we were able to deliver broadband to many of the tallest residential buildings in the area. After merging with ConVergence, we realized our strengths lay in architecture and engineering rather than operations. We then sold the ISP and MDU businesses, reinvested the capital into IPpay, and established MitoTec, the wholesale services subsidiary of ConVergence
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	With newly elected board members, the 1st bit of any term is a log of digesting the current landscape and understanding the deeper reasoning why the Association is driving the items they are. With that said, there are membership enhancements I would like to bring to strengthen the community, as well as further advance the policy agendas with additional support for the FBA Staff.
Have you reviewed the Board of Directors’ Responsibilities document, and do you understand what is required?	Yes
Please describe the level of commitment (in terms of time and effort) that you intend to make to the Association during the three-year term.	Drawing from my experience on other boards, I understand there is a ramp-up period needed to get fully oriented. During this initial phase, I can commit up to 10 hours per month. Following this period, I am available to dedicate 20 to 30 hours monthly, depending on activities and the natural cycle of DC events and initiatives.
Please inform us of any other information, issue, or concern of which the Association should be aware.	None

Bill Valentino

VP of Strategic Partnerships - Dycom Industries, Inc.

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	Bill Valentino is Vice President of Strategic Partnerships with Dycom Industries, Inc. Mr. Valentino has been with Dycom since 2007 and prior to that, he was founder and President of CAVO Communications, Inc. In his current role with Dycom, Mr. Valentino is intimately involved with current customers as well as the BEAD program. He has met with many state broadband leaders over the past couple years and has collaborated with many other industry leaders in discussions on building fiber throughout the U.S. Mr. Valentino has established strong relationships with ISP’s, manufacturers , suppliers and distributors in the fiber industry.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	I believe my extensive experience in the industry will benefit the FBA. Starting in the business over 35 years ago, I grew my original installation business from a startup to over 400 technicians, eventually selling the business to Dycom Industries in 2007. We specialized in installation, MDU and construction. With the high demand for technicians over the next 5 years in the fiber industry, the FBA is in a great position to grow OpTIC Path training even more. Deb and Mark have done an outstanding job over the past year and I feel as a board member, I can assist in this unprecedented opportunity to grow the necessary workforce needed to support the fiber industry, especially as BEAD evolves. I have significant financial experience, both in owning my own company and now working for a publicly traded entity. I can add value to discussions centered around financial decisions by the FBA. I can contribute to topics that are relevant to current and future FBA members, including industry innovation, new technologies and market opportunities. Dycom has 38 subsidiaries and over 16,000 employees across all 50 states. My network of co-workers allows me to learn on a continuing basis as to our ever changing fiber industry. This will allow me to share industry knowledge with other board members.
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	12
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?	10
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.	Over the past year, I have contributed to the OpTIC Path Training program. I participated in regular calls hosted by Deb Kish and offered some suggestions and insights from a fulfillment perspective. Several years ago, I worked with several SCTE chapters across the country and helped develop training curriculums for the industry.
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	I have attended every fiber regional connect show the past year as well as Fiber Connect. I have participated in several panels at the events.
How many years have you been in your current position?	2
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	As VP of Strategic Partnerships, my primary responsibility is supporting the 38 Dycom operating subsidiaries. I meet with our customers, vendors, manufacturers, distributors and suppliers in building partnerships to mutually benefit our shareholders, customers and the fiber industry. I collaborate on a regular basis with industry leaders, share best practices and offer solutions to meet our customer demands.
What was your previous position?	President of CAVO Broadband Communications, LLC and VP of Prince Telecom, LLC
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	16
Do you have experience as a member of a Board of Directors?	No
The bylaws prohibit convicted felons from serving on the board. Is there any legal impediment that would prevent you from serving on the Board?	No
Is there any legal issue personally of which the Association should be aware?	No
Being a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member requires a considerable time commitment. Please confirm that you have the support of your company if you are elected.	Yes
Please provide a short overview of your experience with telecommunications, fiber optics, and FTTH technologies.	I have vast experience in the building of fiber networks from a construction perspective. Aerial and underground construction technologies are one of the cores of our business and I am familiar with most every technique. In terms of FTTH technology, PON, GPON, XGS-PON are regularly deployed by our customers. I am familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of each, accessing trade-offs for cost to deploy, desired speeds, network reliability, etc. Many of our customers request a comparison of the technologies before committing to a specific type.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	I would like to work with the board of directors and FBA leadership to expand membership in the association. The FBA is the industry leader in the fiber sector, but, we can be bigger and better. I would meet and promote the FBA on a continuing basis with my network of industry leaders. Secondly, I would like to see the OpTIC Path Training program grow even more……………. more instructors, more students and more employers who offer graduates employment. I would seek subsidies from local, state and federal governments. Third, I would like to meet with state and local broadband leaders and listen to their needs in terms of fiber deployment. Fiber deployment can and should be used for more than high speed internet. What can the FBA do to promote an ISP building fiber in a given community?
Have you reviewed the Board of Directors’ Responsibilities document, and do you understand what is required?	Yes
Please describe the level of commitment (in terms of time and effort) that you intend to make to the Association during the three-year term.	If I am fortunate to be elected to the board, I am committed to travel to events, meet as necessary and commit to supporting the FBA. I travel extensively for business with Dycom. I regularly schedule my travel 60-90 days in advance and I would balance my time between my job and BOD responsibilities. In terms of effort, I have been in the telecom business for 35 years. I am committed to putting in the effort to help keep the FBA as the industry leader for years to come.
Please inform us of any other information, issue, or concern of which the Association should be aware.	N/A.

Bob Whitman

VP Market Development - Corning Inc.

Currently responsible for Global Carrier Networks market and business development, Bob leads strategy and execution for Corning’s Fiber to the Home, Inside Plant, 5G, and emerging applications initiatives. He brings more than 27 years of experience in optical fiber network architecture, product development, and carrier engagement across a range of technical and commercial roles. His focus areas include industry engagement, addressing service provider challenges, solution development, and collaboration on government affairs. Prior to joining Corning in 1997, Bob served as a Nuclear Power Engineering Officer in the U.S. Navy.

Sean Dundon

Director, Partnerships and Channel Development - VETRO, Inc.

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	Sean is tasked with building strategic alliances, growing new verticals, and evaluating new technology partners to streamline work flows and improve quality for VETRO’s customers.my focus has been on expanding our reach within the ISP community through strategic partnerships and innovative SaaS GIS solutions. Our team has successfully enhanced the mapping capabilities of numerous fiber networks, making them secure, scalable, and user-friendly, which has been essential for our clients’ success. As Director of Partnerships I am responsible for growing VETRO’s foreign and domestic strategic partners. My educational background includes an MBA in Finance from Bryant College, an M.S in Nuclear Engineering from the University of New Mexico, and a B.S. in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts. My spare time is filled with travel, tennis, cooking, and our first grandchild.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	My approach to business development is rooted in the belief that collaboration and technology are key drivers of progress. At the heart of my work is the mission to deliver affordable, cutting-edge tools that empower ISPs and communities to thrive in a digital world. My past career was in commercial real estate which is clear analog to digital network construction and operation in terms of monetizing an asset over a specified investment horizon and balancing the operational expenses over that term. I believe this experience will help FBA tap into the finance players in the broadband market as well as provide valid arguments to Washington for operational expense subsidy revenue streams at the Federal level for smaller, rural networks. In addition to experiences I have had on several non-profit boards and a public board, I bring the knowledge and experiences of VETROs customers base of over 300 fiber providers and growing, VETRO has provided a great cross section of fiber use cases for tracking, monetizing, and maintaining fiber assets for the long term that can inform real-time trends in fiber deployment and operation practices. These insights will provide valuable strategic insight to the FBA as it evolves.
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	8
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?	6
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.	Technology Committee – 1 year Numerous FBA webinars (5 or 6) Attended and exhibited at Fiber Connect each year Regional FBA events
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	I have participated in many VETRO webinars in the past 6 years both as VETRO and with our valued technology partners.
How many years have you been in your current position?	2
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	Consultative selling is a must and knowing all aspects of our customers’ business is the key pathway to map a way forward for adoption of the VETRO Platform. My role as Director of Partnerships formalize strategic agreements with go to market channels and my role is to cultivate and grow the channel/partnership program and drive opportunities into the sales process. We have built a go to market channel ecosystem and developed partnership agreements, joint product demos, webinars, trade show engagements, and collateral marketing pieces/case studies. In addition, my role is to: • Support the entire sales team through coaching and training opportunities during the onboarding and sales process. • Create, prioritize, and strategic channel plans and partners • Cultivate existing channel partners (large global system integrators) to generate new business opportunities • Build growth strategies to find and scale new channels to market
What was your previous position?	Senior Account Executive
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	4
Do you have experience as a member of a Board of Directors?	Yes
If you answered yes, please provide the entity, the number of years served, and the officer position held.	Current Board Service: Coastal Enterprises Inc. a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) – (Currently Chair of Investment Committee) – 2.5 years Carrabassett Valley Academy – Ski Academy Boarding School (Currently Vice-Chair) – 7.5 years Past Board Service: City of Portland Planning Board – Appointed (Chair for 2 years) – 9 years of service Breakwater School (Chair) – Independent School K-8 (Chair for 5 years) – 8 years of service Lakes Environmental Association (Chair for 3 years) – 6 years of service
The bylaws prohibit convicted felons from serving on the board. Is there any legal impediment that would prevent you from serving on the Board?	No
Is there any legal issue personally of which the Association should be aware?	No
Being a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member requires a considerable time commitment. Please confirm that you have the support of your company if you are elected.	Yes
Please provide a short overview of your experience with telecommunications, fiber optics, and FTTH technologies.	My background consists of my 6 years at VETRO, Inc. in working on the development of an Outside Plant GIS Layer 1 Physical Inventory platform primarily for ISPs. As VETRO develops new features, customers and outside experts are leveraged to build out the workflows. My interactions with our technology partners have given me deep understanding of BSS/OSS systems, construction management workflows, demand aggregation, and fiber monitoring.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	My big question is “What next for FBA after the network builds are substantially complete?”. To answer this, I have three major goals. 1. Keep up the effective Lobbying but “repoint” it: How can we reposition FBA to be the leader in sustainable networks by promoting a reliable subsidy for operations and be the educational leader to reduce opex through technology. 2. Grow the Membership: What other “verticals” for fiber can be brought into the FBA membership such as the investment community (private equity, infrastructure debt funds, etc), transportation/DOT, data centers military, healthcare, and connected infrastructure to name a few. 3. Continue to expand the FBA Thought Leadership Efforts – white papers and research SME and disseminate outside traditional channels (e.g. to the finance world).
Have you reviewed the Board of Directors’ Responsibilities document, and do you understand what is required?	Yes
Please describe the level of commitment (in terms of time and effort) that you intend to make to the Association during the three-year term.	VETRO, Inc. is in full support of my candidacy and should I be elected will support my time and travel expense to serve FBA as needed and requested during my 3-year term.
Please inform us of any other information, issue, or concern of which the Association should be aware.	None.

Iris Harel

Regional VP CBE - Amdocs

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	Iris Harel is an innovative and trailblazing executive leader with proven global experience and a successful IT career in the MSO and Telco industries. Formerly a Lieutenant in the Israeli Army, Harel enjoys a 16-year career at Amdocs, where she currently serves as Regional Client Business Executive. Throughout her career, Iris has shown expertise in large-scale project development and delivery, program management, complex business operations, and significant business development. She builds excellent customer relationships as a trusted advisor and constantly seeks ways to improve and excel. She is responsible for the success of all North American new clients and their IT transformations and singularly bears accountability for each program’s success. For example, Harel spearheaded the integration of SuddenLink and Cablevision to form Altice USA, one of North America’s top CSPs today. Harel is known for her practical approach, creative nature and human approach to storytelling and customer relations. Rather than selling products or services, she believes in connecting with clients to emphatically understand and address their needs and operational challenges.Harel teaches this approach to partnership and customer engagement while explaining the intricacies of specific products across different Amdocs departments (most recently Legal and Finance). She has also spoken at large events, such as the Amdocs Partner Summit in 2022, and is valued for her straight talk and directness for problem solving.Harel has an avid interest in double meaning crossword puzzles and sudoku. She also writes novels and poetry and refashions old, or broken items, to make art in her spare time, when she’s not helping her husband raise their two sons.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	Iris Harel brings three new dimensions that are pivotal for such a nomination: 1. Vast industry experience and macro view to strategically define the path forward, be ahead of the curve and proactively infuse the industry with new ideas and solutions 2. Creative and innovative way of thinking as well as that leads to excel in executing programs and plans 3. Partner perspective to address some of the challenges and elevate the service providers ability to serve their customers and employees by providing advanced technological solutions to bridge the gaps (digital divide, mid mile and more)
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	6
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?	1
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.	I have recently submitted my inquiry to join the Women in Fiber Committee.
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	ProCom, an Amdocs company, has been an active member for several years, one of our employees was part of the board and we plan to take a more active role with this nomination.
How many years have you been in your current position?	4
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	Iris Harel is in charge of all the mid-tier operators in the USA, covering MSOs, Telcos, utilities, SATCOM, school districts and campuses of universities, providing creative solutions to excel their service, increase their customers and employees” satisfaction and deliver an amazing experience. Within my role, I am in charge of creating new value propositions to address market and business needs ahead of time. Recently I have created the Amdocs’ value proposition for the Fiber domain. I publish my own articles and white papers.
What was your previous position?	VP Service Partner
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	4
Do you have experience as a member of a Board of Directors?	No
The bylaws prohibit convicted felons from serving on the board. Is there any legal impediment that would prevent you from serving on the Board?	No
Is there any legal issue personally of which the Association should be aware?	No
Being a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member requires a considerable time commitment. Please confirm that you have the support of your company if you are elected.	Yes
Please provide a short overview of your experience with telecommunications, fiber optics, and FTTH technologies.	Within my role, I am in charge of creating new value propositions to address market and business needs ahead of time. Recently I have created the Amdocs’ value proposition for the Fiber domain. I publish my own articles and white papers.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	1. Position FBA as the beacon for the industry 2. Present creative solutions to the members for addressing their challenges 3. Define and build the Fiber 2.0 NEXT GENERATION plan for the future
Have you reviewed the Board of Directors’ Responsibilities document, and do you understand what is required?	Yes
Please describe the level of commitment (in terms of time and effort) that you intend to make to the Association during the three-year term.	I plan to meet my commitment and attend all the required sessions as well as travel as needed. I envision helping and leading campaigns, publish articles and white papers, participate in panels and assisting in preparing the events. I am super excited about this endeavor and looking forward to contributing.
Please inform us of any other information, issue, or concern of which the Association should be aware.	N/A

Tom Niederloh

Business Development Manager - EXFO

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	• Seasoned Sales Executive with 25+ years of experience generating revenue growth as both a team leader and individual contributor, with demonstrated expertise in selling Network & Application Performance Management solutions to Service Provider, Cloud, and Enterprise fiber optic networks. • Demonstrated history of implementing strategic planning to drive sales, penetrate new accounts and territories, and execute territory and product turnarounds; highly skilled at selling new products and emerging technologies. • Exceptional communicator with a track record for developing high-yield strategic partnerships with clients, internal and external partners, and executive leadership. • Strong ability to influence diverse partners and teams toward shared outcomes through cross-functional collaboration.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	• Broad experience base within the telecommunications and networking industry working across the entire ecosystem helping the largest service providers, rural and independents, start ups, equipment providers, software integrators, and contractors achieve success. • Collaborative and partnership minded – can play well with others. Easy to work with. • Have a unique combination of technical/application knowledge combined with leadership ability.
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	20+
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?	20+
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.	FTTH Council (Stephan Chabot, Gwenn Amice) LATAM FBA Finance Chair (Christian Stube) LATAM FBA Board of Directors (Hector Moreno)
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	OpTIC Path Curriculum Development (Gwenn Amice) FCOE/Training Seminars
How many years have you been in your current position?	2
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	Work across our sales team and business units to identify and develop strategic sales initiatives. Currently heavily involved in Rural Broadband funding, FTTx, and Middle Mile as well developing Fiber Contractor strategies and innovations to help increase fiber productivity and efficiencies. Identify and develop emerging trends in the fiber optic industry for growth. Develop and communicate strategies and action plans across sales team, business unit, and executive management.
What was your previous position?	Account Director
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	5
Do you have experience as a member of a Board of Directors?	No
The bylaws prohibit convicted felons from serving on the board. Is there any legal impediment that would prevent you from serving on the Board?	No
Is there any legal issue personally of which the Association should be aware?	No
Being a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member requires a considerable time commitment. Please confirm that you have the support of your company if you are elected.	Yes
Please provide a short overview of your experience with telecommunications, fiber optics, and FTTH technologies.	25+ years of working with fiber optics across multiple architectures and environments – including : FTTx/PON, Long Haul/Metro Transport Networks, Subsea Networks, DWDM/CWDM PMD/CD, Datacenters (Hyperscale, Enteprise, CoLo). Extensive experience with fiber testing and troubleshooting and knowledge of OTDR, Power Meters, CD/PMD, Optical Spectrum Analysis, Fiber Inspection and more across OSP, ISP, and Lab applications.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	Support the goals and mission of the FBA Help BEAD and all Broadband Funding programs be successful in deploying fiber/broadband service to all Americans Enhance workforce development efforts and career paths to increase recruiting to the Fiber/Telecom industry
Have you reviewed the Board of Directors’ Responsibilities document, and do you understand what is required?	Yes
Please describe the level of commitment (in terms of time and effort) that you intend to make to the Association during the three-year term.	I have the full support of my company and leadership to meet the time/effort commitments involved with this role. I expect to make every FBA board meeting (virtual and in person) as well as meet the 10 hr/month expected time commitment and adjust to deadlines and priorities as needed.

Jessica Koch

Industry Association and External Affairs Senior Manager - Calix

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	Jessia Koch is the Industry Association and External Affairs Senior Manager at Calix. In her role, Jessica works with national and state industry associations to build relationships and strategies that will directly support the work of broadband service providers. Prior to joining Calix, Jessica worked for a rural broadband service provider in Colorado for eighteen years as the Controller (PC Telcom). In that role, Jessica managed all aspects of financial management including state and federal funding for new fiber deployments. Jessica holds an MBA from Touro College. Jessica has held board seats on the Holyoke City Council and was the Secretary on the Holyoke RE-1J School board. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in the Colorado outdoors, hiking, skiing, and paddleboarding.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	I have over 20 years of experience in the fiber broadband industry as both a service provider and a vendor. This experience has made me an expert in what it takes to effectively deploy fiber broadband networks and manage them effectively to meet and exceed the needs of the customer. In addition to extensive knowledge of the fiber broadband industry, I have valuable experience working on and for a Board of Directors. Knowing the intricacies of working on both sides of a board has been an asset as it informs my work with fellow Board members and industry association members. In my current role at Calix, I work extensively with Executive Directors and staff at numerous national and state associations representing many different segment focused associations. This experience will be valuable as it will give me an opportunity to share what I have seen work well or fall flat as it relates to content, events and advocacy. Not all associations are created equal, yet there is an opportunity to learn from the success and missteps of others. My insights and engagement across the states will be experience that makes me a bit unique and offer a differentiated perspective.
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	15
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?	6
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.	Conference Committee – Member 1 year
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	Attending Conference Committee in Person work sessions to develop 2024 events. Supported FBA Regional Events as a moderator on panel discussions. Participated in facilitation of the State Broadband Office Tour at Fiber Connect 2024. Moderated a Pre-Conference Session at Fiber Connect 2024 Supported a POC Submission by Calix Attended Women in Fiber Events. Attended FBA Fiber Day on the Hill Currently working on Fiber Connect 2025 Pre-Conference workshop content
How many years have you been in your current position?	1
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	As Industry Association and External Affairs Senior Manager, I work to develop effective programs to support Calix’s participation in national and state associations. This work includes monitoring the advocacy work of these associations, providing data for this advocacy work, monitoring state and federal legislation and providing content for speaking engagements that will provide insights to new platforms which will help broadband service providers elevate to provide the best customer experience to their end users. Calix views our association relationships as a key opportunity to connect and support our customers.
What was your previous position?	Broadband Program Manager
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	1.5
Do you have experience as a member of a Board of Directors?	Yes
If you answered yes, please provide the entity, the number of years served, and the officer position held.	Holyoke City Council – Member 3 years Holyoke RE-1J School Board – Secretary – 9 years
The bylaws prohibit convicted felons from serving on the board. Is there any legal impediment that would prevent you from serving on the Board?	No
Is there any legal issue personally of which the Association should be aware?	No
Being a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member requires a considerable time commitment. Please confirm that you have the support of your company if you are elected.	Yes
Please provide a short overview of your experience with telecommunications, fiber optics, and FTTH technologies.	I worked for a broadband service provider for 18 years. In this role I wrote the USDA Infrastructure Loan application to fund our overbuilding of legacy copper plant to fiber to the home. Once secured, I managed these funds including contracts, funding, audit and post award compliance. This included close work with the outside plan manager, engineering team, and contractors to ensure compliance and timely completion. In addition to this large project, I also wrote funding applications to convert CLEC plant from coax or fixed wireless to FTTH. These projects were funded by state and federal programs. In my current role, I work with associations to align on strategy and content that demonstrates the value of FTTH and associated platforms that allows them to drive additional revenue and increased revenue by selling more than just speed.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	FBA is a growing association that recognizes the need and value of FTTH networks. I would like to be a part of continuing to grow the association, its role in the advocacy of its members, and assist in identifying new opportunities to grow the membership and the value that being a part of FBA brings to the members. This industry is undergoing rapid growth and change, and FBA is well positioned to play an integral role in propelling its members forward. My experience in the trenches as a broadband service provider gives me specific experience that will allow me to provide valuable insights. In addition, working with associations across the country on behalf of Calix will allow me to bring concepts and thought leadership that I have seen work and bring value in other associations.
Have you reviewed the Board of Directors’ Responsibilities document, and do you understand what is required?	Yes
Please describe the level of commitment (in terms of time and effort) that you intend to make to the Association during the three-year term.	As a newly elected board member I will commit to putting in the time required to learn, contribute and execute my duties. I recognize that I will have been elected by my peers to represent them as well as myself and my organization. I will commit to being accessible to all members and open to hearing and learning from all perspectives. I know that being an effective board member means being present at meetings and events, being a volunteer, a leader, a listener and a collaborator. I recognize that the commitment requires both in person as well as virtual meetings, Calix is committed to the budget that will be required for travel and engagements required of a board member. I currently serve FBA in speaking/moderating panels, and I look forward to continuing that work in addition to new opportunities that will be available. As a Conference Committee member, I have been committed to meetings, as well as taking on special projects to help develop content and framework for events. Being a part of a committee means bringing your experience, your perspective, as well as the feedback and insights from other members to the table. I would bring this same philosophy to the board. The foundation is strong, as a board member I am committed to the time and effort required to ensure that the Fiber Broadband Association continues its strong growth and mission of advocacy for Fiber Broadband.
Please inform us of any other information, issue, or concern of which the Association should be aware.	NA

Rob Shema (Secretary)

Director of Corporate Development and Govt Affairs - altafiber

Rob Shema is focused on developing new opportunities and relationships for altafiber to continue expanding its fiber footprint beyond the Greater Cincinnati region. In this capacity he creates partnerships with government and private entities that expand altafiber’s service territory. He is extremely active in the grant process at the national, state and local levels.

Shema has been active and involved in the Fiber Broadband Association since 2011 when it was known as the Fiber to the Home Council.

Shema is co-founder of Hoosier Net, a middle-mile fiber network consortium comprised of 18 rural electric cooperative and 17 telephone companies. It is a unique partnership that creates an opportunity to provide middle-mile fiber into the deepest areas of the state of Indiana. And is evidence of what can be accomplished when ISPs of all sizes and types come together to further fiber expansion and connectivity.

Scott Jackson

National Market Manager - Graybar

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	Scott Jackson, Graybar (National Market Manager – Broadband) As National Market Manager for Broadband at Graybar, Scott has been in the broadband industry for over 25 years. His experience includes everything from sales management, to accounting, to business planning, sales strategy and execution. Scott leads the broadband business development planning and strategy at Graybar. His wealth of experience gives Scott a unique perspective to serve network operators and the industry as a whole. Scott has been actively involved with the Fiber Broadband Association since 2006 and has served on the Board of Directors both as an officer and has chair of several committees. He is currently a member of the Board serving as Chair of the Supply Chain Working Group and a Board liaison to the Utility Roundtable and Sustainability committees. At Graybar, Scott is responsible for association relationships with not only the FBA, but National Telecommunications Cooperative Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, National Tribal Telecommunications Association, and Utilities Technology Council, just to name a few. His past roles at Graybar include market and business development manager for Service Provider, Smart Grid and Smart City.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	As a current board member, I represent the Supply Chain. I have a vast amount of experience with the Board itself, through various chairs, member and officer positions, as well as long term industry experience. I have personal working experience in the industry in capacities from accounting, to selling, to business planning and sales execution, and thus have a well-rounded understanding of what the needs of the members are, where the industry has come from, what challenges it faces, and where we are headed into the future. I am excited and engaged, and realize that the future is now, and this Association is changing the world. I look forward to continuing to serve the FBA and the industry as a whole.
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	18
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?	18
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.	FIBER BROADBAND ASSOCIATION (BOARD OF DIRECTORS) Current Board of Director, 2022 – Present Supply Chain Committee Chair, 2022 – Present Board Liaison to Utility Roundtable (2022 – Present) & Sustainability (2023 – Present) Committees Chairman of the Board, 2017 and 2018 Treasurer (Officer Position) 2016 3-year term on board 2015-2018 –President and Full-Time employees directly reported to me as Chairman. –Lead the rebranding of the association –Lead the Executive Search Team to completion –Lead the Third-Party Administration Search and Contract Initiative to completion FIBER BROADBAND ASSOCIATION—LATAM (Latin America) CHAPTER Board of Directors member 2017-2018FIBER OPTIC SENSING ASSOCIATION Board of Directors 2017-2018FIBER-TO-THE-HOME (FTTH) COUNCIL (Predecessor to the Fiber Broadband Association) Board of Directors, Member 2012 – 2015 Corporate Representative 2006 – Present Technology Committee Chair 2008 – 2011 Member, Technology Committee 2007-Present Directed the “FiberZone” (a live interactive network trade exhibit including fiber connectivity to the home) 2010
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	FiberConnect State Office of Broadband Panel – Moderator (2024) Various Speaking Engagements, from Fire Side Chats to Panels – Topics include supply chain, rural broadband, middle mile, state office of broadband development, technology, etc.FBA Supply Chain Whitepapers (2022 & 2023) FBA Supply Chain Group Presentation – Fiber for Breakfast (2022 & 2023)“The Road to 5G is Paved with Fiber” (Contributor) Fiber Broadband Association White Paper 2018Among others.
How many years have you been in your current position?	FBA BoD 3-year term. Graybar National Market Manager – 5 years. Been with Graybar 18 years.
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	Scott Jackson, Graybar (National Market Manager – Broadband) As National Market Manager for Broadband at Graybar, Scott Develops Business Planning and Sales Strategy, leading both to execution. Direct reporting to senior leadership.
What was your previous position?	National Business Development Manager – Smart City / Smart Grid
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	5 years
Do you have experience as a member of a Board of Directors?	Yes
If you answered yes, please provide the entity, the number of years served, and the officer position held.	Planning & Zoning Commissioner, Ward 6, City of Wildwood, Mo. 2020 – Present FIBER BROADBAND ASSOCIATION (BOARD OF DIRECTORS) Current Board of Director, 2022 – Present Chairman of the Board, 2017 and 2018 Treasurer (Officer Position) 2016 3-year term on board 2015-2018 FIBER-TO-THE-HOME (FTTH) COUNCIL Board of Directors, Member 2012 – 2015
The bylaws prohibit convicted felons from serving on the board. Is there any legal impediment that would prevent you from serving on the Board?	No
Is there any legal issue personally of which the Association should be aware?	No
Being a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member requires a considerable time commitment. Please confirm that you have the support of your company if you are elected.	Yes
Please provide a short overview of your experience with telecommunications, fiber optics, and FTTH technologies.	Scott has been in the broadband industry for over 25 years. His experience includes everything from sales management, to accounting, to business planning, sales strategy and execution. He has seen the industry transition from copper plant analog, and digital, to the active and passive fiber technologies today. Scott has been actively involved with the Fiber Broadband Association since 2006 and is his company’s representative with National Telecommunications Cooperative Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, National Tribal Telecommunications Association, and Utilities Technology Council, just to name a few. This provides unique perspectives with a diverse set of fiber networks.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	A summary of my goals is to serve our members representing The Supply Chain, support our next generation of leaders on the board of directors, and grow membership. 1). Enhance the Supply Chain educational content: I represent The Supply Chain area on the board. Members will continue to be provided the best information, mitigation strategies, and best practices to better prepare them for BABA, BEAD and the other various funding and deployment forecasting that will impact the supply chain. This area is critical for our network operator members’ planning and deployment execution strategies. 2). Support Next Generation leadership: The FBA board is changing. Younger leaders are being elected. I commit to support those emerging leaders as I have for the last 3 years. I commit not to hold any officer positions in my next 3 years on the FBA Board. We have to support the new leaders and help them obtain the right experience to lead our industry into the future. My goal is to use my experience and history with the FBA as support to the next generation. 3). Grow FBA membership: I would do this by using my industry connections with the Utilities Technology Council (UTC), National Rural Electric Association (NRECA), American Public Power Association (APPA) and National Tribal Telecommunications Association (NTTA) to grow FBA membership.
Have you reviewed the Board of Directors’ Responsibilities document, and do you understand what is required?	Yes
Please describe the level of commitment (in terms of time and effort) that you intend to make to the Association during the three-year term.	I will continue to serve and represent FBA with the highest level of commitment. Whatever it takes. Currently spend 4 hours on average per week devoted to FBA participation.
Please inform us of any other information, issue, or concern of which the Association should be aware.	N/A

Gregg Logan

VP of Engineering - C Spire

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	Gregg Logan, Vice President of Engineering, Telapex, Inc. (parent of C Spire) Gregg Logan is truly a telecommunications pioneer. He began his career as a part time Central Office Equipment Installer for Huffman Telephone Company of Memphis, TN while still in high school. After attending the University of Mississippi, he joined Franklin Telephone Company, as an equipment installer and central office technician in 1982. Gregg has risen through the ranks and has accomplished several telecommunications milestones throughout the years including the first fiber optic interconnection from an independent telephone company in Mississippi and in 2004 the first Fiber to the Home deployment in Mississippi. During his tenure, Gregg has served in various leadership positions for Telapex, Inc. – the parent company of Franklin – and its affiliates, primarily focused on building out rural wireless markets and directing the development of the company’s fiber optic broadband network that consists of thousands of miles of fiber optic cable throughout Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida. C Spire’s network provides wireless and Internet telecommunication services to its customers, other carriers, Internet Service Providers, universities, government agencies, hospitals and businesses. In 1988, Gregg was one of a team of nine charter C Spire (formerly Cellular South) employees who launched the first cellular wireless network on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and brought wireless service for the first time to many other parts of Mississippi. And, in 2014, as its CTO, Gregg led C Spire’s ground-breaking efforts to deploy 1 Gigabit FTTH services to communities throughout the state of Mississippi. In 2015 Gregg became the VP of Engineering for Telapex where he works on strategic initiatives until moving to his current role, in March 2022, as Senior Vice President and General Manager of both Franklin Telephone Company, Incorporated and Union Springs Telephone Company. Gregg has served on the FBA Board of Directors for two full terms (six years) and completes a partial third term (two years) in December. During this tenure he served as Board Secretary for five years and currently serves as treasurer until the end of this year.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	My experience serving on the FBA board as both secretary and a member of the Finance and Audit Committee along with over 45 years of experience in telecommunications with 37 years involved in fiber communications has prepared me to lead in the great work of the Fiber Broadband Association. I led the first FTTH deployment in Mississippi in 2005 and we have not looked back. Beginning in 1990 I led the first construction and operation of both middle mile fiber network and fiber to the cell tower network. We followed thereafter with FTTH networks having deployed over 10,000 miles of fiber network to date. I have been in the trenches solving the day-to-day issues that come along with building and operating fiber. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to continuing to serve you on the Fiber Broadband Association Board of Directors.
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	11 years
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?	12 years
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.	Board of Directors, Management Committee, Finance and Audit Committee, Board Secretary, Treasurer
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	C Spire has contributed to various studies and white papers, both financially and with content. C Spire is also active with participants in various committees over the years.
How many years have you been in your current position?	11 years in this position with 42.5 years in the same family of companies in various positions
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	I am General Manager of both Franklin Telephone Co. and Union Springs Telephone Co. I also sit on various boards for C Spire supporting activities around the industry.
What was your previous position?	CTO for C Spire
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	3 Years
Do you have experience as a member of a Board of Directors?	Yes
If you answered yes, please provide the entity, the number of years served, and the officer position held.	ATIS – 9 years and continuing Greater Memphis IT Council – 6 years MegaPOP – 20 years Fiber Broadband Association – 8 years
The bylaws prohibit convicted felons from serving on the board. Is there any legal impediment that would prevent you from serving on the Board?	No
Is there any legal issue personally of which the Association should be aware?	No
Being a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member requires a considerable time commitment. Please confirm that you have the support of your company if you are elected.	Yes
Please provide a short overview of your experience with telecommunications, fiber optics, and FTTH technologies.	Gregg Logan, Vice President of Engineering, Telapex, Inc. (parent of C Spire) Gregg Logan is truly a telecommunications pioneer. He began his career as a part time Central Office Equipment Installer for Huffman Telephone Company of Memphis, TN while still in high school. After attending the University of Mississippi, he joined Franklin Telephone Company, as an equipment installer and central office technician in 1982. Gregg has risen through the ranks and has accomplished several telecommunications milestones throughout the years including the first fiber optic interconnection from an independent telephone company in Mississippi and in 2004 the first Fiber to the Home deployment in Mississippi. During his tenure, Gregg has served in various leadership positions for Telapex, Inc. – the parent company of Franklin – and its affiliates, primarily focused on building out rural wireless markets and directing the development of the company’s fiber optic broadband network that consists of thousands of miles of fiber optic cable throughout Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida. C Spire’s network provides wireless and Internet telecommunication services to its customers, other carriers, Internet Service Providers, universities, government agencies, hospitals and businesses. In 1988, Gregg was one of a team of nine charter C Spire (formerly Cellular South) employees who launched the first cellular wireless network on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and brought wireless service for the first time to many other parts of Mississippi. And, in 2014, as its CTO, Gregg led C Spire’s ground-breaking efforts to deploy 1 Gigabit FTTH services to communities throughout the state of Mississippi. In 2015 Gregg became the VP of Engineering for Telapex where he works on strategic initiatives until moving to his current role, in March 2022, as Senior Vice President and General Manager of both Franklin Telephone Company, Incorporated and Union Springs Telephone Company. Gregg has served on the FBA Board of Directors for two full terms (six years) and completes a partial third term (two years) in December. During this tenure he served as Board Secretary for five years and currently serves as treasurer until the end of this year.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	I pledge continued support for the mission of getting fiber internet to as many Americans as possible. I will support the continuation of advocacy at all levels of government in furtherance of our mission. I fully support our efforts of workforce development and training of the workers required to meet this challenge.
Have you reviewed the Board of Directors’ Responsibilities document, and do you understand what is required?	Yes
Please describe the level of commitment (in terms of time and effort) that you intend to make to the Association during the three-year term.	Having years of experience on this board I understand the required commitment of time and resources required fir this board and FBA to be successful. This particular board is the largest board commitment in my experience. All that said I am prepared to spend the required time and effort (several hours per month).
Please inform us of any other information, issue, or concern of which the Association should be aware.	None

Pamela Gillies

VP of Marketing - Harmonic

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	Highly passionate Marketing Executive with 20+ years in global marketing, strategy, business development, operations, brand-building, and digital transformation in public and & private companies. Inspiring, approachable, authentic, creative, and focuses on purpose-driven strategies. ➤ Results-Driven Global Marketing, Revenue, & Operations Expertise • Vast Operational Experience: Experienced in global marketing, strategy, business development, operations, brand-building, and digital transformation in public and & private companies. • Digital Strategy: Developed digital strategies including “Go-to-Market” campaigns, digital conversion, and campaign nurturing. • Leadership: Under operations led project management, product development, software engineering, business development, customer service, internal and external sales teams, and regulatory affairs. ➤ High-Impact Team Building and Leadership • Uses a Servant Leadership style with a mentoring and growth mentality/approach that builds cohesive environments and cultures that actualize goals. • Led global teams including customer service, regulatory affairs, project management, product management/development, software developers, event management, etc. • Strategically builds new teams from the ground up. ➤ Data-Driven Operations and Decision-Making for Continuous Improvement • Optimized Operations: Looks for ways to streamline operations. • Marketing Dashboards: Developed an automated marketing platform and information extracting dashboard which provided information on key customer metrics used to make better business decisions. ➤ Marketing & Product Growth Expertise • Strategy: Developed and marketed digital and web-based products and services including strategies provided to customers to ensure campaign success. • UX Analysis: Analyzes “user experience” data and touchpoints into actionable plans for business growth. • Revenue Strategy: Business planning and go-to-market strategy development for product positioning, including P&L, risk assessment, competitive landscape analysis, customer feedback, promotional planning, etc. ➤ Values Partnerships & Communities • Board Membership: MACTA Board Member & Treasurer. Podcasts: Developed podcasts in Thought Leadership, and on the topic of empowering business professionals, and education of SMBs. • Public Speaking: Speaker/author for employer events, franchisee summits, and marketing innovators groups; facilitates board meetings that help identify and address key issues with the business.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	I started my career in telecommunications and broadband over 20 years ago. Most recently I was with the National Content & Technology Cooperative and now on the Fiber/Video supplier side with Harmonic. I have many great relationships and feel I can help take FBA to the next level.
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	3
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?	5
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.	Supported FBA via NCTC membership campaigns and education.
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	Same as above.
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	Lead all global marketing efforts.
What was your previous position?	VP of Marketing & Communications
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	6
Do you have experience as a member of a Board of Directors?	Yes
If you answered yes, please provide the entity, the number of years served, and the officer position held.	BOD WICT BOD MACTA BOD Legal & Legislative BOD – Chairman Fire Department
The bylaws prohibit convicted felons from serving on the board. Is there any legal impediment that would prevent you from serving on the Board?	No
Is there any legal issue personally of which the Association should be aware?	No
Being a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member requires a considerable time commitment. Please confirm that you have the support of your company if you are elected.	Yes
Please provide a short overview of your experience with telecommunications, fiber optics, and FTTH technologies.	Over 10 years direct experience with telecom, municipalities, co-op companies and direct working relationship with FTTH, Fiber Optics provides on the supplier, hardware and technology R&D side.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	Help FBA take their events, attendance, sponsors and learning & development to the next level.
Have you reviewed the Board of Directors’ Responsibilities document, and do you understand what is required?	Yes
Please describe the level of commitment (in terms of time and effort) that you intend to make to the Association during the three-year term.	I intend to help FBA with as much time and effort as it takes. I am in it to win it.

Jimmy Todd

CEO/General Manager - Nex-Tech

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	With more than 35 years of technology and communications industry knowledge and experience, Jimmy Todd, as the CEO & General Manager for Nex-Tech, has strategically lead the growth, innovation, and diversity of the organization.  Nex-Tech is a cooperative communications and technology company, based in Lenora, Kansas, and was the first company in the nation to bring FTTH technology to a rural telecom exchange. Today, Nex-Tech’s broadband service area is primarily fiber-optic covering over 11,000 square miles across Northwest and Central Kansas. As a highly diversified organization, Nex-Tech has grown to offer technology solutions and business services utilizing a highly-certified Data Center infrastructure and a state-of-the-art Network Operations Center providing remote and on-site technical support, across the United States, as well as internationally. For many years, Jimmy has been actively engaged in supporting advocacy for fiber broadband at the State and National levels serving as a Board/Committee member and holding leadership positions for Kansas Fiber Network, Nex-Tech Wireless, WTA, NTCA, NRTC, FBA, and US Telecom. He was appointed to serve on the FCC’s Task Force for Reviewing Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States at the national level, and has served for gubernatorial appointments on TEAM Kansas and the NG-911 Coordinating Council. Jimmy is a proud, retired veteran after serving 10 years in the US Navy and 11 in the US Army/Army National Guard. His focus today remains the same as it has been since he was introduced to technology, to find ways to use technology to improve the lives of rural communities, businesses and people. Fiber is the foundation for the adoption of technology in our communities across both rural, suburban and urban neighborhoods. In recent years, Jimmy’s involvement with the FBA has been as a member of the Board, Chair of the Precision Ag Committee and serving on the Public Policy Committee. As recent Board Chairman, Jimmy has had the honor of representing FBA around the nation and across the world.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	I believe I can continue to be an excellent Board member for FBA because I have been involved in the organization for the past three years of meteoric growth. I feel that the contribution I bring is a great deal of Board experience, but I couple that experience with a broad knowledge of the industry at it stands today and from a historic perspective of the industry over several decades. In the past three years, I have been working hard to carry the FBA banner, and its message, at the FBA regional meetings across that country, at Fiber Connect, in Washington DC, and in conversations with industry peers. Being a part of the FBA Board is a commitment and requires a dedication to rolling up your sleeves and being involved. I have done this, and I am willing to do more.
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	6
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?	5
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.	I have participated on the FBA: Board and FBA Management Committee for 3 years (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary), Public Policy Committee for 5 years, Education Committee for few years (but recently in a more limited role). I spent a year on the Technical, Deployment and Marketing Committees before bringing key subject matter experts from my Nex-Tech team to these FBA committees. In 2024, I was involved in the launch, and have Co-Chaired, the FBA Precision Ag Committee.
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	In addition to the FBA committee and Board involvement, which includes Fiber Connect, the Regional conferences, regular video conferences, and Board meetings, I have advocated in Washington DC on policy that promotes the importance of fiber infrastructure. I have also participated on a few Fiber For Breakfast episodes with Gary.
How many years have you been in your current position?	10
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	As CEO/General Manager, I am responsible for all aspects of the Nex-Tech organization and subsidiaries from operational/financial performance to culture to advocacy and influence in the industry. For many years, not only do I manage a wonderful organization with an amazing team, but I, also, represent the organization in the communications, broadband and technology industries from which we provide services to local, regional, national, and international customers.
What was your previous position?	President and General Manager at Mutual Telephone Company
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	6
Do you have experience as a member of a Board of Directors?	Yes
If you answered yes, please provide the entity, the number of years served, and the officer position held.	Currently = Kansas Fiber Network – 15 years (Chairman twice, Vice Chair and Secretary), WTA – 8 years (Currently Past President, President, Vice Pres), NRTC – 8 years (Chairman, Vice Chair, Secretary), Nex-Tech Wireless – 10 years (currently Chairman), Fiber Broadband Association – 3 years (Chairman, Vice Chair, Secretary), FBA LATAM – 1 year, FOSA (Fiber Optic Sensing Association), Norton County Hospital – 2 years (Vice President). Formerly = KRITC/KTIA – 6 years (Chairman), LR Communications – 6 years, Oregon Telecommunications Association – 3 years, Holy Rosary Medical Center – 1 year. I am, and have been, on several industry committee, task forces, and advisory boards.
The bylaws prohibit convicted felons from serving on the board. Is there any legal impediment that would prevent you from serving on the Board?	No
Is there any legal issue personally of which the Association should be aware?	No
Being a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member requires a considerable time commitment. Please confirm that you have the support of your company if you are elected.	Yes
Please provide a short overview of your experience with telecommunications, fiber optics, and FTTH technologies.	My telecom career started at Pac Bell/SBC and then moved to US West/Qwest. After my first few years as a technician, I supervised operations crews performing all aspects of service from installation and repair to cable maintenance to engineering to network rehab to special circuits to technical and 911 support. Upon my transition to a small telecom cooperative in Kansas, I was involved in the complete transformation from a copper-based network to a fiber-to-the-premise network. Then, over the past 10 years, I have lead Nex-Tech. Not only does Nex-Tech provide core telecom services in Kansas, but we also provide business/IT/MSP services across the Midwest, and Carrier services (NOC and CALEA) across the United States. While Nex-Tech is primarily a fiber-based company, we have used fixed wireless to edge out and build a customer base to further expand our fiber network and footprint across the state. I was directly involved in the formation of the Kansas Fiber Network and continue to sit on its Board. Nex-Tech is also one of three owners, and I am Board Chairman, of Nex-Tech Wireless which is a Tier 3 mobile wireless service provider. My company provides a significant amount of fiber backhaul for this and other mobile wireless providers across the northwest and central part of Kansas. So, in addition to understanding the necessity of fiber in the distribution and access networks, I am very familiar with its importance in transport and middle mile applications. For 4 years, I was involved with the FCC/USDA Precision Ag Task Force. In this capacity, I have helped to educate and stress the importance of fiber broadband for the future of precision ag technology and rural use cases. In 2024, I was involved with launching a Precision Ag Committee for FBA.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	Continue to grow FBA’s influence on policy related to prioritizing fiber optic networks, to help educate decision-makers at the state and nation levels, to represent FBA amongst my peers, and to recruit more like-minded, fiber-focused companies to join FBA!
Have you reviewed the Board of Directors’ Responsibilities document, and do you understand what is required?	Yes
Please describe the level of commitment (in terms of time and effort) that you intend to make to the Association during the three-year term.	I will continue to be as highly engaged in FBA as I have during my first term on the Board.
Please inform us of any other information, issue, or concern of which the Association should be aware.	I do not have any issues or concerns that the Association should be aware of, and they already know I am a biker whenever I get the chance to get out on the road!