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Chad Johnston

Head of Strategy - Hexatronic

 

 

Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you. I am a seasoned telecommunications expert with extensive experience in network architecture, building communications infrastructure, and fiber deployment. Throughout my career, I’ve demonstrated strong leadership in operational planning and growth, guiding teams to achieve ambitious goals in telecom and fiber optic deployment projects. I hold two U.S. patents for fiber optic deployment methods and have held senior roles at companies like Fidelity Communications, Charter Communications, Google Fiber, Ting Fiber, and Hexatronic US. My expertise spans telecommunications engineering, BSP market launches, and technology integration, with a focus on transforming fiber deployment methods through innovative solutions. I am also a proud U.S. Army veteran.
Please explain why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors of the Fiber Broadband Association. I would be an outstanding candidate for a board seat with the Fiber Broadband Association due to my extensive expertise and leadership in the fiber broadband and telecommunications industry. Here’s why:

– Deep Industry Experience: I’ve held senior roles at top telecom companies, including Google Fiber, Ting Fiber, and Charter Communications, where I led large-scale fiber deployment and infrastructure projects. My extensive and diverse expertise in engineering, BSP market launches, and fiber optic deployment methods would bring a wealth of knowledge to the board. In turn, I am eager to pass on this knowledge to be utilized constructively and for the greater good of the fiber industry.

– Proven Leadership and Vision: As a visionary leader, I have successfully spearheaded teams in planning, engineering, design, and construction across nationwide. My ability to create strategic paths for market expansion, M&A, and technology integration enables me to provide high-level guidance and direction to the Fiber Broadband Association.

– Innovator with Patents: I hold two U.S. patents for fiber optic deployment methods, underscoring my ability to drive innovation within the industry and specifically in the area in need of the most help today – deployment. This expertise in advancing fiber technologies aligns well with the Fiber Broadband Association’s mission of promoting high-quality fiber broadband solutions.

– Strong Industry Relationships: Throughout my career, I’ve cultivated strong relationships with material and construction vendors, city officials, and strategic consultants in the telecom industry. My ability to negotiate and form partnerships with key stakeholders would be valuable in expanding the association’s influence and collaboration efforts.

– Consultative Expertise: My consulting experience with FTTH startups and acquisition-focused companies gives me a unique perspective, as I understand both the technical and financial aspects of fiber broadband growth. Assisting companies in crafting deployment plans and managing complex projects has equipped me to help shape industry standards and policies at the Fiber Broadband Association.

– Industry Board & Committee Experience: I currently serve on multiple committees within the Fiber Broadband Association, giving me a solid understanding of the organization’s goals and challenges. This involvement allows for a seamless transition into a leadership role on the board. I have also served on other leading industry boards.

With my combination of technical expertise, leadership experience, industry relationships, and commitment to innovation, I am well-positioned to bring valuable insights and drive to the Fiber Broadband Association Board of Directors.

How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member? 7 years, Premier member for 3 years
How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities? ~15 years
Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served. Deployment Committee, member, < 1 year

Technology Committee, member, < 1 year

Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.) I have been supporting FBA events, Fiber Connect and webinars over the years by attending and supporting the events.

I presented a webinar this year, “The Pros and Cons of Network Architecture”. This webinar is ranked in the Top 10 for registrations and attendance, with an above average survey rating.

How many years have you been in your current position? 1
Describe your current job and functional responsibilities. In my role, I focus on creating and executing strategic initiatives for Hexatronic US, driving growth and expansion through innovative fiber deployment strategies and strong industry partnerships. I work closely with deployment teams and external partners to build strategic relationships that optimize fiber infrastructure deployment, reducing Capex and ensuring efficient, scalable solutions.

I also lead efforts in product innovation, collaborating across departments to align product offerings with market demands and technological advancements. Communication strategies are central to my approach, as I ensure clear, impactful messaging to stakeholders, clients, and internal teams.

Building partnerships is another key responsibility, and I actively engage with industry leaders, vendors, and fiber infrastructure builders to form alliances that support fiber expansion and operational goals. I also collaborate with private equity firms and TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications) consulting firms to leverage their insights and resources, driving both organic and acquisition-based growth. In addition, I play a key role in identifying and assessing acquisition opportunities that align with our strategic vision, adding value to the organization and positioning us as a leader in the fiber industry.

What was your previous position? Telecom Consultant & Chief Operating Officer
How many years did you hold your previous position for? 2
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. SCTE Gateway Chapter, 3 years, Director (working board member)
Montessori School, 6 years, Vice President, Treasurer, Director
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 am an experienced leader in the telecommunications and fiber optics industry, specializing in Fiber to the Home (FTTH) technologies. In senior roles at companies like Google Fiber, Ting Fiber, and Charter Communications, I have overseen large-scale fiber deployments, developed new network architectures, and executed successful market launches across the U.S. I bring deep expertise in the areas of OSP engineering, system design, construction, and hold two U.S. patents for innovative fiber optic deployment methods. I have assisted in the development of new fiber optic deployment products with many of the top material vendors within the fiber optic industry. I’ve also consulted with FTTH startups, helping them develop comprehensive deployment plans and secure major funding for fiber expansion projects.
Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member. As a Board Member of the Fiber Broadband Association, I would prioritize two key goals:

1. Promoting Fiber Infrastructure Expansion: My primary goal would be to advocate for widespread adoption and deployment of fiber broadband infrastructure across underserved and urban areas. This would involve collaborating with policymakers, industry leaders, and technology innovators to create a supportive environment for investment in fiber networks while addressing regulatory challenges and ensuring scalability.

2. Advancing Industry Standards and Innovation: Another critical goal would be to drive the development and implementation of industry standards that ensure high-quality, cost-effective, reliable, flexible, and future-proof fiber technologies. This includes fostering innovation within the fiber optics sector, supporting research and development, and encouraging collaboration among vendors, service providers, and municipalities to keep the industry on the cutting edge.

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. The leadership team at Hexatronic US is fully supportive of my candidacy for board member of the FBA and the time associated with the commitment of this position. I plan to be fully involved in the as required and needed time and events by the Staff, members, and Board Members of the FBA.
Please inform us of any other information, issue, or concern of which the Association should be aware. None