Today isn’t really about a farewell. It’s about celebrating what we have built together, focusing on what lies ahead and sharing why I remain deeply optimistic about the future of rural broadband, the work you do and the communities you serve.
Anyone who has worked closely with me knows that I am a list person — the last thing I do before ending the day is create my tomorrow list and take great satisfaction in crossing things off.
So it felt right to share my thoughts with NTCA members this way. But instead of a top 10 list, my nearly 40 years with all of you gives me the latitude to share five things we’ve accomplished together, five things ahead for this industry and five things that have given me the greatest joy during our time together.
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Five Things We’ve Accomplished Together
First, we made rural broadband central to national policy conversations. Together, we elevated rural voices on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies and in rulemakings that shape our future. Broadband moved from the margins to the mainstream, and policymakers now understand something you’ve always known: rural America is essential to our nation’s success.
From codifying universal service in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, to navigating the National Broadband Plan, to delivering connectivity during COVID-19, to this summer’s Supreme Court decision affirming the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund, you answered the call.
You came to Washington, built relationships with members of Congress, supported the NTCA Rural Broadband PAC, engaged with the FCC and told your story.
Second, we secured historic funding to build and sustain rural broadband networks. What once seemed improbable became reality. Because of your advocacy and persistence, historic investments flowed to rural communities.
Programs like the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program, the American Rescue Plan Act, Treasury funding and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program — alongside continued support for the USF high-cost program — provide the capital needed to deploy future-forward networks. And our partners in the rural lending community, including CoBank and NCSC, have helped make those deployments possible.
These investments didn’t just build networks; they built opportunity, resilience and hope.
Third, we delivered measurable network results. From NTCA’s earliest broadband surveys to today, the progress is undeniable. Even as competition in the telecommunications industry increased, deployment expanded, speeds improved and more people gained access to high-quality broadband.
When NTCA began tracking broadband data in 1999, 97 percent of members offered internet service — 81 percent via dial-up. Today, nearly 92 percent of respondents’ customers can receive downstream speeds of at least 100 Mbps, despite the geographic challenges of rural service territories.
The conversation about rural broadband shifted from “if” to “how fast.” And that happened because you delivered — community by community, mile by mile.
Fourth, we created tools and programs that help members succeed. From the Smart Rural Community (SRC) program to CyberShare: The Small Broadband Provider ISAC, from esports initiatives to AI challenges, NTCA embraced innovation. And the Foundation for Rural Service built bridges between future leaders and the communities they will serve.
We didn’t just talk about the future — we experimented, learned and built solutions that help members prepare for what comes next. Sharing and learning from one another has always been one of this industry’s greatest strengths.
Fifth, we strengthened industry leadership and partnerships. Through partnerships with agencies, utilities, workforce leaders, supply-chain partners and innovators, we expanded what is possible for rural broadband.
Initiatives like the badging program we do with Northwood Technical College, collaborations with NISC, NRTC and NRECA, and supply-chain partnerships with companies like Corning demonstrated the power of alignment and shared purpose.
NTCA also unified with OPASTCO to create a stronger, more cohesive voice for rural broadband advocacy. And through coalitions and initiatives like Save Rural Broadband, Rural Is Cool and Broadband Built to Last, we worked with partners across rural America to amplify the story of rural connectivity.
None of this happened because of one organization or one leader. It happened because this community chose to lead — together.
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Five Things Ahead
As proud as I am of what we’ve accomplished, the work is far from done. And I cannot imagine better hands to guide NTCA into the future than Mike Romano.
Nearly 16 years ago, before I had even unpacked my office, I met Mike for coffee to discuss leading NTCA’s policy work. Three hours later, after closing down the coffee shop, I knew I had found the right partner to help guide our industry through the challenges ahead. He is exactly the right leader for the next chapter. So what do I see ahead?
First, policy and funding will remain critical. Universal service, predictable funding mechanisms and sound regulatory frameworks remain essential. Advocacy is not temporary — it is a permanent responsibility.
Universal service remains the North Star of this association, and programs must remain sufficient, predictable and tailored to rural deployment realities. Accurate broadband mapping will also be critical to effective policy.
Second, the race to finish broadband deployment continues. Reaching unserved and underserved communities — and truly closing the digital divide — must remain a priority. Completion matters. Quality matters. Accountability matters. Smart deregulation will also be an important tool as deployment continues.
Third, sustainability and affordability will define the next chapter. Building networks is only part of the mission. Ensuring they remain sustainable, resilient and affordable for the long term will be equally important.
Fourth, broadband will enable far more than connectivity. Broadband is the foundation for smart agriculture, telemedicine, precision energy, education innovation and AI-driven tools. And rural providers are uniquely positioned to bring these capabilities to their communities.
Fifth, your leadership will matter more than ever. In uncertain times — economic, political and technological — rural communities will continue to look to you. And I have every confidence you will meet that moment with integrity, creativity and courage.
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Five Things That Have Given Me Great Joy
As I reflect on my time at NTCA, five things stand out.
First, the incredible NTCA team. From Arlington, Virginia, to Asheville, North Carolina, and across the country, this staff is talented, mission-driven and deeply committed. Watching them grow and lead has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. Our mantra has always been “every member, every time.”
And our virtual member tours captured the spirit of this industry — from Stephen Milner running down Planters’ hallway introducing his team to Rusty Moore sharing wildlife outside BBT’s office and Holly Utke inspiring staff to order gouda cheese from North Dakota after a Dakota Central tour.
As I’ve told our board: your assets are the networks you’ve built — ours is the team we’ve built.
Second, a future-focused board. To every board member I’ve served with — thank you for your trust, partnership and leadership. And to the current board: you were the right leaders to select the next CEO for NTCA. Each of you approaches every decision with one question first: What does this industry need? That is a remarkable gift.
Third, the chance to follow my passions. Whether it was SRC, Women in Telecom, Operation IFAST or campaigns like Rural Is Cool, you gave me room to imagine and the support to build. Some of my favorite moments started as scribbles on a notepad.
Fourth, members who became friends. You welcomed me into your communities, your homes and your lives. From Wheaton, Kansas, to Lenora’s tiki bar, to splicing fiber in De Leon and annual trips to Wisconsin — the friendships built through this work mean more than I can express.
And finally — my family. They supported the travel, the long days and the moments of uncertainty. My daughters, Leah and Kelsey, grew up attending NTCA meetings. My husband Don attended spouse sessions and welcomed members into our home. They are my heart and my home.
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I leave NTCA deeply proud, profoundly grateful and incredibly confident in what comes next. The future of rural broadband is not just bright — it is being built by capable hands, strong leaders and communities that never back down from hard work.
And I ask one thing of you: Remember that your voices matter. Your stories matter.
On your best days and your hardest days, remember that the work you do changes lives, creates opportunity and connects people.
Thank you for letting me be part of this extraordinary chapter.
And thank you for continuing to do what you do best — connecting rural America to its future.