strong>Woodrow Wilson A [
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8:30am EDT
Chairperson’s Welcome
Thursday October 10, 2024 8:30am - 8:35am EDT
Speakers 
Group Director, Broadband, Questex
Alejandro Piñero is Group Director for Broadband and Streaming at Questex family. As part of this role, Alejandro oversees the strategic direction and product strategy for portfolios such as Broadband Nation and StreamTV. Prior to joining Questex, Alejandro was Senior Research Manager...
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8:35am EDT
Opening Keynote by TIA
Thursday October 10, 2024 8:35am - 8:55am EDT
Speakers 
Chief Executive Officer, Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)
8:55am EDT
9:20am EDT
State Roundtable - Funding Update & Roll-Out Plans and Strategy
Thursday October 10, 2024 9:20am - 10:00am EDT
Moderators 
Vice President of Broadband Advocacy and Partnerships, Bonfire Infrastructure Group
Senior Vice President, ConnectALL Office, Empire State Development
Joshua Breitbart is the Senior Vice President, ConnectALL, at Empire State Development. In that role, he serves as Director of the Division of Broadband Access, overseeing the statewide digital equity plan and administering over $1 billion in public investments across the state. Joshua...
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Director & General Counsel, Massachusetts Broadband Institute
Michael Baldino was named Director and General Counsel of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) at the Mass Tech Collaborative in January 2019. Michael comes to MBI with a wealth of public sector policy experience. He served in Mass Tech’s Legal Department for over 23...
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Area Vice President, Commercial Development, Calix
With over 25 years in the broadband industry, Greg Bathrick joined Calix in 2014 and is currently the Area Vice President of Broadband Development. He assists broadband service providers and rural communities in finding government grants and private equity. He earned his B.S. in Mechanical...
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State Broadband Program Director, North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT)
Brian Newby, broadband program director for the state of North Dakota, joined the
state's broadband office as it was in the process of being created in early 2023. Since then, his primary focus has been on developing the state's Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. North Dakota is to receive $130.16 million through BEAD and, as of this writing, the state is awaiting NT...
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Director of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT), State of Nevada Broadband Office
Brian Mitchell serves as the Director of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT), the State of Nevada's Broadband Office, and oversees the planning, mapping and procurement of broadband infrastructure. Brian leads the State's High Speed Nevada Initiative, a $500 million...
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10:00am EDT
Keynote by CommScope
Thursday October 10, 2024 10:00am - 10:20am EDT
Speakers 
VP, Technology CCS, CommScope
John Chamberlain is the Vice President of Technology for CommScopes CCS segment and is the technology lead for passive Fiber Cable, Connectivity, Data Center and Enterprise businesses.Mr. Chamberlain has previously served at CommScope in CTO, R&D, Product Line Management and Manufacturing...
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11:20am EDT
Partner Keynote - What's Next? Leveraging Investments in Broadband
Thursday October 10, 2024 11:20am - 11:40am EDT
Speakers 
Senior Vice President, Mass Markets Product Management, AT&T
Erin Scarborough leads the team responsible for managing and innovating AT&T’s product portfolio across broadband and mobility, as well as leading fiber and wireless 5G investment initiatives; through participating in government funding programs and public private partnerships...
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11:40am EDT
12:00pm EDT
Leaders' Roundtable - From Underground Fiber to Satellites - How Tech Will Bridge the Digital Divide
Thursday October 10, 2024 12:00pm - 12:40pm EDT
Moderators 
Founder & CEO, The Besen Group LLC
Alex Besen is the Founder & CEO of The Besen Group LLC. He provides strategic advisory, business development, market research and training services in the mobile data industry.He has over 30 years of hands-on experience in the mobile industry working for operators and vendors in North...
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Solutions Marketing Senior Advisor, Broadband & 5G, Ciena
Vinicius (Vini) Santos is part of Ciena's Global Solutions Marketing team, responsible for business development involving advanced solutions like Next Generation Broadband and Private 5G. He has over 25 years of experience supporting the telecommunication market in Brazil, Italy...
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Senior Sales Engineer, Eutelsat/OneWeb
I am a Senior Sales Engineer for OneWeb based in Anchorage, Alaska. I have spent the last 25 years in the telecommunications industry, with the last decade focused on innovation and deployment of emerging technologies. Since joining OneWeb, I have supported our broadband deployments...
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President, MPORielly Consulting
Vice President, Technology Policy, Product & Standards, Comcast
Jason Livingood serves as Vice President of Technology Policy, Product & Standards at Comcast. He leads Comcast’s efforts in developing & deploying new open standards, supporting applied R&D via collaboration with the research community, engaging with governments, regulators, and...
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Head of BSS Consulting, Comarch
Tomasz is a visionary telecommunications industry leader, spearheading innovative Business Support System (BSS) initiatives as the Head of BSS Solutions at Comarch. With a keen focus on critical modules such as Billing, Product Catalog, Order Management and Customer Relationship Management...
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2:00pm EDT
2:20pm EDT
Keynote - AI-Powered Fiber Deployment with amAIz: Maximizing Impact and Efficiency
Thursday October 10, 2024 2:20pm - 2:40pm EDT
Speakers 
Head of Solution Sales Architecture, Amdocs
Kiran Vemireddi is a proven Technology leader in the telecommunications industry. He has driven large scale IT and Network transformation programs at major Telecom/Cable operators across the Americas. Kiran is responsible for the growth and program success at the Communications, Media...
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2:40pm EDT
Panel - Middle Mile Networks - Building the Backbone of America's Broadband
Thursday October 10, 2024 2:40pm - 3:10pm EDT
Moderators 
Senior Public Policy Manager, Vernonburg Group
Alex serves as Senior Public Policy Manager at Vernonburg Group. At Vernonburg Group, Alex develops policy papers and reports for clients (most recently Vernonburg Group’s report “
Achieving Internet for All: Socioeconomics and Fixed Broadband in the United States”), leads stakeholder engagement efforts around broadband policy issues on behalf of clients, crafts advocacy strategies, and supports Vernonburg Group’s business development activities.Prior to joining Vernonburg Group, Alex had years of experience advocating specifically on technology and telecommunications policy issues. While at the Glen Ec...
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Manager for Systems Engineering and Principal Architect for Rural Regional Service Providers,, Ribbon
Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Programs, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Laurel Leverrier is the Assistant Administrator of the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service, Telecommunications Programs, where she oversees RUS' $6 billion portfolio of telecommunications loans and grants.
Senior Manager, Field and Network Sales Engineering, Fujitsu
Greg is the Senior Manager of Field and Network Sales Engineering at Fujitsu Network Communications. He is a seasoned telecom professional with over 24 years of experience including a diverse background spanning product management, quality engineering, sales engineering, and management...
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Regional Broadband Program Director, Northwest Colorado Council of Governments
Originally from the east coast and more recently from Evergreen, Nate Walowitz has over 20 years of experience designing, and developing communication solutions for government and public safety enterprise clients. He’s guided the selection and implementation of new approaches for...
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SVP Government Affairs and Product Strategy, Zayo
Joel Daly is a seasoned entrepreneur and technology executive with a 25-year track record. He currently holds the position of SVP Government Affairs and Product Strategy at Zayo, where he successfully secured NTIA Middle Mile Awards totaling $93M. Over the past 5 years at Zayo, Joel...
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4:00pm EDT
Panel - Construction & Engineering Networks to Reach Everyone
Thursday October 10, 2024 4:00pm - 4:35pm EDT
Moderators 
Principal, Broadband Success Partners
Mr. Strauss is the co-founder of Broadband Success Partners – the leading digital infrastructure M&A technical advisor and due diligence specialist. The firm has completed over 90 technical due diligence engagements for over 60 clients including Antin, Brookfield, CBRE, DigitalBridge...
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Director, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
Bryan W. Horn serves as the Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. He brings 29 years of business and legal experience to the Youngkin Administration in the fields of residential, commercial and industrial construction, commercial and business litigation...
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Director, GIS & Solutions Engineering, Render Networks
A 17 year veteran of the industry based in Richmond, VA, Tom has a background in GIS for OSP management and construction. He joined Render in 2020, initially helping to establish their delivery team before shifting his focus to solutions engineering. With expertise in fiber construction...
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COO, GoNetSpeed
Thomas Perrone serves as GoNetspeed’s Chief Operations Officer. Based in Southport North Carolina, Tom is one of GoNetspeed’s founders and oversees all administrative, operational and construction functions of the company’s full footprint.With 25+ years of experience in the...
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CEO, Luck Grove
Vincent serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Luck Grove, an engineering and construction company for the telecom and utility industries. After accepting a role at Luck Grove, Vincent quickly rose through the ranks by developing new streams of revenue for the company and being...
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4:35pm EDT
Fireside Chat- Making Sense of the Converged Broadband and Entertainment Landscape
Thursday October 10, 2024 4:35pm - 4:55pm EDT
Moderators 
Vice President & General Manager, Bob Gold & Associates
Chris Huppertz is a transformative PR and Marketing executive with over 11 years in telecommunications, media, and technology industries. As Vice President & General Manager at Bob Gold & Associates, Chris is renowned for his business acumen and innovative approach, delivering award-winning...
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Vice President, Strategic Business, CSG, CSG
Reid Jenkins is Vice President, Strategic Business at CSG, responsible for the company's Communications, Media and Technology business unit. In his 10+ years at CSG, Reid has been pivotal in establishing consistency in how the company meets and exceeds customer goals and objectives...
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Director, Product Management, CSG, CSG
Rick Fernandez is Director, Product Management at CSG, responsible for the company's ACP offering and leading its fiber solutions and go-to-market strategy. In his 20 years at CSG, Rick has built high-performing, cross-functional teams that solve complex process, system and application...
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4:55pm EDT
Fireside Chat – Leveraging Vendor Relationships to Navigate BABA Compliance for BEAD
Thursday October 10, 2024 4:55pm - 5:15pm EDT
Moderators
Group Director, Broadband, Questex
Alejandro Piñero is Group Director for Broadband and Streaming at Questex family. As part of this role, Alejandro oversees the strategic direction and product strategy for portfolios such as Broadband Nation and StreamTV. Prior to joining Questex, Alejandro was Senior Research Manager...
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Market Strategy and Innovation Manager for Service Providers and Multiple System Operators, AFL
Josh Simer is AFL’s market strategy & innovation manager for service providers and multiple system operators (MSOs). He has been in the optical fiber and ICT industries for 16 years, prior to which he was a US Army Infantry Officer. Simer has served and continues to serve in a variety...
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Program Manager, Strategic Programs, Broadband, AFL
Will Miller, Program Manager, Strategic Programs, Broadband at AFL, boasts over 15 years of expertise in fiber optic cable and connectivity across multiple manufacturers. With a diverse career encompassing pivotal roles in field engineering, applications engineering, and product line...
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8:30am EDT
Leader's Roundtable - Building the Broadband Workforce
Friday October 11, 2024 8:30am - 9:00am EDT
Moderators 
Editor, Broadband Nation
Tommy Clift is a multi-disciplined writer, musician and creator. Within tech, he has covered topics in telecom, diversity and inclusion, cybersecurity, AI, cloud technologies, and more. Tommy is a graduate of Colorado University Denver with a degree in music business and a minor in...
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Chief, BroadbandOhio, Ohio Department of Development
Peter serves as the Chief of BroadbandOhio, an office within the Department of Development dedicated to bringing high-speed internet service to every resident in Ohio. Created by Governor Mike DeWine, it serves as the access point for industry and the public for coordinating the state’s...
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City Council President, City of Jackson, MS
Pastor and spiritual shepherd, a teacher of teachers, ministerial and business visionary, motivational speaker, political consultant and grassroots organizer Aaron B. Banks is known for his gift to empower and mobilize people to prove what is acceptable unto the Lord. Aaron B. Banks...
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Chief Strategic Officer, Oklahoma Broadband Office
Edyn Rolls is a dynamic leader in the public and private sectors with experience in various roles. She is currently serving as the Director of Broadband Strategy at the Oklahoma Broadband Office, where she is responsible for implementing the State Broadband Plan. In this role, Edyn...
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Director, Workforce Development, Fiber Broadband Association
Todd joined the Fiber Broadband Association as the Director of Workforce Development in July 2023 after working as the Market President and President of Workforce Development for an Internet Service Provider Startup and the City of Westerville, where he served the community as Chief...
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9:00am EDT
Keynote Fireside Chat- Why Broadband Matters
Friday October 11, 2024 9:00am - 9:20am EDT
Moderators 
Executive Editor, Broadband, Fierce Network
Commissioner, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
Commissioner Darcie L. Houck was appointed to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) by Governor Gavin Newsom on Feb. 9, 2021. She formerly served as Chief Counsel for the California Energy Commission since 2019.Commissioner Houck was an Administrative Law Judge at the...
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9:20am EDT
Investment Climate for Fiber Networks and BEAD Funding Opportunities
Friday October 11, 2024 9:20am - 9:40am EDT
Moderators 
Executive Editor, Fierce Network
Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and External Affairs Officer, TWN Communications
JONATHAN ADELSTEIN serve as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and External Affairs Officer for TWN Communications. He previously served as a Managing Director and Head of Global Policy for DigitalBridge, an investment manager focused on digital infrastructure, including fiber...
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9:40am EDT
Fireside Chat with Verizon
Friday October 11, 2024 9:40am - 10:00am EDT
Moderators
Chief Executive Officer, Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)
SVP Wireline Center & Business Operations, Verizon
Kwame Trotman is Senior Vice President of Wireline Network Center & Business Operations (WNO), with responsibility for wireline network Business Operations, Operations Control Centers (OCC), the Fiber Solutions Center (FSC) and the local transport NOCs. His team is focused on leading...
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10:00am EDT
Leader's Roundtable - Harnessing the Power of Electrical Co-ops to Deliver Broadband to All
Friday October 11, 2024 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Moderators 
Head of Rural Broadband Initiative, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Cliff Johnson is the Director of the NRECA’s Broadband Initiative, where he is responsible for working across the organization to lead the program’s design, development, and operation.Cliff joined the NRECA in January 2024 following six years at Bloomberg, where he led the marketing...
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President & CEO, Choptank Electric Cooperative
Mike Malandro is the President and CEO of Choptank Electric Cooperative and President of Choptank Fiber, a wholly owned subsidiary, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Mike has worked in the electric utility industry since 1999 and has been with Electric Cooperatives since 2003...
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11:15am EDT
Leader's Roundtable - Building Municipal Networks
Friday October 11, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Moderators 
Director, Community Broadband Networks, Institute for Local Self-Reliance
Christopher Mitchell is the Director of the Community Broadband Networks Initiative with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) in Minneapolis. Mitchell is a leading national expert on community networks, Internet access, and local broadband policies.Mitchell built MuniNetworks.org...
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Executive Director, Maple Broadband Communications Union District in Vermont
Ellie de Villiers holds a number of positions across the public and private sectors, with a focus on telecommunications and affordable access. Ellie is Executive Director of Maple Broadband Communications Union District in Vermont, USA, and Group Head of Affordable Access Initiatives...
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Solutions Marketing Senior Advisor, Broadband & 5G, Ciena
Vinicius (Vini) Santos is part of Ciena's Global Solutions Marketing team, responsible for business development involving advanced solutions like Next Generation Broadband and Private 5G. He has over 25 years of experience supporting the telecommunication market in Brazil, Italy...
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Community & Regional Partnerships Senior Manager, Maine Connectivity Authority
Executive Director, American Association for Public Broadband
Gigi Sohn is a Distinguished Fellow at the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy and a Benton Senior Fellow & Public Advocate. She is the host of the “Tech on the Rocks Podcast.” Gigi sits on the Board of Directors of the Electronic Frontier Foundation.Gigi is one...
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Vice President of Infrastructure and State Broadband Director, Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA)
Sandip Bhowmick currently serves as the Vice President of Infrastructure and State Broadband Director at the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). He is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and expansion of broadband infrastructure throughout Arizona. Prior to his current...
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12:00pm EDT
12:20pm EDT
Leader's Roundtable- Driving Digital Equity Through Urban Connectivity
Friday October 11, 2024 12:20pm - 12:50pm EDT
Moderators 
Executive Vice President, Digital Inclusion, Connected Nation
Heather Gate has dedicated over 17 years of her life to bridging the digital divide and enhancing the lives of vulnerable populations through technology access, adoption, and use. Her unwavering passion for this cause is truly inspiring.Heather Gate's professional journey is a testament...
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Director, Office of Statewide Broadband, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Ronnie is a highly accomplished professional with a commitment to enhancing connectivity and digital equity. With a decade-long career spanning both the private and public sectors, Ronnie has been a driving force in Diversity & Equity initiatives. In 2019, he transitioned to the Office...
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City Broadband Manager, City of Oakland, CA
Luisa has extensive experience working with rural power cooperatives on GPON and XGS-PON network design, engineering, and construction, conducting feasibility studies essential for financial forecasts, designing greenfield fiber-optic networks, and integrating fiber-to-the-home best...
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Broadband and Digital Inclusion Manager, City of Philadelphia, PA
Bio: Juliet Fink Yates has worked on addressing digital equity since 2001 when she managed a small non-profit ISP for 10,000 low-income Philadelphians. In 2010, she wrote, in collaboration with the City of Philadelphia, a broadband stimulus grant that brought $5.4 million to low-income...
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