Doug Mohney

Joanne Hovis

President - CTC Technology & Energy

Joanne Hovis is a nationally recognized authority on broadband markets and on the evolving role of public–private partnerships in the provision of communications services to the public. For more than 25 years, she has overseen CTC’s consulting services related to broadband strategic planning, market analysis, and business strategy for localities, states, and tribal governments throughout the country.

Joanne currently leads the CTC teams that provide a range of planning, advisory, and grants management services to states, including Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Wyoming with regard to the BEAD and Digital Equity funding programs, as well as the various broadband programs created by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act.

Joanne has testified on multiple occasions before Congress on rural broadband, broadband public‐private partnerships, and the digital divide, and has provided expert presentations to the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, and other national organizations.

Joanne serves as a member of the boards of directors of the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society and Consumer Reports.

Patrick Jacobi

SVP Telecom NA - Prysmian Group

View Patrick's Nominee Video

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	Patrick Jacobi is the head of Telecom for Prysmian Group North America, which is comprised of both Broadband and Enterprise, Copper and Fiber Optic cables. Patrick began his career in 2003 with a logistics firm based in Chicago, IL before quickly transitioning to the General Motors subsidiary Duramax Diesel. After nearly 6 years, he shifted from the automotive industry to wire and cable joining General Cable in 2009. In 2018, the Prysmian Group acquired General Cable and over the past 13 years with the combined companies, he has held various roles in sourcing, supply chain, plant management and product management leading up to his current position which he assumed in 2021. Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University. He has lived in the Bluegrass State of Kentucky for the better part of the past 13 years with his wife Mary Rose and daughters, Parker and Marley.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	Over the past 3 years as Senior Vice President of Telecom NA for Prysmian I have come up to speed quickly with this dynamic and ever evolving market. I have developed a strong knowledge of the market but being a relative new-comer I still have much to learn. This desire to learn and my historical background in other markets helps me provide an alternative perspective and question the industry norms. I have chaired the Trusted Fiber Working Group and have enjoyed the experience working with the team. This was an opportunity I had not previously had working with other organizations so for this I am grateful and would like the opportunity to pay this back. I have seen the Fiber Broadband Association grow and flourish over past few years and I would like to increase my engagement as a board member to help the organization with continued success.
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	20 plus years
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?	2
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.	I have chaired the Trusted Fiber Working Group for the past 2 years.
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	My organization has supported the FBA with a presentation on Trends in Fiber Cable as well as participating in the annual Fiber Connect show. Myself as well as other Prysmian colleagues have supported the Trusted Fiber, Sustainability, Public Policy, and the Technical working groups. I have done my best when called upon to represent not only my organization but also FBA in Washington, D.C. Notably June 26th, when President Biden announced how the 42.5B of BEAD Funding would be allocated.
How many years have you been in your current position?	3
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	In my current role, I am responsible for leading the North American Telecom Business for the Prysmian Group. The Telecom Business in North America for Prysmian is comprised of Broadband and Enterprise, copper and fiber optic cables. At a high level I am responsible profit and loss and strategic direction of the business. My team is comprised of 75 individuals across multiple functions including sales, technical support, and product management.
What was your previous position?	MMS Business Unit Lead NA
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	2
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.	My experience in the Telecom Industry as noted above is limited to the past 3 years in my current role but given the rapid speed at which the market is developing I have had to learn quickly. Prysmian is the largest Wire and Cable manufacturer in the world, thus my focus has been on the production and sales of Fiber Optic Cable. I have had the opportunity to learn from multiple individuals who have spent their entire careers in the Telecom Industry. This was not only my sales and technical team members but also our production floor team members who help me learn how our product is made from glass to cable. I have also had the opportunity to be on site for installations and trials of our cable. This included the installation of Fiber to the Home at my own personal residence. Prior to this role I probably would have not watched my local ISP conduct my install but this time around I was asking how I could help.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	As board member my primary goal would be to support the vision and mission of the organization, helping to shape the direction of the association and make a lasting impact on its success. We have to continue to be the advocates for closing the digital divide with fiber. Helping to ensure that we take full advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity that the federal funding has provided.
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 noted in the Board Members Responsibilities and Accountabilities document I will at a minimum attend the regular zoom and face-to-face meetings at the defined level. I understand that this minimum level is estimated at 10 hours, but I expect over the course of a year will exceed this. I will continue to support the various working groups, travel to Washington, D.C. when required, represent the organization at public/private events, and attend our annual Fiber Connect conference.

Paul Weintraub

Director of International Business - Superior Essex Communications

View Paul's Nominee Video

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	Paul F. Weintraub is a dynamic leader with over 25 years of expertise in driving global business initiatives, forging strategic partnerships, and crafting innovative engagement strategies in the Information & Communications Technology (ICT) and Broadband sectors. His technical prowess spans across a diverse range of disciplines, including Telecommunications, Data Centers, ELV, ESS Systems, and Sustainability in Technology, with a particular focus on the integral role of infrastructure systems design and implementation. Areas of Expertise: Global Expansion, Strategic Partnerships, Market Development, ICT Infrastructure Design, Telecommunications, Data Centers, ELV, ESS Systems, Sustainability in Technology, Broadband Communications and Infrastructure Nonprofit & Board Leadership: Paul brings his strategic vision to the nonprofit sector, currently serving as the Board Secretary for APOLAN (The Association for Passive Optical LAN) since January 2023. His board experience includes a past role with the Orlando Chapter of Prospanica from January through December 2021. In August 2020, Paul co-founded Fridays@4, a vibrant community that aids association and nonprofit leaders. The organization fosters meaningful connections and skills for career success through peer support, expertise-infused learning, and virtual networking in a welcoming, fun, and supportive environment. As President until October 2022, he championed its mission and played a pivotal role in its growth and outreach. Military Service & Teamwork: A proud US Navy Veteran, Paul’s military service has ingrained in him a strong sense of discipline, dedication, and teamwork. These qualities are evident in his approach to corporate responsibilities and commitment to community engagement. Language Proficiency & Cultural Competence: Fluent in Spanish, Paul effectively communicates and engages with diverse stakeholders in the global business landscape, enhancing his ability to foster international partnerships and cross-cultural understanding. Public Speaking & Industry Leadership: Paul is a sought-after speaker known for captivating industry and association gatherings with insightful discussions on technology solutions, growth initiatives, sustainability, and global expansion strategies. His extensive experience in ICT positions him as a valuable asset in the evolving broadband industry. Academic & Professional Qualifications: Paul holds an MBA in International Business from Rollins College and a rich portfolio of certifications, including RCDD, RTPM, ESS, and ICT Technician designations from the Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI), along with the prestigious Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	My journey with the Fiber Broadband Association began with spearheading Superior Essex’s decision to join this distinguished organization. Additionally, during my tenure as Vice President of Global Development and Support at BICSI, I had the privilege of collaborating with the Fiber Broadband Association’s LATAM chapter on shared speaking engagements. I consider myself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors for several reasons: 1. Deep Industry Involvement: With over a quarter-century of experience in the Information & Communications Technology sectors, I have been deeply entrenched in the industry’s evolution. This extensive background has given me a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies, challenges, and global potential of the Fiber Broadband Industry. 2. Global Perspective: My collaborations with international entities have enriched my global perspective on broadband. My fluency in Spanish has facilitated numerous international alliances, further amplifying my understanding of the industry’s global dynamics. 3. Corporate and Non-Profit Synergy: Having straddled both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, with significant roles at Superior Essex Communications and BICSI, I possess a unique appreciation for the synergies between these realms. My Certified Association Executive designation from ASAE underscores this expertise. 4. Leadership Ethos: My leadership ethos is defined by the discipline and collaborative spirit I gained during my tenure with the US Navy. I am committed to bridging divides, championing important causes, and co-shaping the future of connectivity. 5. Vision for the Future: In this era of convergence between technology and community, the Fiber Broadband Association stands as a pivotal confluence. I believe that as global connectivity continues to expand, the significance of fiber broadband cannot be overstated. Drawing from my corporate and non-profit engagements, like BICSI and Fridays@4, I am uniquely positioned to advance this mission. 6. Commitment to Innovation: I am eager to contribute to the Fiber Broadband Association’s pursuit of global broadband innovations. I aim to collaboratively architect the next chapter in connectivity, bridging the digital divide and fostering transformative changes. In conclusion, I bring a wealth of experience, a global perspective, and a commitment to advancing the Fiber Broadband Association’s mission. I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors and to work in shaping our connected future.
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	Two
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?	Seven
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.	Now our (my) second year of membership with the FBA, I haven’t yet had the opportunity to serve on any committees or working groups in North America or LATAM. Nevertheless, my deep-rooted passion for serving nonprofits and belief in their transformative influence has driven me to apply for a position on the FBA’s Board of Directors. In addition to my aspiration to join the Board, I am enthusiastic about contributing to and serving on FBA committees. I am fully prepared to participate actively and am keen to make a meaningful impact at the board and committee levels. My ultimate aim is to enhance the association’s mission and be a pivotal part of its continued success.
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	Collaborative Events: Facilitated pivotal collaborations between the FBA’s LATAM Chapter and BICSI. This resulted in mutual speaking opportunities, such as the FBA’s active participation at the BICSI Andino Conferences and BICSI presenting at the FBA’s Conference in Lima, Peru. Membership Growth: I played an instrumental role in driving Superior Essex Communications to not only become a member but also actively engage with the FBA across both the LATAM and US chapters. Global Expansion: Advocated for and secured Superior Essex Communications’ membership with the Fiber Connect Council MENA, thereby amplifying our company’s footprint within the global fiber broadband community. Speaking Engagements: I’ve been honored to represent Superior Essex Communications at numerous prestigious events. My upcoming presentation at the Fiber Connect Council MENA’s conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is eagerly anticipated. Additionally, I’ve recently presented at the FBA’s LATAM Chapter Fiber Connect events in cities such as Bogota, Colombia; Santiago, Chile; and Mexico City, Mexico, where I imparted key insights and shared our advancements in the industry. Exhibition: We are gearing up to showcase at the imminent Fiber Connect Council MENA conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This comes after our successful exhibitions at Fiber Connect events in locations like Bogota, Colombia; Santiago, Chile; Kissimmee, FL; and Mexico City, Mexico, where we highlighted our company’s cutting-edge innovations and solutions.
How many years have you been in your current position?	2 years, 6 months
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	As the Director of International Business at Superior Essex Communications, I architect and implement our global strategies within the fiber broadband and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) landscapes. My primary goal: elevate our brand’s stature and foster growth across these pivotal sectors. My MBA in International Business, combined with over 25 years of multifaceted leadership in sales, business development, and program management, equips me with a profound understanding of the intricacies and opportunities within both the fiber broadband and ICT industries. This expertise is further reinforced by my BICSI RCDD certification. Central to my role is orchestrating our international endeavors, ensuring we carve out a prominent niche in markets worldwide, harnessing the transformative power of fiber broadband and leveraging the dynamism of the ICT sector. This often involves intensive travel to ensure our initiatives are effectively localized and integrated. My daily responsibilities span a broad spectrum: • Mentoring: I nurture our international team, ensuring they adeptly articulate the benefits of our offerings within both the fiber broadband and ICT ecosystems. • Partnerships & Collaborations: Building synergistic collaborations with industry stalwarts, I aim to devise and deploy comprehensive solutions that cater to the diverse needs of these sectors. • Market Intelligence: Keeping a pulse on global trends and shifts within the fiber broadband and ICT realms, I extract insights that inform and refine our strategic direction, always ensuring we’re a step ahead. • Representation: I serve as the face of our company at major industry events, orchestrate recruitment endeavors, liaise with internal teams for product advancement, and map out strategic territorial engagements. Driven by passion and expertise, I am committed to positioning Superior Essex Communications at the forefront of the fiber broadband and ICT revolutions, advocating for the transformative potential of interconnected digital infrastructures globally.
What was your previous position?	Vice President of Global Development at The Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI)
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	9 years, 9 months
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.	1. APOLAN (Association for Passive Optical LAN) Position: Board Secretary Tenure: January 2023 – Present2. Prospanica – Orlando Chapter Position: Board Member Tenure: January 2021 – December 20213. Fridays@4 Society (a registered 501(c)3 organization) Position: Co-founder & President Tenure: August 2020 – October 2022
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 bring over 25 years of leadership experience in sales, business development, and program management within the telecommunications and ICT sectors, both in the US and abroad. As the Director of International Business, I have been at the forefront of leading our company’s international strategies, focusing on the deployment and management of broadband and fiber optic solutions. My deep involvement in these sectors is further evidenced by my BICSI RCDD certification and other notable ICT/ELV industry credentials. Additionally, I have actively contributed to the Fiber Broadband Association, both in the LATAM and US chapters, enhancing collaborations, and participating as a speaker at multiple events. My extensive travel and active role in global ventures have allowed me to gain hands-on experience with FTTH technologies and their deployment in various international markets. Furthermore, my current and past positions on several boards, including APOLAN, have provided me with a strategic perspective on the advancements and challenges in the fiber optics and telecommunications sectors. This blend of leadership, strategic involvement, and on-ground experience positions me as a seasoned professional in the field of telecommunications and fiber optics.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	1. Enhance Global Collaboration: Drawing from my international business experience and involvement in both the LATAM and US chapters of the FBA, I aim to foster stronger ties and collaboration between the regional chapters, ensuring that knowledge, best practices, and innovations are shared seamlessly. 2. Drive Membership Growth: I would like to replicate the success I’ve had with driving Superior Essex Communications’ membership in the FBA and Fiber Connect Council MENA by crafting initiatives to attract and retain members, thus strengthening the Association’s community. 3. Educational Initiatives: Leveraging my experience as a speaker at various FBA events, I’m keen to enhance the FBA’s educational and training offerings, ensuring that members are up-to-date with the latest in FTTH technologies and business strategies. 4. Promote ICT Integration: Recognizing the convergence of telecommunications, fiber optics, and broader ICT solutions, I aim to make the FBA a nexus for these intersecting domains, allowing for more holistic solution development and market approaches. 5. Strengthen Industry Partnerships: By capitalizing on my past collaborations and partnerships, I hope to forge stronger ties with key stakeholders, manufacturers, and service providers in the fiber broadband ecosystem, thereby increasing the Association’s influence and reach. 6. Support Nonprofits & Social Impact: With a personal passion for serving nonprofits, I’d like to explore opportunities where the FBA can drive social impact, be it through digital inclusion initiatives, community projects, or collaborations with charitable entities. In essence, my primary objective is to harness my depth of experience and passion for the industry to advance the mission of the FBA, ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation, collaboration, and growth in the fiber broadband sector.
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.	During the three-year term as a Fiber Broadband Association Board Member, I am fully committed to dedicating a substantial amount of time and effort to the Association. My commitment encompasses active engagement and participation in various aspects of the Association’s activities, including: 1. Board Meetings: I will attend all Board meetings, both virtual (Zoom) conference calls and face-to-face meetings, with the objective of achieving 100% attendance at face-to-face meetings and maintaining a 75% attendance rate for virtual calls. 2. Travel: I will travel as required for Board meetings, regional meetings, the Annual Conference & Expo, and any other speaking engagements or meetings associated with Board membership, all on my member company’s budget. 3. Committee Liaison: I will actively serve as a Board liaison with one of the Fiber Broadband Association’s committees, which involves preparation time and participation in committee conference calls. 4. Preparation: I will invest approximately 2 hours in preparation for each Board meeting, which includes reviewing financial documents, contracts, strategic plans, and conference plans. 5. Professional Conduct: I will consistently interact in a professional manner with all Board members, FBA staff, and members, serving as an example of professional conduct throughout my tenure. 6. Representation: I will represent the views of the Fiber Broadband Association in all public arenas when representing the Association, aligning my actions with the Association’s positions, regardless of any personal opinions or conflicts. 7. Anti-Trust Guidelines: I will adhere to the Association’s Anti-Trust Guidelines at all times. Throughout the three-year term, I will uphold the highest standards of dedication and professionalism, actively contributing to the Association’s mission and goals, and ensuring its continued growth and success in advancing the fiber broadband industry.
Please inform us of any other information, issue, or concern of which the Association should be aware.	I would like to bring to the Association’s attention my strong commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the fiber broadband industry. In my role as a member of the Board of Directors, I believe it is crucial for the Fiber Broadband Association to actively engage in initiatives that foster a more inclusive environment, both within the Association itself and in the broader industry. Diversity of perspectives and backgrounds is a catalyst for innovation and progress, and I am dedicated to advocating for programs and policies that ensure equal opportunities and representation for all individuals in our field. As a Board Member, I am eager to contribute to discussions and initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to advance these important principles within the Association and the fiber broadband industry as a whole.

Heather Burnett Gold

VP, External Affairs - Mears Broadband

View Heather's Nominee Video

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	Heather Burnett Gold is the Vice President, External Affairs for the Mears Broadband, a fiber construction contractor. In this role I am responsible for raising the visibility of Mears Broadband throughout the industry including to key public stakeholders. I have been passionate about enabling fiber deployment to un/underserved entities for over twenty years. I first advocated policies to bring higher bandwidth accessibility to small and medium businesses and then transitioned to fiber to the home when I became CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association in 2011. I believe strongly that an individual’s zip code should not determine his/her access to advanced healthcare, education or the global economy. Prior to joining the Mears Broadband, I served as the CEO of HBG Strategies, a consultancy engaged in fiber broadband education and marketing targeted to enable fiber deployment among underserved communities. A thirty-year plus industry veteran, I served as the President/CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association from 2011 – 2018, where I led its public policy efforts and the rebranding of the Association. Prior to that I was the SVP of External Affairs and Access Management for XO Communications. I hold BA (magna cum laude) and MA degrees in Economics from Tufts University and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Washington University in St. Louis. I also completed the General Management Program of the Harvard Business School. I was honored by the Washington Business Journal as one of its 2010 Women Who Mean Business and was recognized by Fierce Telecom as one of its Women in Wireline for 2013.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	As a former CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, I am intimately familiar with what makes a good and effective Board. The primary role of the Board is to set the strategic direction for the Association and then support the staff as they operationalize that vision. I have also served in numerous organizations as a senior executive, so I am familiar with how an effective staff operates and their support requirements.
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	Two years
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?	Ten years
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.	Public Policy – 2 years plus 8 years as CEO – member Conference Committee 2 years plus 8 years as CEO – Assist with program development and managing the flow at regional events.
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	1. Developed and implemented the Fiber Broadband Community Toolkit – now known as Fiber Broadband Toolkit 2. Led the major rebranding of the Association from the FTTH Council North America to the Fiber Broadband Association 3. Developed and implemented an annual Strategic Planning process for the Board of Directors.
How many years have you been in your current position?	18 months
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	I am responsible for marketing, public relations and for interpreting the business opportunities resulting from regulatory and policy changes.
What was your previous position?	CEO, HBG Strategies
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	4 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.	Aeroprobe – Board of Directors 2010 to 2013 (member, small woman owned high tech firm) Commonwealth of Virginia Broadband Advisory Committee 2007-2008. Subcommittee co-chair, Community Outreach Developed an online toolkit, known as “Fiber in a Box” Lead Virginia – Civic organization engaged in developing social capital across the Commonwealth of Virginia — 2007-2018 2007-2012, Chair of Scholarship Committee and member – Compensation Committee 2013-2015, Executive Committee, Secretary 2016-2018, Chair of Alumni Engagement and Executive Committee
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 been in telecommunications since 1994. My first jobs were in the nascent competitive long-distance industry, working in the areas of finance and public policy. During that period, I represented the first nationwide fiber long distance company, SPRINT. I worked for companies and then ran the trade association that represented CLECs (competitive local exchange carriers) as they both opened the local market to competition and heavily deployed fiber optics across the country. I then spent 8 years with the Fiber Broadband Association, advocating for measures that would make it easier to build and operate fiber to the home networks. I continued this effort during Covid and the realization of most of the country that fiber to the home is now an essential utility. In my current job, I have come to understand what it actually takes to get fiber out to communities in terms of building the physical infrastructure.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	I have seen the tremendous leadership role that Fiber Broadband has assumed over the last four years and the fabulous growth that resulted from that leadership. I would like to be able to support this effort because I believe that FBA is the best situated organization to ensure that the promises of the massive amounts of federal funding being allocated to FTTH are deployed in the most beneficial manner to the communities that need these resources most. I would like the Association to continue to be perceived in this leading role and build further on its successes. Further, I think my experience as the former CEO permits me to understand how to best serve as an effective and supportive Board member.
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 expect to be available for any and all Board meetings (in person and virtually) and to serve as a Board liaison to an FBA Committee (participating in the committee meetings and supporting them as needed). I also expect to participate in regular phone calls as required for Board actions. I would expect to be present at all Association regional events as well as the Fiber Connect and assist as needed either as a moderator, a speaker or a “traffic cop”. My vision is to enable the Association to again double in the next 3 years.
Please inform us of any other information, issue, or concern of which the Association should be aware.	none

Daniel Romer

VP of Sales, Americas - STL

View Daniel's Nominee Video

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.	My name is Daniel Romer and I am the VP of Sales at STL. Together with my wife and energetic two young boys I live in Columbia, SC, right in the heart of all things fiber and cable! Since joining this industry in 2014 I have been involved in selling over 1 billion dollars worth of optical fiber cable and have been working hard to help promote fiber based broadband. I personally believe that if it is not fiber, it is not broadband! The FBA promotes this like no other organization and I would love to lend my experience, time, and efforts to help the organization spread that message even wider and more effectively.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association.	I am passionate about promoting fiber based broadband to all consumers and have been working for nearly 10 years to make sure that service providers have the right products to expand and upgrades their networks as quickly as possible. I have an appetite to learn and still learn new things daily in this ever changing industry. I believe that I can be of service to the FBA by bringing a fresh perspective from a manufacturer’s point of view with direct inputs from many different customers across the market. I will pledge my time and efforts to helping the FBA in any way needed and will spend 3 years promoting the FBA’s mission where necessary. I have spent the last 4 years of my career with STL where we have been able to fill a large void in the market that was created by a surge in demand and a broken existing supply chain that could not grow fast enough. Through agility and understanding current market needs we were able to deliver additional tens of millions feet of fiber into an environment desperate for growing and improving networks. All of this was driven by the understood need to connect the next 50% of America to reliable broadband service. Over the past 3 years we have seen major improvements in the home passed and homes connected in the US. However, I believe that we still have a long way to go until we reach that goal of 100% connectivity for all American households. The FBA has been instrumental in getting new legislation created and large public broadband funds established. Now it is time to make sure the rollouts happen smoothly, the recipients understand the requirements put on them, and help guide this process. I believe that I can help facilitate that and keep promoting the need to better and future-proof networks.
How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?	3
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.	I have been a member of the Public Policy committee for the past year.
Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)	As STL we have been an exhibiting vendor at the Fiberconnect shows, and I have been a speaker during some of the shows and breakout sessions.
How many years have you been in your current position?	2
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities.	I lead the sales team in the United States and Canada for STL. My team covers the entire continent and is focused on providing optical fiber cable to service providers throughout the industry. We work together with large Tier 1 carriers as well as small rural telephone companies and part of my role is to make sure we protect the best interest of the consumer. I believe it is important in today’s landscape to focus especially on some of the smaller providers that have been overlooked in the past. These are the companies that are digging ditches and climbing poles in rural America to do the work that has been happened in the past 25 years. In my role I have been involved since day 1 for STL to build up our North American presence, which included the opening of our brand new factory in South Carolina. I believe in the emphasis that is placed on bringing the supply chain, and as many jobs as possible, back to the US.
What was your previous position?	Tier 1 Account Manager
How many years did you hold your previous position for?	2
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 been working for manufacturer of optical fiber cable for the past 10 years. Through this experience I am intimately familiar with how the most important part of the network is produced, functions, and needs to be treated. This also has exposed me to detailed knowledge of some of the biggest bottlenecks that this industry has had to face when it comes to fiber supply. The projected increased demand that BEAD will drive, on top of already historical demand, will surely lead to another market cycle of undersupply. I think that I can bring a lot of those insights to the FBA to help understand some of the challenges and help educate the companies we serve.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.	I would like to a part of a team that helps drive this industry closer to passing every household in the USA. President Biden has stated that he wants 100% homes passed by 3030, so I would like to be able to say that in 2027 we are 80% of the way there. I think the FBA can be instrumental in helping to remove some roadblocks for the providers and help educate on how best to navigate complicated processes. I would like to be at the forefront of that and be a resource to anyone who is looking for help and guidance. I also have witnessed amazing growth year over year of the Fiberconnect expo over the past 3 years. Despite this success I am sure that there is more growth possible and would like to contribute to making sure that Fiberconnect establishes itself as the best and most valuable Telecom show in the 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 am extremely competitive and always work very hard to reach the goals that are set for me and I set for myself. If I am elected a Board Member for the FBA, I will commit whatever time it will take for me to make an impact and do what is expected of me. I am used to traveling a lot in my current role and have learned to be flexible when it comes to my schedule and working around important projects that take a lot of time. I will have no problem spending time and effort pushing the Association forward.
Please inform us of any other information, issue, or concern of which the Association should be aware.	None

Fiber Day on the Hill

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2023 FBA Premier Members Meeting

FBA Premier Members! Join us for the annual Premier Members Meeting in Palm Springs, California.

Schedule of Events:

Monday, December 4 – Networking Activities (optional – estimated start times in parentheses below)

- Golfing (7:00 am)
- BMW Racetrack Event (10:30 am)
- Aerial Tram & Scenic Chino Canyon Experience (10:30 am)
- Jeep Tour of the San Andreas Fault (10:30 am)
- Air Museum & Plane Tour (10:30 am)
- Cooking Class with Tequila Pairing (11:30 am)

Activities are first-come, first-served until an activity/s reach maximum capacity. Transportation to and from each activity is included, if applicable.

Monday, December 4 – Welcome Reception at 5:30 pm followed by Dinner at 6 pm

Tuesday, December 5 – Meeting from 8 am – 5 pm

The first representative attends at no cost (hotel and transportation on own). 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 $750.

Questions about the Premier Member Meeting or how to become an FBA Premier Member? Please contact Jennifer Vassil, Manager, Membership, Administration & Operations at FBA, at jvassil@fiberbroadband.org.

Broadband Infrastructure Playbook 3.0: All Modules

Since early 2022, NTCA and FBA have collaborated to help state broadband offices and interested stakeholders prepare for funding from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program in ways that will have meaningful and lasting impacts. As states develop their plans for the distribution of BEAD funding, NTCA and FBA have released a series of Playbook 3.0 modules providing deeper dives into key aspects of what states will need to tackle in their initial proposals. Below you will find all published modules to date.

Broadband Infrastructure Playbook 3.0: Module 1 - Permitting

The Rural Broadband Association and the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) have released the first module from the new “Playbook 3.0,” the latest iteration of the joint “Broadband Infrastructure Playbook.” The first module is dedicated to permitting and will be followed by other modules that will address issues like cybersecurity, supply chain risk management, and broadband coverage challenge processes.

Access

Broadband Infrastructure Playbook 3.0: Module 2 - Extremely High Cost Threshold

The Rural Broadband Association and the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) have released the second module from the new “Playbook 3.0,” the latest iteration of the joint “Broadband Infrastructure Playbook.” This module covers “Extremely High Cost Threshold” (EHCT) and how to determine whether to deploy fiber to locations in the hardest-to-reach places.

Access

Broadband Infrastructure Playbook 3.0: Module 3 - Challenge Process

The Rural Broadband Association and the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) have released the third module from the new “Playbook 3.0,” the latest iteration of the joint “Broadband Infrastructure Playbook.” This module covers how to approach improvements to the accuracy of the National Broadband Map through additional challenge processes.

Access

Broadband Infrastructure Playbook 3.0: Module 4 - Cyber Security and Supply Chain Risk Management

In this Playbook 3.0 module, we summarize the NOFO’s cybersecurity and supply chain risk management baseline requirements and provide recommendations on how states and territories can work with prospective subgrantees to address these requirements. These include simple steps to provide potential subgrantees with educational materials related to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework as well as recommendations for how to develop a safe and secure process for collecting copies of subgrantee plans since they may likely contain confidential information.

Access

2023 Third Quarter Results

October 2, 2023

Dear FBA Members,

In the third quarter of 2023, the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) team delivered its 11th consecutive quarter of revenue and membership growth. As of the end of August, our year-to-date revenue had a 40% favorable variance to budget and grew 49% year-over-year, while we carefully managed expenses to within 5% of budget. FBA’s membership has grown 108% over the past three years and we have added over 50 net new member companies since our Premier Members’ meeting last December, with service providers representing 51% of total member companies. We are excited to report that we have added 25 Federally Recognized Tribal Organizations as members in 2023. FBA’s Latin America (LATAM) chapter has grown 18% year-over-year and is on track to be cashflow positive for the year. While the Association’s financial metrics are important to ensure the overall health and stability of the organization, I am most pleased with FBA’s progress in advancing FBA’s mission to accelerate the deployment of fiber broadband networks as a means to ensure digital equity and enable every community to leverage the economic and societal benefits that only fiber can deliver.

During the quarter, our Public Policy committee, under the leadership of Marissa Mitrovich, launched a series of new modules for FBA’s Broadband Infrastructure Playbook to assist state broadband offices as they further develop their policies for the $42.45B Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) infrastructure funding administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). FBA published (or plans to publish) six “Playbook 3.0” modules on the following topics: Permitting, Extremely High-Cost Threshold, Challenge Process, Cybersecurity/Supply Chain, Matching/Scoring, and Reporting. These Playbook 3.0 modules are fundamental to key elements of each state’s BEAD funding implementation plan, and we want to ensure that each state broadband office gets these critical policy elements right. In addition, FBA has been working closely with NTIA and our members on the Build America, Buy America (BABA) waiver policies and we filed formal comments with NTIA on September 21, to share our views on how to improve the waiver to enable greater industry participation and ensure BEAD deadlines and timelines can be met. The Public Policy team is also actively engaging with Congress on policy priorities and supporting key legislation, such as the recently introduced, bipartisan CLOSE THE GAP Act that would streamline permitting reform. Our team is also advocating for the importance of continuing to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for broadband subsidies for low-income subscribers, among other key efforts to accelerate fiber deployment.

The Fiber Broadband Association’s research efforts have produced a number of new studies, reports, and tools over the quarter, including the following:

“The Status of U.S. Broadband: The Growing Preference to Fiber Broadband” (FBA/RVA) that reveals fiber broadband is considered the best internet service delivery method in terms of speed and reliability among 63% of all U.S. consumers, including 54% of cable users.
“BEAD High Cost Threshold Model” (FBA/Cartesian) that provides the model each state broadband office can use to maximize fiber deployment in their state while ensuring everyone is connected to high-speed broadband.
“Status of FTTH Product Inventory Levels In The U.S.” (FBA/RVA) reveals that we are getting close to normal levels for some product categories such as terminals/enclosures, splitters, and getting fairly close for conduit. Fiber cable and electronics may still have a few months to go before inventories are normalized.

FBA held its annual Fiber Connect 2023 conference, August 20-23 in Orlando, breaking all records from our previous years’ events. Our attendance grew 31% over the previous year and the event had over 225 speakers, five pre-conference workshops, seven educational session breakout tracks, and Tech Deep Dives with the Broadband Forum. We were extremely pleased with attendance and content at The State Broadband Summit, held on the final day, and the outcome of our inaugural C-Suite Forum, held on August 21. The highlights of the main stage general sessions were the five Operator Light Talks, which included talks from the president of AT&T, CEO of Google Fiber, EBP’s Quantum Networking discussion, Lumos’ discussion on digital equity, and Consolidated Communications president of consumer and SMB’s discussion on rural communities. While Fiber Connect 2023 concluded a few short weeks ago, FBA’s conference committee is already working diligently on Fiber Connect 2024 which will be held in Nashville on July 28-31. Our exhibit floor is already nearly sold out for 2024 and it will be our largest expo hall yet.

On the Regional Fiber Connect workshop front, we will be holding our final event for 2023 in Minneapolis on October 24. Registration for Minneapolis is on track to surpass all our previous regional events. For 2024, we will bring our regional workshops to five new cities, including: Richmond, VA, in February; Little Rock, AR, in April; Park City, UT, in June; Des Moines, IA, in September; and Albuquerque, NM, in November. Unlike our large Fiber Connect annual conference, Regional Fiber Connect attendees are generally not familiar with FBA and it is their first FBA event. This provides a great opportunity for FBA and our sponsors to engage with these attendees who are seeking to learn about fiber broadband and how to connect their communities.

Our LATAM Chapter will be holding the second of two Fiber Connect LATAM conferences in Mexico City on October 10th and 11th. The two-day event expects over 500 registrants and will be followed by two days of training and certification programs.

I am pleased to announce that we added three new members to the FBA staff during this quarter. Please join me in welcoming Todd Jackson, Skyeler McGuire, and David Norris. Todd came to us from Lit Communities and joined the team at the end of June to serve as the Workforce Development Director. In this role, he will be working closely with Deborah Kish and Mark Boxer. Skyeler joins us from Northrup Gruman and joined the team in September as Marketing Specialist to work with Nadir Noon on marketing and the website. David Norris, our most recent addition, will report to Jennifer Vassil and serve as our Webinar Producer and Virtual Event Operations Manager. David comes to us from ON24 and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise on virtual event execution and management.

To ensure our continued success, the Fiber Broadband Association has been focused on the following key initiatives:

Fiber is critical infrastructure
- This is not about meeting minimum or good enough speeds.
  It is all about building out the critical broadband infrastructure for generations to come.
Accelerating deployment
- Speed of deployment is our friend. Anything that slows down our efforts will result in driving up cost and inefficiencies.
- Streamlining permitting and locates is paramount.
- Taking actions to prevent supply chain disruption.
Protect our nation’s critical broadband infrastructure
- This summer, FBA completed its Trusted Fiber 1.0 whitepaper, and we are working with policymakers to socialize these important ideas that will play a key role in protecting our nation’s critical broadband infrastructure networks.
Workforce Development
- FBA developed a Broadband Workforce Development Guidebook that was distributed to every state broadband office and workforce development office across the nation; and to-date we hosted over a dozen “Train the Trainer” sessions to help communities launch their own programs.
- FBA is continuing to roll out our Optical Telecom Installer Certification (OpTIC Path™) fiber technician training program to community colleges and learning institutions in every state in the nation.
Adoption and Affordability
- As we connect homes across the nation with fiber, we must ensure everyone is able to participate in our digital future.

As we close the third quarter, the following is our progress against our 3Q 2023 goals:

Execute a record Fiber Connect 2023 in Orlando on August 20 – 23.
- FBA’s annual conference was the largest fiber broadband event in the world this year with around 4,000 registrants. The content, speakers, and exhibition hall were the best in Association history.
Promote our Fiber Workforce Development Guidebook in every state in the nation and influence each state’s workforce development plan to include fiber optic technician training.
- FBA issued our Fiber Workforce Development Guidebook in 2Q and we distributed it to every state broadband and workforce development office in the nation. NTIA identified our Guidebook as an industry best practice and it has become a critical resource as each state submits their five-year plan and initial BEAD proposals to NTIA.
Continue to ramp and scale our OpTIC Path fiber technician training program nationwide.
- FBA is currently engaged with 39 states and 108 training institutions across the nation. The job placement rate for students completing our OpTIC Path training program is currently at 73%.
Continue to significantly elevate FBA’s public policy impact on Capitol Hill, the Administration, and key agencies.
- FBA’s public policy committee has grown to 107 members, doubling in size over 2023, and has been extremely active: filing comments on September 21 for NTIA’s BABA waiver, the bipartisan introduction of the CLOSE THE GAP Act to streamline permitting, advocating for continued funding for the ACP administered by the Federal Communications Commission, and numerous other policy matters to accelerate fiber broadband deployment, affordability, and adoption.
- FBA also added Wiley Rein’s Crystal Tully, formerly Deputy Staff Director for the Senate Commerce Committee under the leadership of then Ranking Member Senator Wicker (R-MS) and Shawn Chang, telecom veteran and former Chief Counsel to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology under the leadership of then Ranking Member Eshoo (D-CA), as advocacy partners.
Continue to develop our state advocacy and leverage our Fiber Day messaging and assets at the state level.
- FBA added a State Policy working group, chaired by Trent Fellers (Windstream) to coordinate on state advocacy issues.
Continue to diversify the Association’s revenue.
- Three years ago, FBA’s revenue was largely 70% conference and 30% membership dues. Despite record conference and membership revenue growth, our current revenue contributions are 59% from the annual conference, 20% from membership dues, and new revenue streams are contributing 21%.

Our goals for 4Q are the following:

Develop FBA’s 5-year plan during our 4Q board strategy retreat.
Exceed our success targets for our final 2023 Regional Fiber Connect event in Minneapolis on October 24.
Execute the best Premier Member meeting in Association history in Palm Springs on December 5-6.
Achieve material progress in ramping up our OpTIC Path training program nationwide.
Deliver a new annual Fiber Deployment Cost study.
Continue to significantly elevate FBA’s public policy impact on Capitol Hill, the Administration, and key agencies.
Improve staff efficiency in the execution of our educational outreach, which includes over 100 webinars and Fiber for Breakfast sessions annually.

As we head into the final quarter of 2023, FBA could not be better positioned to execute on our mission, benefiting generations to come. Our Association will continue to focus on advocacy, education, and industry best practices to ensure we maximize this historic opportunity. As our nation invests in building the broadband infrastructure for our future, we are truly grateful for the tremendous support we have received from our board, our amazing staff, and our strategic partners, as well as our committee and working group leaders and volunteers. Without their unwavering dedication, our continued success would not have been possible.

I look forward to seeing our members and new friends in Mexico City, October 10th and 11th, at our regional event in Minneapolis on October 24th, at our Premier Members meeting in Palm Springs, December 4th and 5th, or at the numerous other industry events that FBA attends. You can also reach me 24/7 on my cell phone (listed below) or by email if I or anyone on my staff can help you and your company accelerate the deployment of fiber. When Fiber Leads, The Future Follows…

Sincerely,

Gary Bolton
President and CEO
Fiber Broadband Association
(919) 349-1025
gbolton@fiberbroadband.org

Fiber for Breakfast 2023 Week 38 – Quantum Technology – What It Is and Why It Will (Soon) Matter

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