Welcome
Bridger Mahlum, BroadbandMT General Manager

NTCA: Our Voice in D.C.

NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association is the leading voice for our industry at the federal level and one of our most trusted partners in policy development.  How is our industry being viewed in Washington?  What are we seeing and hearing in other states?  What is resonating with policymakers?  Shirley Bloomfield joins us to share the landscape – both political and practical – on many key issues that are driving the day in telecommunications. 

Shirley Bloomfield is chief executive officer of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, the premier association representing nearly 850 independent telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. With more than 30 years of experience representing the country’s smallest telecom operators, Bloomfield is an expert on the role of federal communications policies in sustaining the vitality of rural and remote communities and the benefits rural broadband networks bring to millions of American families and businesses and the national economy. Bloomfield has a strong track record of leadership in seeking synergies and aligning strategic partnerships among rural telecom companies, their larger counterparts, other rural utilities and local and federal governments, further expanding business opportunities for small communications providers. Under her leadership, NTCA has made broadband an integral part of policy conversations in Washington, D.C., and has secured billions of dollars in federal funding for rural service providers to expand build out and sustain networks and help close the digital divide. Bloomfield is a strong supporter of national efforts to improve the resilience and reliability of critical electric and telecommunications infrastructure and serves as a board member of NRTC and the Southeast Reliability Corporation (SERC).

Candidate for Montana's 2nd Congressional District 

Click here for more information on Troy Downing.

Candidate for Montana's 1st Congressional District 

Click here for more information on Monica Tranel.

The Latest from the FCC

An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications law and regulations. Dangkoa Nguyen travels to Whitefish with updates on agency initiatives and other matters before the FCC.

Khoa Nguyen is an Attorney Advisor with the Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, Telecommunications Access Policy Division (TAPD). In his current role, Khoa is involved in matters related to broadband deployment, including broadband deployment funding, data mapping and interagency coordination of broadband programs.  Prior to joining TAPD, Khoa served as an attorney with the Enforcement Bureau’s Universal Service Fund Strike Force investigating program fraud, waste, and abuse.

Strengthening Company Culture

In a post-COVID economy where Gen Z and Millennials make up nearly 40% of the workforce, businesses are adapting to the standards and expectations of younger employees with mixed results.  What can companies do to maximize engagement in the workplace with employees that have vastly different life experiences?  Joe Whittinghill brings decades of experience and eye-opening insights on this subject to our Annual Meeting.

Joe Whittinghill is the Chief Learning Officer and Corporate Vice President for Microsoft. He leads learning and skilling, organization design and development, building world-class leaders, enabling the workforce of the future, and the future organization of Microsoft. Prior to this role, Joe spent 10 of his 25 years at Microsoft in Finance, including leading the Venture Integration Merger and Acquisitions Group where he was part of closing over 130 acquisitions worldwide. Joe serves on non-profit, corporate, and university boards with focuses technology, education, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, sustainability, and neuroscience. He received his masters of science in Organization Development from Pepperdine University and his undergraduate degree from the University of Montana where he served as the Chairman of the University of Montana Foundation.

Tammy Wellbrock, Advertising Solutions Representative, Nex-Tech

Tammy Wellbrock served in leadership roles for 3 different industries, as well as launched her own professional development business, before returning to Nex-Tech 12 years after having worked at the company for a decade. She is passionate about connecting and empowering others, a desire she honed by serving as Nex-Tech’s Customer Service Supervisor followed by Executive Director of the Hays Chamber of Commerce.  She now offers this unique blend of promotional experiences with a deep knowledge of the telecommunications and broadband world to similar companies seeking to grow. Tammy will energize while sharing her expertise with others.

The Future of the USF

From Congress to the Courts, the Universal Service Fund (USF) has garnered more attention and scrutiny today than at any time in recent memory.  A key mechanism to support service to low-income households and high-cost areas, the USF’s role in the future is now regularly questioned.  What reforms are gaining momentum?  What must be done to protect its existence?  Three panelists will check their crystal ball and share their findings. 

Shirley Bloomfield, Chief Executive Officer, NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association

Rob Johnstone has been with Range for 18 years.  First, in the marketing department where he was the CMO for 13 years, and currently CEO for the last 6 years.  He received his education in management and marketing from the University of Montana School of Business in Missoula, MT.  Rob serves on several national, state, and local boards which include the SMC Board for NTCA and President of Montana’s state broadband association, BroadbandMT.  Rob has 25+ years of experience in leadership, management, public relations, marketing, and sales.

As JSI’s Economic Advisor, Douglas Meredith evaluates industry and regulatory issues that affect independent and rural telephone companies. Douglas assists clients with the development of policy pertaining to economics, pricing, and regulatory affairs, to ensure rural carriers have opportunities to provide services on state-of-the-art broadband networks. Douglas also serves as the economic advisor for the Telecommunications Regulatory Bureau of Puerto Rico, providing economic and policy advice to the commissioners on telecommunications issues.

Douglas participates in several national groups and task forces attempting to steer federal and state policy in a direction that will provide rural carriers the same opportunities and safeguards that larger carriers receive. He is a regular speaker on federal and state policy and routinely provides expert testimony in a variety of state proceedings.

Douglas graduated from the University of Utah, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. He received his Master of Arts in economics from the University of Maryland, College Park.

The BEAD Beat Goes On

More than $600 million is poised for allocation to providers as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program aims to connect the remaining unserved and underserved locations in Montana.  What should stakeholders expect in the coming months?  What new resources and guidance are expected to impact the program as providers evaluate whether to participate?  State and regional representatives will weigh in.

Robyn Madison joined the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in July 2022 as the Northern Plains Regional Director with in NTIA's Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth. NTIA’s mission is to support broadband expansion and adoption nationwide. Robyn leads a team of state program officers that support Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota and Iowa implementing the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program to support closing the digital divide across the region. Robyn guides numerous outreach and collaboration efforts in the region to engage stakeholders and state broadband offices to maximize the historic broadband infrastructure investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Before joining NTIA, Robyn worked for United States Senator Jon Tester of Montana where she worked on telecommunications and health care policy issues and led statewide engagement. While in her previous position, Robyn worked on many federal initiatives that improved the lives of rural Americans by collaborating with industry and state government. Prior to her time with the senate, Robyn worked in the health insurance industry.

Robyn holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Montana.

Mapping: Growing Pains for Growing Gains

Broadband mapping has come a long way in recent years.  What was once a “wild west” of the industry has become more organized as data collection methodologies and challenge processes have been refined.  How much has mapping improved and where will it go from here?  What should be done to increase map reliability and stakeholder collaboration?  Join us for three distinct perspectives on this important aspect of bridging the digital divide.

Eduard Bartholme serves as Senior Outreach Director on the Broadband Data Task Force, coordinating external engagement with consumers, governmental entities and filers. In this role, he oversees the technical assistance teams for the Broadband Data Collection, ensuring that system users have the support they need to contribute to the collection.

Ed joins the Task Force from the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, where he currently serves as a Deputy Bureau Chief. He joined the FCC in 2019 to lead the Commission’s education and outreach efforts along with the consumer complaints and inquiries division.

Prior to joining the FCC, Ed spent 10 years as the Executive Director and CEO of Call For Action, Inc. (CFA), an international, non-profit network of hotlines serving consumers and small businesses. At CFA, he was involved in the expansion of the organization to eleven new locations and worked to broaden its network of media affiliate offices to include radio, TV and print outlets. He developed consumer education guides on a wide variety of issues and was frequently interviewed as an expert by local and national media outlets. Additionally, he oversaw volunteer teams at 23 remote offices and spearheaded the redesign of the case management database used by the organization to track consumer complaints.

Michelle Owens is the Sr. Regulatory Specialist/Paralegal for Blackfoot Communications, a regional broadband, voice and managed services provider, located in Missoula, Montana.  With almost 30 years telecommunications experience, she is responsible for monitoring federal and states’ laws and regulations to ensure Blackfoot’s compliance.  Over the course of each year, Michelle files hundreds of compliance filings to include filings required by the FCC, states, and grant entities.  In addition to regulatory compliance, Michelle is an integral part of the Blackfoot team responsible for grant applications and compliance.  In 2021, Michelle was appointed to the Governor’s Committee on Telecommunications Access Service for persons with disabilities.  She represents independent service providers on that committee.  Outside of work she is active in her community supporting the local Soroptimists, Big Sky Autism, Ravalli County Museum, Children’s Museum, and she is the current board president of the Hamilton Farmers Market Cooperative.  Michelle holds a BS in Legal and Paralegal studies from the University of Providence.

Nathan Weber, PE is the Vice President of Engineering at Vantage Point Solutions, where he oversees the services and functions of Vantage Point’s network engineers, integration specialists, and data networking and cybersecurity experts. He has been active in the telecommunications industry since 2000, and his primary focus is on the technical and regulatory aspects of broadband service providers.

Nathan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from South Dakota State University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the States of Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Tennessee.

Andy Berke joins USDA RD with nearly three decades of experience as a political leader and elected official. He was the Mayor of Chattanooga, Tennessee from 2013 to 2021 where he served more than 180,000 residents and improved the efficiency and day-to-day operations of local government. Under Andy’s leadership, Chattanooga operated its own wastewater system and received national recognition for improving access to high-speed internet for underserved communities. Andy was also a member of the Tennessee State Senate from 2007 to 2012. In that role, he worked with electric cooperatives and was a member of the Transportation and Education Senate Committees. Before joining RD, Andy was a Special Representative for Broadband at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Chicago Law School and a Bachelor of Science from Stanford University. 

Andy was named Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County magazine in 2015 and City Executive of the Year by State Scoop in 2020. He was also named Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance in 2020.

Candidates for Montana Governor and Lt. Governor

Click here for more information on these candidates.

Candidate for Montana's 2nd Congressional District 

Click here for more information on John Driscoll.

Invited: Candidate for Montana's 1st Congressional District

A Word from Senator Daines' Office

Making his ninth Annual Meeting appearance, Joshua Sizemore joins us to deliver an update on US Senator Steve Daines’ work to advance the broadband and telecommunications industry in Montana. 

Joshua Sizemore serves as an advisor to Senator Daines. Born and raised in Billings, Montana, his legislative portfolio includes Tech/Telecommunications, Commerce, Science, Energy and Natural Resources.

Operation IFAST - Internet Service Providers Fight Against Sex Trafficking

Our broadband networks are meant for immense good, but unfortunately, they can also be used for unthinkable evil – including sex trafficking. 

• 150,000 new escort ads are posted online every day in America
• 75% of underage victims report being sold online

As ISPs, we have the opportunity – and responsibility – to do what’s right and join the fight.  Hear about Operation IFAST (ISPs Fight Against Sex Trafficking), and learn what you can do to make a difference.

Chris Lovell is the Chief Operating Officer of CL Tel, a family-owned telecommunications service provider in North Central Iowa.  Chris is responsible for CL Tel’s long-range vision and strategy, P&L performance, and daily business operations.  In prior roles, he led CL Tel’s operational efficiency and revenue generation efforts, including Marketing, Product Development, Business Intelligence, Customer Service, and Expense Optimization.  Chris is passionate about delivering on CL Tel’s mission: “to enable our customers, employees, and communities to lead fulfilled lives and impact the world for good.”  He believes that business leaders have the responsibility to use their platform to step into the arena and be the change they wish to see in the world.

Andrea Perry has been working in the counter trafficking space for over 6 years. With a background in psychology and education her efforts have focused on bringing light to the horrific crime that is human trafficking by providing training in a wide variety of professional sectors. Outside of training her work at Guardian Group has also included marketing, donor cultivation, and administrative activities.

Jeff Brinkley started his policing career in 1995.  His past assignments have included patrol, drug task force, sexual assault response team, tactical team, sergeant, and lieutenant.  He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session 239.  He holds an AAA degree from Hawkeye Community College in Police Science, and two degrees from Iowa State – a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies and a Master’s in Public Administration.  Jeff is an Associate Teaching Professor at Iowa State University in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice where he teaches Police and Society and Contemporary Issues in Policing.  He is currently the Police Chief at the Mason City (IA) Police Department.

Raffle & Adjourn