Alexander Botting
Senior Director, Global Security & Technology Strategy
Venable LLP
Alexander Botting has extensive experience in international policy, having shaped policies at the intersection of security, technology & telecommunications in more than 60 countries and multilateral organizations around the world. In his role at Venable, Alexander leads initiatives encompassing cybersecurity, 5G/Open RAN, and the security of subsea cables, including leading the international engagement efforts of the Coalition to Reduce Cyber Risk, Cybersecurity Coalition, and Open RAN Policy Coalition. Alexander most recently served as director for global regulatory cooperation at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he led initiatives in the areas of cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and regulatory cooperation. During his tenure at the Chamber, Alexander launched global cybersecurity and law enforcement access initiatives, championing an enabling policy environment for trade and the digital economy on behalf of several dozen member companies. Before joining the Chamber, Alexander spent two years in Chicago as a consultant at a leading provider for global business intelligence and strategic market analysis, where he worked with a range of Fortune 500 companies to create international expansion and product development strategies. Alexander is a Global Fellow at NYU’s Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition. He has served as a member of OECD Expert Groups on cybersecurity policy and Data Flows with Trust (DFFT), and has testified in both the United States Congress and the Parliament of Australia.
Paula Boyd
Senior Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs
Microsoft
Paula H. Boyd is currently senior director of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Microsoft Corporation, where she partners with colleagues to develop Microsoft’s communications policy positions and advocates those positions before the FCC, Congress and the Administration. On behalf of Microsoft, Paula champions a variety of voice, video and text communications issues such as those related to spectrum, accessibility, broadband, universal service, next generation 911 and Internet governance. Prior to joining Microsoft in 2002, Paula was senior counsel to the Senate Subcommittee on Communications. She joined the Subcommittee in April of 1997 and while there, she drafted legislation, developed legislative strategy, organized hearings and briefings, managed consideration of bills on the Senate Floor, and advocated the Senate position in House and Senate Conferences. She handled issues such as broadband deployment, spectrum management, digital television transition, and competition in the local telecommunications marketplace. Paula joined the Office of the General Counsel of the FCC in February 1994, where she reviewed draft orders involving broadcast issues and worked on issues involving tax certificates and preferences for designated entities in PCS. In September 1994, Paula began working with the International Bureau on satellite policy issues. Paula began her legal career at Verner, Liipfert, McPherson and Hand in 1997, where she worked on a variety of litigation, transportation and other issues.
Ray Fakhoury
Policy Manager
Amazon Web Services
Ray Fakhoury is an energy policy expert focusing on carbon free energy and transmission infrastructure development. Currently serving as a Policy Manager at Amazon Web Services, he works to advance carbon free energy initiatives and shape energy policies across various U.S. energy markets. With experience spanning both public and private sectors, Ray has played key roles in expanding carbon free energy opportunities and building strategic partnerships between industry stakeholders, nonprofit organizations, labor groups, and policymakers. His career encompasses work with leading energy companies, policy advocacy organizations, and government institutions, where he has consistently championed the advancement of carbon energy solutions. Ray holds a degree from the University of California Santa Barbara and serves on the boards of prominent carbon free energy organizations, contributing to the broader conversation around energy expansion.
Carl Guardino
Vice President, Government Affairs & Policy
Tarana
Carl Guardino serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs & Policy at Tarana. After three decades in CEO and senior officer roles, including 24 years as CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Carl came to Tarana after leading global government affairs for Bloom Energy. He also serves as Chair of the California Transportation Commission, which annually programs and allocates nearly $15 billion in transportation improvements throughout the state. Carl graduated from San Jose State University, where he is a Distinguished Alumnus.
Rep. Greg Landsman
(D-OH)
Before joining the U.S. House of Representatives in 2023, Rep. Greg Landsman served on the Cincinnati City Council for five years where he led investments in public safety and core services. Greg also led the effort to establish the City of Cincinnati’s first-ever Office of Ethics and Good Government as well as the Balanced Development Scorecard to increase trust in local government and transparency in the development process. Greg has spent his entire career advocating for children and families, especially those most marginalized. Prior to his time in elected office, Greg was a public school teacher and worked in education advocacy as the Executive Director of the Strive Partnership. Greg also served as the Director of Faith-based and Community Initiatives under former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. There, he led Ohio’s efforts to help local churches and synagogues provide education and food programs in their communities. A pragmatic leader, Greg has a long history of working with broad, bipartisan coalitions to get good, meaningful things done. In 2016, Greg led a successful ballot measure to pass the Cincinnati Preschool Promise, a program which provides two years of quality preschool education for every three- and four-year-old in Cincinnati. In 2018, he built a coalition of Democrats, Republicans, labor organizations, business leaders, and community members to pass the largest investment in transportation and infrastructure in Hamilton County’s history. Greg earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from Ohio University and a Master’s degree in Theology from Harvard University.
Rep. Jay Obernolte
(R-CA)
Jay Obernolte proudly represents California’s 23rd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. A video game developer and business owner, Rep. Obernolte is dedicated to ensuring the High Desert and Inland Empire have a strong voice fighting for their interests in Congress. Rep. Obernolte proudly serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce where he is a member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology; the Subcommittee on Health; and the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. He also serves on the House Budget Committee and House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology. He is currently the only serving member of Congress with a graduate-level degree in AI. Previously, Rep. Obernolte served as a member of the California State Legislature representing the state’s 33rd Assembly District and as Mayor of the City of Big Bear Lake. He has also served on the boards of the Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District, the Mojave Desert and Mountain Integrated Waste Authority, the Mountain Regional Transit Authority, the League of California Cities Desert-Mountain Division, and the Big Bear City Airport District. In addition to owning a videogame development studio, Rep. Obernolte is a certified flight instructor and a teacher of martial arts. He holds a B.S. in Engineering and Applied Science from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), an M.S. in Artificial Intelligence from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and a Doctorate in Public Administration from California Baptist University (CBU).
Rep. Scott Peters
(D-CA)
Rep. Scott Peters serves the country’s most beautiful congressional district, California’s 50th, in San Diego County. First elected in 2012, Scott’s career has been defined by major legislative victories for our veterans and military, deploying clean energy, reducing drug costs while protecting innovation, and confronting the substance abuse crisis. In Congress, Scott serves on the House Energy and Commerce and House Budget Committees, where he has championed and passed historic legislation to protect our environment and promote the energy transition and works to fix a broken budget process and take on our nation’s unsustainable debt. In addition to his Committee assignments, he co-chairs the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum and the House Special Operations Forces Caucus, chairs the New Democrat Coalition’s Climate Change and Clean Energy Task Force, and is a vice-chair of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus. After a 15-year career as an environmental lawyer, Scott was elected to the San Diego City Council, where he later became the City’s first City Council President. Scott later served as chairman of the San Diego Unified Port District – a major economic engine that supports over 40,000 high-skill, high-wage jobs for San Diegans, with $3.3 billion in direct regional economic impact. Scott earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University and worked as an economist for the United States Environmental Protection Agency before attending New York University School of Law.
Chip Pickering
CEO
INCOMPAS
Chip Pickering has been CEO of INCOMPAS since January 2014. During that time, INCOMPAS has achieved significant growth with leading internet, backbone, business broadband, wireless, and international companies. Under his leadership, INCOMPAS has led numerous public policy campaigns promoting competition through an open internet and in the business broadband market. Chip was a six-term Congressman representing Mississippi’s Third District. During his time in the House, he served on the Energy & Commerce Committee, where he was vice chairman from 2002 to 2006 and a member of the Telecommunications Subcommittee. He also was co-chairman and founder of the Congressional Wireless Caucus and an assistant minority whip of the House. Previously, Chip worked for Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and served as a staff member on the Senate Commerce Committee, where he helped shape the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Because of his role in drafting the 1996 Act, he became well known as a Congressional leader on telecommunications issues. While in Congress, Chip served as chair of the subcommittee overseeing the transition to the commercial internet, the establishment of domain names, registries, and internet governance. He also successfully led a bipartisan legislative effort to codify net neutrality principles through the House in 2006. Prior to joining INCOMPAS, Chip was a partner with Capitol Resources LLC, a public affairs and government relations firm, where he represented an array of telecom clients, including wireless, cable and competitive broadband providers, as well as non-profits and companies specializing in education, energy, technology and defense.
Staci Pies
Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Policy
INCOMPAS
Staci Pies is an innovative executive with decades of experience in public policy, technology, and business. She is recognized for her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, transforming them into growth opportunities by shaping policies that reduce barriers, unlock funding, and drive innovation in digital infrastructure. With deep expertise in broadband, AI-driven networks, and telecommunications, Staci has consistently delivered measurable, long-term impact for organizations and communities. As Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs at Crown Castle, Staci launched the company’s first Washington, D.C. office and public policy team. Her efforts positioned Crown Castle as a key player in digital infrastructure deployment, creating long-term regulatory improvements and securing federal funding. Staci’s leadership also led to the development of national advocacy strategies that streamlined broadband infrastructure permitting, reducing regulatory burdens, and lowering deployment costs. Previously, Staci served as Senior Policy Counsel at Google, where she expanded market opportunities by ensuring regulations supported the deployment of digital infrastructure and minimized barriers to broadband expansion, thereby safeguarding YouTube’s profitability and influencing Google’s hardware standards. She led policy initiatives for alternative access technologies, advancing 5G spectrum strategies and contributing to the U.S. Government’s National Spectrum Policy, which generated $500 billion in U.S. economic value. Additionally, Staci developed and implemented public policy strategies to integrate cybersecurity and privacy protections into connectivity and telecom products, enhancing digital security and regulatory compliance. At Microsoft and Skype, Staci secured support from business champions and the Speaker of the House to implement a rule change allowing Skype usage in Congress. She collaborated with the House and Senate Committees on Administration to educate members on Skype’s security protocols, ultimately securing full endorsement. Staci also developed an action plan featuring technology demonstrations, an educational initiative, and customized user agreements for Congress and federal agencies. Staci offers unique value by aligning public policy with commercial objectives, helping organizations expand market opportunities and minimize regulatory impact. She brings clarity, structure, and momentum to complex environments, aligning internal stakeholders around shared goals. Staci builds intentionally collaborative culture, empowering team members to take ownership of their work and driving innovation. Her leadership creates an environment where teams are motivated to achieve collective success. Innovation is a key driver for her, alongside her dedication to empowering people with access to technology. She builds on this commitment through her service on the United Way of the National Capital Area board. Staci holds a Juris Doctorate from Washington College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Pepperdine University.
Greg Rogers
Head, Global Policy & Regulatory Affairs
Bandwidth
Greg Rogers is head of Global Policy and Regulatory Affairs for Bandwidth Inc., where he leads Bandwidth’s regulatory and public policy matters. Bandwidth’s software-enabled communications platform (CPaaS) powers a wide-range of innovative VoIP and Messaging services. Bandwidth is also a leading industry provider of VoIP 9-1-1 routing services across the country. Bandwidth’s nationwide Internet Protocol-based network incorporates its wholly owned facilities-based CLEC with an interconnection footprint that spans the 48 continental states. Greg has been leading Bandwidth’s regulatory and public policy efforts since 2010. Prior to joining Bandwidth, he managed state and federal regulatory matters at Level 3 Communications. Greg is an alumnus of The Colorado College and the University of Colorado School of Law.
Ariane Schaffer
Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs
GFiber
Ariane Schaffer is the Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs for GFiber, an Alphabet company that provides Google Fiber and Google Fiber Webpass internet services to homes and businesses across the United States. Ariane joined the company in 2018 and focuses on advancing public policy to increase broadband deployments and realize digital equity for communities across the nation. In this role, she represents GFiber on a wide variety of issues impacting the business, including competition, utility safety, permitting reform, and taxes. She also serves as the company’s liaison to trade associations, industry coalitions, third-party groups, and participates on expert panels and in events with other thought leaders. She is currently serving a six-year term as a board member for the Fiber Broadband Association and served as Chair of the Board for 2025. Prior to joining Google Fiber, Ariane was Executive Briefer to the Governor of New York. Ariane holds a Bachelor's degree from American University’s School of Public Affairs in Washington, D.C., and graduated from the School of Public Affairs Leadership Program and University Honors Program. She interned in the White House in the Office of Public Engagement under President Obama as well served as Legislative Intern for the U.S. Rep. Cedric L. Richmond. A New Orleans native, and currently lives in New York City.
Christopher L. Shipley
Executive Director of Public Policy
INCOMPAS
Chris Shipley was named Executive Director of Public Policy in 2023, and will lead the association’s efforts to expand its advocacy on behalf of members. He joined INCOMPAS in 2015, serving as attorney and policy advisor responsible for representing INCOMPAS on wireless, universal service, disabilities access, media, and competition issues. Before joining INCOMPAS, Chris was an associate with LMI Advisors, advising clients in the satellite and wireless industries on regulatory issues related to experimental licensing and international market access. Earlier in his career, Chris completed a legal internship with Harris Corporation, a telecommunications equipment manufacturer, and served as the legal fellow for Rep. Anna Eshoo, the Ranking Member of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. Chris graduated from the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America with a Juris Doctor in 2013 and also earned a certification from the Institute for Communications Law Studies. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2000, Chris served for three administrations as a policy analyst and grant administrator at the Arizona Governor’s Office.
David Stehlin
CEO
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)
David Stehlin joined the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) as CEO in September 2019. He brings more than 30 years of experience leading the development and implementation of key business and technology strategies in the information and communications technology industry (ICT). TIA represents more than 400 companies around the globe while developing critical standards and advocating for the industry with federal and state level governments. During his time at TIA, Dave has initiated key new strategic programs including a focus on cyber/supply chain security, data centers and broadband workforce development. Dave has also been instrumental in the leadership of multiple public and private networking companies including CEO of MRV Communications (MRVC) and CEO of Ceterus Networks as well as President of Overture Networks. He has a keen understanding of how to navigate the business, technology and government factors that affect the ICT industry. Prior to starting his career in the ICT industry, Dave was a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. He holds a B.S. degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., and an M.B.A. from National University in San Diego.
Sean Sullivan
Vice President, Product Management and Regulatory Affairs
MetTel
Sean Sullivan is vice president of Product Management and Regulatory Affairs at MetTel, a leading global provider of integrated digital communications solutions for enterprise customers. Prior to joining MetTel, Sean spent more than 20 years in executive positions at Verizon in product marketing, sales, operations and channel strategy. At Verizon, he helped drive strong business results while managing product development for the company’s $4 billion wholesale data services portfolio. He previously served as director of Systems & Infrastructure at Bell Atlantic and director of Resale Services with NYNEX. Sean earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Providence College and a Master of Science degree from Lesley University. Sean and his family live in the greater New York City area.
Olivia Trusty
Commissioner
Federal Communications Commission
Olivia Trusty was nominated to serve as a Commissioner of the FCC by President Donald J. Trump. She was confirmed by the United States Senate in June 2025. Prior to joining the Commission, Commissioner Trusty served as a Professional Staff Member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services under the leadership of U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker. She previously served as a Policy Director on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and a Legislative Assistant in the Office of U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker. Before her tenure as a Senate aide, Commissioner Trusty served as a Professional Staff Member on the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce and a Legislative Assistant to U.S. Congressman Bob Latta. Commissioner Trusty began her career in the private sector. Commissioner Trusty received her B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her M.A. from Georgetown University.
Brendan West
Co-Founder and CEO
FiberCom Engineering
Brendan West is the Co-Founder and CEO of FiberCom Engineering, SkyCom Engineering and SkyWare, a vertically integrated infrastructure platform serving the broadband, utility and construction sectors. With nearly two decades in the industry, Brendan brings a field-first perspective shaped by hands-on experience across underground and aerial fiber construction, field engineering, permitting and regulatory compliance. He has worked in and led every phase of the infrastructure lifecycle – from build execution to engineering validation – experience that directly informs how his companies design technology and workflows for real-world conditions. Under his leadership, FiberCom and its subsidiaries have completed over 7 million feet of field collection in under two years. Brendan is known for challenging “marketing technology” with execution-driven solutions focused on engineering-grade accuracy, constructability, and compliance – delivering datasets and processes that utilities, regulators, and construction teams can trust. He regularly speaks on bridging construction, engineering, and modern technology without sacrificing rigor, accountability or field reality.