Heather Gate | EVP of Digital Inclusion
Connected Nation

Heather Gate serves as Executive Vice President of Digital Inclusion at Connected Nation, where she leads strategy and programs that expand access to technology, connectivity, and digital skills for people and communities across the country. With nearly 20 years of experience, she works alongside local partners, families, and policymakers to advance practical solutions that strengthen opportunity and participation in a connected world. Heather has played a significant role in national broadband and digital inclusion discussions, combining community engagement with policy leadership. She served as Chair of the Federal Communications Commission’s Equity and Diversity Council from 2021 to 2023 and was reappointed as Chair in 2024 through 2025. She previously served as Vice Chair of the FCC’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment from 2019 to 2021 and chaired a working group from 2017 to 2019. Throughout her career, Heather has helped lead initiatives impacting more than 21 million people, including large-scale device distribution, digital skills training, and community-based adoption programs such as Teens Teach Tech and other national digital empowerment efforts. Her work focuses on ensuring individuals and families can fully participate in education, employment, health care, and civic life through meaningful use of technology. Heather has been recognized for her leadership and commitment to expanding opportunity, including being named one of Women We Admire’s Top 50 Women Leaders of Kentucky and receiving the honor of Kentucky Colonel.