DELIVERING CONNECTIVITY FOR COMMUNITIES

Taylre Beaty started as the State Broadband Director at Tennessee Economic and Community Development (TNECD) in September 2021. Through her role at TNECD, Taylre is leading an effort to invest and administer over $1.45B in federally funded broadband projects across the state of Tennessee, with the...

Dr. Pierrette Renée Dagg is the Director of Research for Merit Network at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She oversees Technology Impact Research, Network and Cybersecurity Research, and R&D. She serves as a Research Associate at the Quello Center for Media and Information...

Genesis Gavino brings over a decade of progressive experience in local government that includes navigating complex organizational structures and driving impactful change by spearheading initiatives focused on enhancing operational efficiency, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and...

BARBARA HAYES Chief Economic Development Officer Barbara Hayes is the Chief Economic Development Officer at Rural County Representatives of Calfornia (RCRC) and oversees implementation of the organization's economic development activities. In addition to assisting and supporting local...

Brent Legg serves as Executive Vice President at nonprofit Connected Nation, where he leads the organization’s joint venture to establish neutral Internet Exchange Point (IXP) facilities in unserved markets across the United States.  Mr. Legg has more than 23 years of experience working at the...

Adeyinka O. Ogunlegan is a distinguished government affairs leader with over 15 years of experience engaging policy makers at all levels of government. In her current role as Chief of Staff & Vice President, Federal Affairs at the National Urban League Washington Bureau, Adeyinka oversees the...

As the President and Chief Marketing Officer at Parks Associates, Elizabeth Parks plays a pivotal role at Parks Associates.  With over two decades of dedication to the company, she has been instrumental in shaping its growth and success, along with the continued focus of delivering timely and...

Kaylon Ross is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in the real estate industry, currently serving as the Senior Director of Ancillary Services at AvalonBay Communities Inc. With over a decade of experience in the field, Kaylon has developed a deep understanding of how to deliver...

Linda Willey serves as Vice President of Business Services for Camden Property Trust, an S&P 400 company. Camden is one of the largest publicly traded multifamily companies in the United States. As of January 31, 2025, Camden Property Trust owned and operated 175 properties containing 59,210...

As the Executive Vice President of Digital Inclusion for Connected Nation (CN), Heather Gate is responsible for strategy development and implementation of programs that impact digital inclusion for all people in all places. Ms. Gate has more than 18 years of experience working in digital inclusion...

Frank Martinez serves as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Connected Nation, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose core mission is to improve lives by increasing access, adoption, and use of broadband and related technologies. Mr. Martinez leads Connected Nation’s engagement with Tribal...

Kevin McGuire is the Vice President of Broadband Policy at Great Plains Communications, the leading telecommunications provider serving the Midwest. In this role, he collaborates with state and federal organizations to advocate for policies that support broadband expansion and accessibility. With...

Dr. Christopher Ali is the Pioneers Chair in Telecommunications and Professor of Telecommunications in the Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State. He holds a Ph.D. in communication studies from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania (2013). An...

  Biography Bob Knight President & CEO Harry – an integrated Marketing Agency   Bob Knight is the President & CEO of Harry, an integrated marketing agency headquartered in Armonk, NY. Harry is the dominant agency in the fields of telecommunications, infrastructure, healthcare, senior...

Andrew D. Lipman practices in most aspects of communications law and related fields, including regulatory, transactional, litigation, legislative, and land use. Andy’s clients in the private and public sectors include those in the areas of local, long distance, and international telephone common...

Melissa Newman has over 20 years of experience as a seasoned Executive in telecommunications companies with expertise in government affairs, public relations and legal. Recently, Melissa worked at Transit Wireless as Vice President of External Affairs and Senior Legal Counsel in New York City where ...

Edyn, a member of the Chickasaw Nation and one of the 2 founding members of the Oklahoma Broadband Office, serves as the Chief Strategic Officer at the OBO. In this role, Edyn works closely with the Broadband Governing Board and the Broadband Expansion Council to ensure that affordable, high-speed...

Mike Romano is the Executive Vice President of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, overseeing NTCA’s public policy, government affairs, and business development initiatives, the educational and community-focused mission of the Foundation for Rural Service, and several areas of internal...

Valerie M. Sargent is a dynamic speaker, trainer, consultant, and executive coach specializing in multifamily leasing, sales, marketing, customer service, broadband, and leadership. As an emotional intelligence strategist, she helps companies take their teamwork and communication to new...