Fiber Broadband Association Announces Several Key Strategic Hires, including Senior NTIA Expert and Broadband Chief of Staff to support growth across the Association
This week, FBA announced several strategic hires across public policy, membership, and sales to support consistent, significant growth across the Association and industry, and advance the Association’s priorities in Washington and across the country.
Lukas Pietrzak joins FBA as Public Policy Director, bringing extensive experience in telecommunications policy and federal regulatory strategy gained from his senior roles at NTIA and Department of Commerce. Jeanne Le Delaizir joins FBA as a Policy Fellow, an internationally trained lawyer who has passed the New York Bar exam, Le Delaizir’s career spans France, Germany, and the United States, blending litigation, corporate practice, advocacy, and public affairs.
FBA also welcomes new talent supporting Association membership, 20 committees and working groups, and broader organizational operations, including Morgan Hubbard, Association and Member Services Assistant; Nura Shalabi, Sales Administrator; and Jackie Coover, Community Management Coordinator.
Fiber Broadband Association’s Jennifer Vassil Named Among Cablefax’s Most Powerful Women Honorees
Last week, Jennifer Vassil, Vice President of Membership at FBA, was named among Cablefax’s 2025 Most Powerful Women in broadband, telecom, and media. This is the second consecutive year that an FBA staff member has been honored among Cablefax’s Most Powerful Women.
“Jennifer’s vision and commitment have made a profound impact on our members and on the future of fiber broadband. She leads with purpose, empathy, and a relentless drive to strengthen our community,” said Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association. “This continued momentum reflects both the team’s strategic focus on outreach and engagement and the industry’s growing recognition of FBA as the trusted hub for collaboration, education, and best practices in fiber broadband.”
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Keagan, from Whidbey Telecom, walked away with the Rodeo Championship Belt for the inaugural year of the OpTIC Path Rodeo—and honestly, it couldn’t have gone to a more deserving tech and instructor.
This annual competition showcases the hands-on capabilities that keep America connected: splicing, testing, troubleshooting, best practices, and calm-under-pressure execution from the field crews who build and protect our networks.
Not only did Keagan crush the skills competition, but he’s also one of our OpTIC Path instructors helping train the next wave of fiber talent.
And now… we’re already looking ahead. 🌠
Think you (or your techs) have what it takes to earn the belt in 2026? The OpTIC Path Rodeo is rolling into Orlando this May at Fiber Connect, and we’d love to see more talent step into the ring.
🔜Registration details coming soon!
Dr. Christopher Ali on the Next Era of Rural Broadband
This week’s Fiber for Breakfast episode, Gary welcomed Dr. Christoper Ali, professor, author of Farm Fresh Broadband, and one of the broadband industry’s most influential voices on rural connectivity, digital equity, and the politics of infrastructure. The conversation covered everything from BEAD progress and non-deployment funds to the challenges facing Tribal communities and the critical role of middle-mile networks.
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