How does it feel to step into the role of chair of the FBA?
It’s an honor, first and foremost. I’m grateful for the trust the board and our members have placed in me. The progress we’ve made as an association is the result of many people working together, and I want to build on that. This role is about representing the industry and the full FBA membership, and my focus is on listening, supporting collaboration and making sure the association continues to deliver real value.
Why is the FBA’s work so important right now?
We’re in the middle of an unprecedented period of fiber expansion across the US, and what we build now will shape future decades. Fiber is long-term infrastructure. It underpins economic growth, opportunity and resilience. To turn today’s momentum into lasting outcomes, we need alignment across technology, policy and communities. And with AI and data centers growing at pace, the demand for robust fiber is only increasing, from the first mile to the middle mile.
What are your top priorities as chair?
One of my biggest priorities is strengthening collaboration across our members, committees and working groups. There’s so much expertise within the FBA and bringing that collective knowledge together is key. I also want to make sure members are getting value from the association, whether that’s education and advocacy around the benefits of fiber, policy work to remove deployment barriers or support for successful deployment and adoption. Workforce development and training are critical too because none of this happens without skilled people. And through it all, I want us to stay grounded in real-world impact, using research and data to measure progress and guide decisions.
Trust and understanding turn networks into real community assets.
Community engagement, adoption and affordability are themes you often highlight. How do they connect to the FBA’s mission?
Fiber’s value depends on adoption. Building the network is only part of the equation. People need to understand it, trust it and see how it benefits them. That’s where community engagement comes in. The FBA helps by sharing best practices and bringing stakeholders together, from industry and policymakers to local leaders. Advocacy and policy matter, but so do education and outreach. Those pieces all work hand in hand.
Where is fiber deployment heading in 2026, and what will success look like?
For me, success means more homes and businesses connected, stronger middle mile and better in-home experiences. It also means fewer roadblocks and faster timelines so projects move more smoothly. This year, we’ll see more data-driven buildouts and closer collaboration between operators, vendors, policymakers and communities. In that environment, the FBA will keep serving as a neutral platform for sharing best practices and guidance. And fiber is also the backbone for data centers and AI, so making sure that infrastructure is ready is crucial.
What policy or regulatory areas will you be watching most closely?
I’ll be keeping a close eye on how funding programs are executed and making sure accountability stays front and center. Streamlining permitting and rights-of-way is another big one because those delays can really slow progress. Workforce development incentives matter too. We need to keep building the talent pipeline. And long-term investment certainty for fiber is essential. The FBA’s role is to be a resource for agencies and states, offering insight without advocating for any single company. That neutrality is something I take seriously.
How will your day-to-day work at Adtran inform your perspective in this role?
Working at Adtran gives me a front-row view of the challenges and opportunities service providers face every day. It’s everything from practical deployment realities to evolving customer needs, and that perspective is invaluable when we’re talking about industry priorities. At the same time, there’s a clear line between my job and my role at the FBA. Leading the association is about serving all members and the broader industry. My goal is to bring practical insight while keeping the FBA’s mission front and center.
Read more about the FBA’s work and upcoming initiatives at www.fiberbroadband.org.