Anthony Bak
Head of AI Implementation
Palantir Technologies
Anthony Bak is Head of AI Implementation for Palantir Technologies where he works with customers implementing AI solutions and with Palantir product teams developing AI infrastructure. He engages with external stakeholders on AI Strategy and Policy questions focusing on how the limitations and capabilities of modern AI systems should influence public and private investment as well as regulation. Anthony has a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Physics from Haverford College and has held research positions at Stanford University, The American Institute of Mathematics, and Max Planck Institute for Mathematics. He currently serves on the National AI Advisory Committee (NAIAC) subcommittee on Law Enforcement to give the President advice on matters relating to AI in Law Enforcement.
Van Bloys
Managing Counsel
Crown Castle
Van Bloys is Managing Counsel at Crown Castle, where he advises the company on utility infrastructure siting issues nationwide. Van is well versed in laws governing the deployment of wireline and wireless telecommunications facilities, including pole attachments and small cell siting, and works together with utilities, jurisdictions, and other entities to ensure the safe and reliable deployment of facilities in the right-of-way. Prior to joining Crown Castle, he was an associate at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, where he represented telecommunications providers before the FCC, state public service commissions, local governments, and the courts. Van also previously served as counsel to the Wireless Infrastructure Association, with advocacy before state legislatures, public utility commissions, and municipalities. He received his B.A. in Art History from Georgetown University and his J.D. from American University Washington College of Law, where he served as Note & Comment Editor on the Administrative Law Review as well as a Classroom Dean’s Fellow.
Joshua M. Bobeck
Of Counsel
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Joshua M. Bobeck represents technology and communications industry clients in corporate transactions, regulatory proceedings, and litigation. His practice includes representing investors and companies regarding cross-border investments before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and, with respect to foreign ownership of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulated businesses, before the Team Telecom agencies. Joshua also advises communications industry clients in a wide range of regulatory matters including Asset Backed Securitization (ABS) transactions, right-of-way and pole attachment agreements, and FCC rulemaking and enforcement proceedings.
Amy Bos
Director, State and Federal Affairs
NetChoice
As Director of State and Federal Affairs, Amy works to educate policymakers on key tech issues including Section 230, content moderation, and antitrust and advocates for policies that facilitate the continued growth of the free and open internet. Prior to joining NetChoice, Amy worked on Capitol Hill for 16 years, much of that time serving as Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner’s (WI-05) Legislative Director and Judiciary policy advisor. She assisted in drafting legislation related to immigration reform, criminal justice reform, privacy issues, and copyright and patent reform. Amy also served as Government Affairs Director at Internet Association (IA), where she led outreach on issues related to online marketplaces and content moderation. Amy earned her B.A. from Hope College in Holland, Mich.
Alexander Botting
Senior Director, Global Security & Technology Strategy
Venable LLP
Alexander Botting has extensive experience in international policy, having shaped technology and telecommunications policies in more than 60 countries and multilateral institutions, spanning five continents. He currently serves as International Director of the Open RAN Policy Coalition and leads the international policy work of the Cybersecurity Coalition and the Coalition to Reduce Cyber Risk (CR2). He 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. He also provided guidance to senior Chamber and member company executives on technology policy issues, while managing relationships with officials in the White House, Department of Commerce, Department of State, and USTR. 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 the Wilson Center, member of the OECD Expert Group on cybersecurity policy, and member of the OECD Expert Group on Data Free Flows with Trust (DFFT).
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.
Brendan Carr
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
Chairman Brendan Carr is the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, having served previously as the FCC’s General Counsel. Nominated by both President Trump and President Biden, Carr has been confirmed unanimously by the Senate three times. Described by Axios as “the FCC’s 5G crusader,” Carr has led the FCC’s work to modernize its infrastructure rules and accelerate the buildout of high-speed networks. His reforms cut billions of dollars in red tape, enabled the private sector to construct high-speed networks in communities across the country, and extended America’s global leadership in 5G. Chairman Carr is also focused on expanding America’s skilled workforce—the tower climbers and construction crews needed to build next-gen networks. His jobs initiative promotes community colleges and apprenticeships as a pipeline for good-paying 5G jobs. He is recognizing America’s talented tower crews through a series of “5G Ready” Hard Hat presentations. Chairman Carr leads a groundbreaking telehealth initiative at the FCC. The Connected Care Pilot Program supports the delivery of high-quality care to low-income Americans and veterans. Chairman Carr’s time outside of Washington helps inform his approach to the job. He regularly hits the road to hear directly from community members and learn how changes in federal policies could help improve their lives. Chairman Carr brings nearly 20 years of private and public sector experience in communications and tech policy to his position. Before joining the FCC as a staffer back in 2012, he worked as an attorney at Wiley Rein LLP in the firm’s appellate, litigation, and telecom practices. Previously, Chairman Carr clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit for Judge Dennis Shedd. After attending Georgetown University for his undergrad, Chairman Carr earned his J.D. magna cum laude from the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law where he served as an editor of the Catholic University Law Review.
Chris Champion
Vice President, Government Relations
C Spire
Chris Champion, a native of Greenwood, Miss., serves as vice president of Government Relations for C Spire, a diversified telecommunications company headquartered in Ridgeland, Miss. In that role, Chris has oversight of both federal and multi-state policy issues for the company. In addition, he manages the company’s political engagement activities. Prior to joining C Spire, Chris was vice president in the Cornerstone Government Affairs, Jackson, Miss., office where he represented a variety of clients in the agriculture, energy, corrections, and non-profit sector. Chris’s public service includes serving as special assistant to United State Sen. Roger Wicker in Washington, D.C., until he returned to his home state where he held the position of policy director for Gov. Phil Bryant. Chris was the Governor’s designee to the Tennessee Valley Authority Regional Energy Resource Council, Delta Regional Authority, Appalachian Regional Commission and the Southern States Energy Board. A proud graduate of Ole Miss, he has been recognized as a Top 50 Under 40 businessperson by the Mississippi Business Journal and is a previous member of the Mississippi Economic Council’s Leadership Mississippi Class. He was recently appointed to the Connect Mississippi Committee by the Mississippi Public Service Commission.
Colin Crowell
Managing Director
The Blue Owl Group
Colin Crowell is the Managing Director of The Blue Owl Group. Colin is an international tech policy consultant and the former Vice President of Global Public Policy, Government, & Philanthropy at Twitter. During his 8+ years at Twitter, Colin built an award-winning philanthropy program and engaged with global policymakers and civil society on a range of Internet policy issues. Prior to joining Twitter, Colin worked as Senior Counselor to the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and previously spent more than two decades on Capitol Hill drafting telecommunications and Internet laws on the committee staff of then-U.S. Representative (now Senator) Ed Markey (D-MA). He is a graduate of Boston College with a BA in Political Science and a minor concentration in Computer Science.
Nazila Cruz
Civil Engineer
City of Los Angeles
Nazila Cruz is a distinguished public service professional with nearly a decade of experience at the City of Los Angeles. With a focus on infrastructure management and policy implementation, she has spent over 3.5 years leading the management of excavation utility permits, where she optimized regulatory processes and strengthened operational efficiencies. Nazila has played a pivotal role in several pilot programs aimed at modernizing city services, collaborating across departments to implement innovative solutions. An accomplished speaker and trainer, she has delivered numerous technical presentations and led specialized training to promote best practices and knowledge-sharing among staff and stakeholders. Driven by a commitment to excellence and public service, Nazila continues to advocate for policies that enhance urban infrastructure while fostering community-focused solutions.
Michael B. Galvin
Chief Administrative Officer
Granite Telecommunications LLC
Mike Galvin leads Granite’s strategic and tactical legal initiatives, initiating the development of corporate policies and assists with major sales, large vendor relations, employment matters, public relations and marketing and is responsible for the work of in-house and outside counsel. Before Granite, Mike was a partner at a prominent, Boston-based law firm that specialized in business and commercial disputes, and also worked as a state prosecutor. He is active in several bar and civic organizations, including the Federal Communications Bar Association and the YMCA. He also is a multiple time Ironman finisher.
Bruce Gardner
Town Manager
Queen Creek, Arizona
Bruce Gardner is the Town Manager for Queen Creek, Arizona, a position he has held since January 2023. Before becoming Town Manager, Bruce worked in several roles, including Queen Creek’s Assistant Town Manager and Workforce and Technology Director. During Bruce’s time with the Town, Queen Creek’s population has tripled to an estimated 84,000, making it Arizona’s fastest-growing community and the third fastest in the nation. While rapid population growth has its advantages, it also brings challenges, particularly regarding the capacity and connectivity of advanced technologies for residents and businesses. Consequently, Bruce has spearheaded efforts on behalf of the Town Council to create policies that eliminate barriers to deployment, along with developing industry-specific licensing and lease agreements for macro cell and small cell, broadband, and fiber infrastructure opportunities, significantly reducing approval timelines for construction. Thanks to these “open for business” initiatives, Town residents and businesses will soon benefit from substantial improvements in advanced technologies. In addition to his role as Town Manager, Bruce is a member of the Executive Committee of the Arizona Municipal Risk Insurance Pool and represents Queen Creek on various regional management committees, including the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), the Mesa Gateway Airport management board, and the State of Arizona telecommunications group.
Alyia Gaskins
Mayor
City of Alexandria, Virginia
Alyia Gaskins, a tenacious fighter for families, communities, and health equity, is the first African American woman to serve as the Mayor of Alexandria. She was elected in 2024 and is dedicated to building a healthier, more prosperous Alexandria for all. In Alyia’s first campaign for office in 2021, she was elected to City Council with the second-highest number of votes out of 13 candidates. Alyia’s many accomplishments during her three years on Council include leading the charge and introducing the memos and budget amendments necessary to expand access to affordable housing by increasing dedicated funding by nearly $5 million; support Alexandrians' access to quality job opportunities through prevailing wage and labor agreements; give public safety officers the tools—like body-worn cameras—they need to do their jobs while building community trust and accountability; expand the availability of early care and education services; pass two historic collective bargaining agreements for police and firefighters that make significant increases in employee pay and staffing; fund critical infrastructure such as stormwater management and flood mitigation, increased transit options, and broadband expansion. The same issues that motivate Alyia as an elected official—health, housing, education, public safety, and the economic, social, and physical vitality of cities— have motivated her professional career as a public health strategist and city planner. She has worked on hunger policy at D.C. Hunger Solutions and health issues at the National League of Cities, managed an affordable housing investment program at the Center for Community Investment, and was most recently a Senior Program Officer at the Melville Charitable Trust, a national philanthropic organization devoted to ending homelessness. Currently, Alyia runs her own consulting business, CitiesRX, which focuses on building physical, social, and economic health through community partnerships. Alyia graduated from Vanderbilt University, where she majored in medicine, health, and society. She earned a master’s degree in public health at the University of Pittsburgh and further honed her policy chops with a master’s in urban planning at Georgetown and a Professional Certificate in Municipal Finance from the University of Chicago.
Anna M. Gomez
Commissioner
Federal Communications Commission
Anna M. Gomez was sworn in as Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission in September 2023. She believes the FCC does best when its work honors the people it serves. The Commissioner brings over 30 years of public and private sector experience in domestic and international communications law and policy to her position. In 2023, she led U.S. preparations for the International Telecommunication Union World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) for the Department of State and from 2009 to 2013 she served as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Deputy Administrator. While at NTIA she oversaw the successful transition to digital television, as well as efforts that resulted in the establishment of a broadband network for first responders. Commissioner Gomez also served for 12 years in various positions at the FCC, including as Deputy Chief of the International Bureau and as Senior Legal Advisor to then-Chairman William E. Kennard. She also served as Counsel to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, and as Deputy Chief of Staff of the National Economic Council during the Clinton Administration. Prior to joining the State Department in 2023, Commissioner Gomez worked in private practice focusing on telecommunications law. Born in Orlando, Fla., Commissioner Gomez spent her childhood in Bogota, Colombia before her family relocated to New Jersey. She now resides in Virginia. Commissioner Gomez earned her B.A. in Pre-Law from Pennsylvania State University and her J.D. from George Washington University Law School.
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. Carl also serves as Chair of the Commission on the CA Transportation Commission, which annually programs and allocates nearly $10 billion in transportation improvements throughout the state. Through his past leadership roles, Carl has led and co-led 19 statewide, regional, and countywide ballot initiatives, winning 18 out of 19 campaigns. Carl graduated from San Jose State University, where he is a Distinguished Alumnus. Outside of work, Carl is a runner, cyclist, and triathlete, having completed 19 marathons and three IRONMANs.
Steve Hall
Environmental Manager
Williams Companies
Steve Hall has more than 25 years of experience in the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors. At Williams Companies, he currently serves as the Environmental Manager for the company’s northeast operating area, supports government and regulatory affairs, and manages special projects across the northeast region. Prior to joining Williams, he served numerous clients in consulting Senior Project Manager and technical advisory roles for major projects in the energy sector, as well as serving as a manager of environmental programs in state and local government roles. Steve received a B.S. in Environmental Biology from Taylor University.
Dr. Richard J. Harknett
Professor and Director of the School of Public and International Affairs
Director of the Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy
University of Cincinnati
Dr. Richard J. Harknett is Professor and Director of the School of Public and International Affairs and Director of the Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy at the University of Cincinnati, where he also co-directs the Ohio Cyber Range Institute, a statewide organization supporting education, workforce, economic and research development in cybersecurity. He is Board Member and Faculty Liaison for the Portman Center for Policy Solutions. He served as Scholar-in-Residence at U.S. Cyber Command and continues in a support role. He has presented both policy briefings and academic research in 14 countries, on Capitol Hill, and to various U.S. federal and state government agencies. Professor Harknett has held two Fulbright Scholar appointments: in Cyber Studies at Oxford University, U.K., and in International Relations at the Diplomatic Academy, Vienna, Austria, where he holds a non-resident professor appointment. He has authored over 60 publications including the co-authored book Cyber Persistence Theory: redefining national security in cyberspace (Oxford Univ Press, 2022) and has contributed to raising over $60 million in institutional and research grant and philanthropic financial support.
Kara Hinesley
Global Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs
Canva
Kara Hinesley is Canva's Global Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs, leading the company’s engagement with governments, regulators, and civil society on tech and digital issues. She holds dual legal qualifications in the U.S. and Australia, with degrees from Texas A&M, University of Sydney, Quinnipiac University, and the Australian National University. Her credentials also include being an accredited mediator and holding executive certificates from Yale and UCLA. Previously, Kara was Twitter’s Director of Public Policy for APAC, leading initiatives like the Christchurch Call and the global #DataforGood program. She also shapes tech policy as a board member of the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) and as a delegate for the Australian American Leadership Dialogue (AALD).
James T. Hoffman
Vice President, External & Customer Affairs
Alabama Fiber Network
James Hoffman serves as Vice President of External & Customer Affairs with the Alabama Fiber Network. Founded by eight of Alabama’s leading electric cooperatives in cooperation with Alabama Power, AFN has been awarded over $264m from the American Rescue Plan and Alabama Legislature to assemble and operate a 400-gigabit middle mile fiber network that stretches 6,600 miles and serves each of Alabama’s 67 counties. By directly serving more than 550 Community Anchor Institutions and offering network access to last-mile providers to serve residential customers, AFN's goal is to be an integral part of providing internet connectivity to all Alabamians. A veteran of Verizon’s Network Real Estate and Network Partnerships organizations, while at Verizon James was charged with negotiating agreements to enable small cell deployment, leading external affairs for the Wireless and Wireline Engineering and Sales organizations in DC, Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, and partnering to support the company’s pursuit of government funding to serve the underserved. Before joining Verizon, James spent his career representing government affairs clients across a wide range of industries before the Virginia General Assembly. A native of Richmond, Va., James and his family now reside in his wife’s home state of Alabama. James is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Hampden-Sydney College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in government. He is also a graduate of the University of Virginia's Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership and UVA's Darden School of Business (MBA).
Andrés Irlando
President & COO
Zayo Group
Andrés Irlando has served for the past two years as President of Zayo Group, a $2B+ communications infrastructure company owned by private equity firms DigitalBridge and EQT with operations in North America and Europe. He is involved in all aspects of the business, including strategy, driving organic growth, rightsizing costs, and corporate development and integrations. Andrés has almost 20 years of experience in senior executive roles within the telecom and technology industries. He previously led multi-billion-dollar business units and large employee teams at Verizon Communications, including as President and Senior Vice President Public Sector, President Southwest Region, President New York Region, and Vice President Customer Service. Andrés also served six years as CEO of Verizon Connect, a $1B fleet and mobile resource management Software-as-a-Service company with operations in North and South America, Europe, China, Australia, and New Zealand. He scaled Verizon Connect into the largest subscriber base in its Internet of Things vertical in the world, overseeing due diligence, acquisition, and integration of a dozen global companies. Andrés also collaborated with Verizon Ventures on its technology and telecom investment strategy and portfolio management. Andrés previously served five years as President of the Cesar Chavez Foundation, transforming it from a start-up into a national foundation and monument. He also served eight years as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve. Andrés currently serves on the Board of Directors of Genuine Cable Group, a private equity (Audax Group) portfolio company. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of both Chapman University and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta. Andrés previously served as a Commissioner on the Los Angeles City Planning Commission. Andrés earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Stanford Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College.
Veneeth Iyengar
Executive Director
ConnectLA
Veneeth Iyengar is the first executive director for the state of Louisiana's broadband efforts (also known as ConnectLA). Under the leadership of Governor Jeff Landry, he is responsible for coordinating efforts among federal, state and local leaders in allocating nearly $1.6 Billion in federal funds to eliminate the digital divide in Louisiana by 2029 if not sooner. He and his team are considered thought leaders in the broadband community for their rapid scale up and execution of federal dollars to impact the 1.7 million residents in Louisiana who lack high speed internet. Louisiana's efforts have been recognized nationally. From 2018-2021, he was the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for the Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish primarily responsible for Economic Development. He was involved in the lifecycle of Economic Development deals and he led the administration's response in helping small business owners during the pandemic. In 2020, Veneeth was asked by the Governor to co-chair his Resilient Louisiana Healthcare Task Force, which included the CEOs of leading healthcare systems, payors and rural healthcare organizations in the state. The task force recommended approaches to create an innovative healthcare economy given the challenges posed by the pandemic. Prior to his time as a public servant, Veneeth helped build the Venture Capital/Private Equity healthcare practice for Sage Growth Partners and worked in the office of the former CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation under President George W. Bush. In 2023, Veneeth received the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Impact Award, the Woodrow Wilson Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Service from Johns Hopkins University in 2022, 2020 Leadership Louisiana Recipient by the Council for a Better Louisiana and 2018 Forty under 40 in Baton Rouge by the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report. He is on Ochsner's Health State Advisory Board with the focus of significantly improving the healthcare rankings in the state, Board of Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation and Chairman for Innovation Catalyst, a non-profit evergreen investment based in Baton Rouge that has made more than a dozen investments startups. He received his Master of Science in Finance from Johns Hopkins University and his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Purdue University.
Victoria Luxardo Jeffries
Public Policy Director
Meta
Victoria Luxardo Jeffries advises on a broad range of issues for Meta's Public Policy team with a focus on AI, competition, and digital regulation. She began her career at the FTC and has worked in-house at media and tech companies, as well as at a leading tech industry law firm. Emory University School of Law, JD; Tufts University, BA International Relations.
Rep. John Joyce (R-PA)
Vice Chairman, House Energy and Commerce Committee
Rep. John Joyce, M.D. has served the 13th District of Pennsylvania since 2019. Before running for office, he worked in Blair County with his wife, Dr. Alice Joyce. He was born in Altoona, Pa., to Bernie and Peggy (Hallinan) Joyce, the third generation of the Joyce family to be born and raised in Altoona. A 1975 graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle High School, John attended Penn State Altoona for two years and then continued his undergraduate education at Penn State University Park. He graduated with honors with a degree in biology in 1979. John continued his education at Temple University, receiving his M.D. in 1983. Subsequently, he completed a three-year internal medicine residency as a Johns Hopkins fellow in Baltimore, Md. He then completed a residency in Dermatology at Johns Hopkins, finishing as chief resident. Dr. Joyce is a fellow in the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Dermatology. After leaving Johns Hopkins Hospital, Joyce worked with the United States Navy at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He received commendations from U.S. Navy Rear Admiral David B. LeStage for his work during this time. Upon completion of his time with the Navy, Dr. Joyce returned to his hometown, Altoona, with his wife Alice and their three children, where they established Altoona Dermatology Associates. For over 25 years, Dr. Joyce and his wife have cared for patients in the Central Pennsylvania area, serving all twelve counties in the 13th Congressional District. John has served on the Advisory Board of the Penn State Altoona Campus, the American Cancer Society, The United Way, and the Goodman Trust, as a mentor for the Eberly College of Science at Penn State, and as a volunteer at the St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen. He is a lifelong member of the Cathedral in Altoona. In Congress, John is fighting for Pennsylvanians' commonsense, conservative values - strengthening our economy, improving Pennsylvanians' access to quality and affordable health care, and defending our Constitutional rights.
Hank Kelly
Partner
Kelley Drye
Hank Kelly is a partner with Kelley Drye. Focused exclusively on communications law and regulation, Hank provides clients with a deep focus of legal and business experience that is specific to the ongoing challenges they face. Representing a broad range of public and private companies, he works closely with businesses that range in size from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. With more than three decades of specialized communications industry experience, Hank advises clients on compliance with state and federal regulations, and how to structure business transactions, mergers and acquisitions to conform to legal and regulatory requirements.
Grace Koh
Vice President, Government Relations
Ciena
Grace Koh is Vice President for Government Relations at Ciena, the world’s leading developer of optical networking equipment. Koh comes to Ciena with significant experience in government. She held the title of U.S. Ambassador, while serving as the U.S. Representative and Head of Delegation to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC -19). In this role, she negotiated for favorable outcomes for the United States on spectrum policy and allocation. She has also served as Special Assistant to the President for Technology, Telecom, and Cybersecurity Policy at the National Economic Council, coordinating policy and advising the White House on these matters. Koh previously served as Deputy Chief Counsel to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology in the U.S. House of Representatives. In this role, she advised the chair and committee members on policy and legal issues arising in the telecommunications and technology sectors. Koh has also worked in various positions in the private sector, including as a partner in DLA Piper LLP, an associate at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. She also worked for Cox Enterprises as Policy Counsel, advising the company and its subsidiaries on telecom and technology policy developments in Washington, D.C. Before joining Ciena, she led the U.S. office for government relations at Nokia. Koh received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities from Yale University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Carol Lane
Vice President, Government Affairs
X-energy LLC
Carol Lane leads government relations for X-energy, working with Congress and the executive branch to advance X-energy’s overall business goals and objectives within the confines of U.S. national policy objectives. Before joining X-energy in 2015, Carol was Vice President of Washington Operations and Vice President of Civil and Commercial Space for Ball Aerospace & Technologies, Corp. Carol has more than 20 years of experience in government and private sector working on energy, civilian space, and national security policy. Prior to joining Ball Aerospace, she worked for Lockheed Martin and TRW (Northrop Grumman) in both business and policy roles. Her legislative branch experience includes serving as staff director for the Science, Technology and Space Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and as a staff member on the Senate Budget Committee, focusing on space and energy issues. Carol served in the executive branch as a presidential appointee in the Reagan administration as the Director of the Office of Commercial Space Transportation in the US Department of Transportation. Carol is a graduate of George Washington University. She is currently the President of the American Astronautical Society (AAS) and is former Chairman of the Board for Women in Aerospace, former Vice President of Development for ARCS (STEM education), and a mentor for the Brooke Owens Foundation.
Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH)
Chairman, House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy
Since 2007, Rep. Bob Latta has served the people of Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Rep. Latta is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee where he plays an intricate role in crafting the nation’s energy, telecommunications, environment, healthcare, and interstate commerce policy. Rep. Latta serves as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and is a member of the Subcommittee on Communications & Technology and the Subcommittee on the Environment. Along with his committee positions, Rep. Latta is a Deputy Whip and Co-Chairs the Rural Broadband Caucus and the Congressional Propane Caucus. Throughout his tenure, Rep. Latta has advocated for the interests of the people of Northwest and Northern Ohio through policies that further economic prosperity and job creation. His top priorities on behalf of his constituents include improving access to broadband capabilities in rural areas, reducing government spending, maintaining a strong national defense, combating the nation’s substance use crisis, fighting for energy independence, and implementing commonsense government reforms. The Congressman believes that hearing from constituents is essential to representing them in Congress and has held more than 1,500 meetings in Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District since 2012. He also has held more than 130 Courthouse Conference one-on-ones with constituents where he is available to answer questions, discuss issues, and help solve problems with Federal agencies. Rep. Latta has had 33 bills and provisions signed into law during his Congressional tenure. As a Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Latta worked with his colleagues to pass landmark legislation to combat the opioid crisis. Included in that bill was legislation he authored, the INFO Act, which helps provide needed data and information to those on the front lines of this crisis. Rep. Latta has also advanced key legislation to bolster the United States’ energy sector. This includes the Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act, a law to provide guidance and a licensing framework for the nuclear industry to ensure the United States retains its role as a global energy innovation leader and the Critical Electric Infrastructure Act, a law protecting America’s power grid by providing private entities and the federal government with the tools needed to respond and alleviate grid security emergencies. In previous Congresses, Rep. Latta served on the House Budget Committee, the House Agriculture Committee, and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Congressman Latta is an avid sportsman and lifelong resident of Northwest Ohio. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Bowling Green State University and his J.D. degree at the University of Toledo College of Law.
Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA)
Senior Member, House Energy and Commerce Committee, and
Ranking Member, Communications and Technology Subcommittee
Congresswoman Doris Matsui has represented the city of Sacramento and its surrounding areas since 2005. As a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, she serves as the Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee and as a member of the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee. She is committed to strengthening Sacramento’s flood protection, ensuring quality, affordable health care for all, growing our clean energy economy, and promoting innovation and equity in technology. As Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Congresswoman Matsui is a national leader on technology and innovation policy. She authored the CHIPS for America Act, legislation that invested $52 billion to reassert American leadership in the strategically important semiconductor industry. She also serves as Co-Chair of the bipartisan High-Tech and Spectrum Caucuses, spearheading efforts to address the pressing tech issues of today and tomorrow while increasing the accessibility and affordability of communications services. She continues to focus on promoting the deployment of next-generation wireless technologies and maintaining a healthy spectrum pipeline. She is a leading voice for policies that support access to reliable, affordable, high-speed broadband for families and students, while ensuring that digital equity, and inclusion are top of mind. She authors the Digital Equity Foundation Act, which would channel public and private investments to help close the divide on digital equity, inclusion, and literacy. She leads the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act, which would ensure access to a free and open internet by prohibiting internet fast lanes from harming consumers, small businesses and innovators. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security and Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), Congresswoman Matsui is one of the foremost leaders in Congress advancing bold policies to address the climate crisis. Under her leadership, SEEC has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable infrastructure, providing tax incentives for clean energy, and reducing harmful emissions. She co-chairs the Nature and Oceans Task Force, which looks to harness the power of public lands and waters through natural climate solutions. She was a vocal leader in securing robust tax incentives and credits through the Inflation Reduction Act, and has worked in tandem with local leaders to ensure the regional community has the resources it needs to lead on the clean energy transition. She has been a long time champion of stronger vehicle emission standards at the national level, and a tireless advocate for California’s Clean Air Act waiver. Congresswoman Matsui authored the bipartisan Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2019, reauthorizing a popular program for reducing emissions from diesel vehicles. The Congresswoman also led the Healthier and Greener Schools Act, which funds sustainable retrofits at K-12 schools, and she co-led the POWER ON Act, which created a grant program to harden the electric grid against natural disasters and prevent wildfire ignition from power lines. Thanks in large part to her efforts, the Sacramento region has been transforming into a clean-tech capital, with over 200 companies in the region. Congresswoman Matsui passionately works to improve and rebuild Sacramento’s infrastructure. She has secured large investments in regional public transportation and the Sacramento International Airport through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and is a strong proponent of robust investments in our transit hubs. Before coming to Congress, Doris Matsui served as Chairwoman on the Board for the KVIE public television station in Sacramento, and in leadership capacities for the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Children's Home, and the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra. After growing up on a farm in California’s Central Valley, Congresswoman Matsui graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. She served as one of eight members of President Clinton’s transition board and later served as Deputy Assistant to the President in the White House Office of Public Liaison. Congresswoman Matsui succeeded her late husband Robert Matsui (who served in Congress from 1979-2005) in a special election in March 2005.
Robert M. McDowell
Partner
Cooley
Rob McDowell is chair of Cooley’s global communications practice group, and he advises telecommunications, media, space technology and satellite clients – including private equity and venture funds – on their most significant regulatory, legal and business matters. As a former commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission and a highly regarded industry leader, Rob has been at the forefront of the most complex and groundbreaking issues facing the telecom-media-tech sector. Rob was appointed to the FCC by President George W. Bush in 2006 and was reappointed by President Barack Obama in 2009. He was unanimously confirmed both times by the US Senate. During his tenure, Rob led efforts to expand consumer access to spectrum through his work on the two largest wireless auctions in U.S. history at the time. He also played a key role in the 2009 digital television transition, he and led efforts to establish the first federal civil rights rule in a generation by creating a ban on racially discriminatory practices in broadcast advertising, among many other accomplishments. While at the FCC, Rob worked extensively on several large and complex mergers, including Sirius and XM; Comcast and NBCUniversal; Verizon and Alltel; AT&T and Dobson; Sprint and Clearwire; Verizon and SpectrumCo; and AT&T and T-Mobile. At Cooley, he represents clients on transformative deals before the FCC, Congress, the White House and other regulatory bodies. Rob is an advocate for internet freedom, serving on the official US diplomatic delegation to the 2012 World Conference on International Telecommunications and exposing an international bid to regulate vital aspects of the internet through multilateral treaty-based organizations. Rob authored an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal opposing multilateral internet regulation that led to a resolution passed unanimously in the House and Senate, as well as the ultimate defeat of the international bid at a treaty negation in Dubai later that year.
Milo Medin
CEO
Logos Space Services
Milo Medin has served as CEO of Logos Space Services since February 2023. recently left Google after almost 11 years where he was last Vice President of Access Services at Google, where led Google’s spectrum activities, including spectrum sharing and the development and fielding of the CBRS, the Google CBRS SAS, cloud based planning tools, as well as other efforts in wireless services. Milo also led the Google Fiber program during its initial years and through deployments in multiple cities. Before Google, he was co-founder and the Chief Technology Officer of Excite@Home, where he led the development of the company's national infrastructure, and helped deliver the first large scale residential broadband access service in partnership with major cable operators, including the development of the DOCSIS cable modem standard. Prior to @Home, Milo led development of Internet technology and global science program networking as the Branch Chief of the NASA Science Internet Project Office at Ames Research Center. There he worked on Internet routing protocols and managed the primary West Coast Internet interconnect, as well as managing NASA’s Internet network. Milo majored in computer science at UC Berkeley, and has served on the FCC’s TAC, and on the DoD’s Defense Innovation Board, where he co-authored the DIB’s report on 5G risks and opportunities, Principles for Ethical use of AI by the DoD, and other major recommendations. He has served on several National Academy of Sciences panels, testified in front of Congress multiple times, and has held DoD TS/SCI and DOE Q security clearances.security clearances.
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS)
Member, Senate Commerce Committee
Kansans first elected Jerry Moran to the United States Senate in 2010. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Moran has pushed for spending cuts, tougher funding standards and broad reform. Sen. Moran serves as lead Republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, which allows him to lead the funding decisions that impact men and women working at agencies like the Department of Justice, the FBI, NASA, the United States Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce, to name a few. This broad committee jurisdiction allows Senator Moran to advocate for priorities important to Kansans in many different contexts. As a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Sen. Moran advocates on behalf of Kansans regarding a number of issues vital to the state’s economy, ranging from communications and product safety to empowering Olympic and NCAA athletes. Sen. Moran is also a strong advocate for the aviation industry and continuing service of Amtrak’s Southwest Chief. Sen. Moran understands that overregulation is among the greatest threat to the economy in rural America, and his role on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies positions him well to advocate for family farmers and ranchers and work to eliminate burdensome regulations that threaten the future of rural America. Through this Appropriations Subcommittee, Sen. Moran prioritizes resources for a variety of agricultural programs and is a champion for agricultural research. Since joining the U.S. Senate, Senator Moran has also been a leading advocate for issues related to entrepreneurship, job creation and innovation. He is committed to putting policies in place that foster a pro-growth environment where businesses can succeed without government-imposed barriers. Prior to his election to the Senate in November 2010, Moran served Kansans in the “Big First” Congressional district for seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as eight years in the Kansas State Senate – spending the last two years as Majority Leader. Before his election to public office, Senator Moran attended Fort Hays State University and later the University of Kansas, where he completed a degree in economics. After an early career as a small-town banker, he received his J.D. from the University of Kansas.
Maryam Mujica
Chief Public Policy Officer
General Catalyst
Maryam Mujica is the Chief Public Policy Officer at General Catalyst, a global investment and transformation company. Her work focuses on policy in the following critical industries: defense tech, industrial/manufacturing, energy, AI, and healthcare. Maryam has worked for the last 15 years on issues ranging from national security to tech policy. She began her career as a litigation attorney but as a first-generation American, she felt mission-driven to work for the U.S. government, working at The White House National Security Council and State Department focused on the Middle East. The use of technology during the Arab Spring spurred Maryam’s interest to join the tech sector. She first joined Twitter’s Public Policy team followed by leading Google’s Emerging Markets portfolio for their International Government Affairs team. Maryam has also led global policy teams at Shopify and Booking Holdings.Maryam obtained a B.A. from Trinity College, J.D. from Santa Clara University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Virginia.She speaks Spanish and is conversant in French and Farsi.
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. Pickering 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.
Alan Poole
General Counsel
DC BLOX
Alan Poole leads the legal and public policy strategies of DC BLOX, as well as day-to-day legal operations. Before joining DC BLOX, Alan spent 11 years at Troutman Pepper (now Troutman Pepper Locke) building and leading a successful telecommunications infrastructure practice. During his career, Alan helped clients execute significant mergers, acquisitions, and asset purchases and sales with a focus on fiber optic and data center assets, and helped his clients develop unique fiber optic routes and implement critical legal and regulatory strategies. Alan graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law. Alan lives in the Kirkwood neighborhood of Atlanta with his wife and two children, where he enjoys reading horror, fantasy and history, collecting guitars, making music, and going to all the live shows he can manage.
Michael H. Pryor
Shareholder
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP
Michael Pryor represents organizations that provide telecommunications services and those that rely on telecommunications technology for business operations. Drawing on more than two decades of work in the telecommunications industry, he helps clients navigate complex federal and state regulatory proceedings, litigation and transactions. Michael’s substantive background ranges from the arcane regulation of intercarrier compensation to the legal underpinnings of agency decision-making. Extremely knowledgeable about the nuances and intricacies of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), Michael is sought out for his counsel on robocalling and telemarketing issues. He is committed to helping his clients achieve optimal outcomes working to advance their position in complex rulemakings and regulatory adjudications. Michael served as the deputy chief of the policy division in the Federal Communication Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau from 1996 to 1999. While there, he drafted rules implementing the local competition provisions of the 1996 Telecommunications Act and spearheaded reviews of major proceedings including WorldCom’s merger with MCI. Following law school, Michael clerked for Judge Harold Greene who oversaw the breakup of AT&T and its restrictions on Bell Companies’ business practices.
Asim Raza
Vice President & General Counsel
Arcadian Infracom
Asim Raza currently serves as Vice President, General Counsel at Arcadian Infracom, a critical information infrastructure development, construction and operations company headquartered in St. Louis. Raza is an accomplished infrastructure industry executive and corporate leader with 20+ years’ experience. Prior to joining Arcadian, Raza served as Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary and Director of Corporate Affairs for the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA), a 130+ year old switching railroad in the St. Louis, Missouri area, co-owned by five Class 1 Railroads. At TRRA, Raza led all legal, corporate and governmental affairs, real estate, compliance, labor and business development initiatives. Outside of work, Raza has worked for both ESPN and FOX Sports since 2015 providing live, play-by-play support for television broadcasters as a Booth Spotter during NCAA College Football games.
Greg Rogers
Head of 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.
Joshua Ruby
General Counsel
Granite Telecommunications LLC
Josh Ruby has served as Granite's General Counsel since 2022. As General Counsel, Josh is responsible for all activities of Granite's legal department, including legal aspects of Granite's relationships with its customers and vendors and intellectual property, regulatory, employment, and regulatory matters. Josh also has various cross-functional responsibilities on a wide variety of other matters, including general risk management, compliance, government contracting, and information security. Prior to joining Granite, Josh practiced complex civil and criminal litigation, first as an associate at Cozen O'Connor in Philadelphia, then as an associate and later a partner at Donnelly Conroy & Gelhaar, a Boston-based litigation boutique firm. He began his legal career as a law clerk to Associate Justice David Mills of the Massachusetts Appeals Court, Senior Judge Peter Dorsey of the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, and Chief Judge J. Curtis Joyner of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and his law degree from Harvard Law School.
Ben Sanborn
Senior Counsel
Conterra Networks
Ben Sanborn is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Cruz and Vermont Law School. Ben began working in the telecommunications industry in the late 1990s as an attorney with the Utilities Practice Group at the law office of PretiFlaherty in Maine. During his time with PretiFlaherty, Ben represented a number of individual telephone company clients, as well as the CLEC Coalition, before the Maine Public Utilities. In 2007, Ben was hired away from PretiFlaherty by the Telecommunications Association of Maine (TAM) to act as full time Executive Director and in-house counsel. In his role with TAM, Ben was engaged in regulatory and legislative work at the State and Federal level, including working closely with Senator Collins' office on broadband issues. In 2021, Ben was hired as Senior Counsel for Conterra Networks, a Broadband company located in Charlotte, NC. Ben works remotely from his home in Farmingdale, Maine, where he lives with his wife Susie.
Ariane Schaffer
Head, 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 three-year term as a board member for the Fiber Broadband Association and is 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, DC 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. Representative Cedric L. Richmond.
Christopher L. Shipley
Executive Director of Public Policy
INCOMPAS
Chris 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.
Nathan Simington
Commissioner
Federal Communications Commission
Nathan Simington was nominated to serve as a Commissioner of the FCC by President Donald J. Trump. He was confirmed by the United States Senate in 2020. Commissioner Simington brings both private and public-sector experience to the Commission. Previously, he served as Senior Advisor at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA.) In this role, he worked on many aspects of telecommunications policy, including spectrum allocation and planning, broadband access, and the US Government’s role in the Internet. Prior to joining the Commission, he was senior counsel to Brightstar Corp., an international mobile device services company. In this capacity, he led and negotiated telecommunications equipment and services transactions with leading providers in over twenty countries. Prior to joining Brightstar, he worked as an attorney in private practice. Commissioner Simington is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School. He also holds degrees from the University of Rochester and Lawrence University. Commissioner Simington grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Berin Szóka
President
TechFreedom
Berin Szóka is President of TechFreedom. Named one of Washington, D.C.'s, 500 Most Influential People by Washingtonian Magazine, his work focuses on how law shapes digital media in the U.S. and Europe, especially free expression, consumer and child protection, and telecommunications. Previously, he was a Senior Fellow and the Director of the Center for Internet Freedom at The Progress & Freedom Foundation. Before joining PFF, he practiced law at Latham & Watkins LLP and Lawler Metzger Milkman & Keeney, LLC, and clerked for the Hon. H. Dale Cook, Senior U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Szóka received his juris doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law, a master's in European Law at Panthéon-Assas University Paris II, and a B.S. in economics from Duke University.
J. Ryan Thompson
Senior Associate
Hogan Lovells
Ryan Thompson is a trusted advisor to leading technology and telecommunications firms, offering practical solutions to complex regulatory and policy challenges. His practice spans an array of cutting-edge policy and legal issues before lawmakers, the courts, and key agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Federal Trade Commission, and U.S. Department of Justice. Ryan’s clients include wireless carriers, prominent tech firms, satellite operators, trade associations, and startups. Ryan’s expertise covers many critical issues in the tech and telecom sector, including wireless and satellite spectrum policy and licensing, AI regulation and legislation, online platform governance and regulation, foreign ownership and merger reviews, and experimental licensing.
Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX)
Member, Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade
Rep. Marc Veasey proudly represents Texas' Congressional District 33 in the U.S. House of Representatives. First elected to the Texas State House in 2004, then State Representative Veasey represented District 95, an area now part of the 33rd Congressional District, for five consecutive terms. As a member of the Texas State House, Rep. Veasey served in a number of leadership positions including Democratic Whip and Chair of the Democratic Caucus. In Dallas-Fort Worth, he led the state legislature in fighting for blue collar jobs, good schools, affordable healthcare, and voting rights. As a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Veasey was appointed to serve on the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Armed Services. Prior to the 117th Congress, Rep. Veasey served on the Committee on Armed Services, Committee on Science Space and Technology and the Small Business Committee. The Congressman also founded the Voting Rights Caucus, is the Co-Chair of the Blue Collar Caucus, and Co-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Task Force on Foreign Affairs and National Security.
Jeffrey Westling
Director, Technology and Innovation Policy
American Action Forum
Jeffrey Westling is the Director of Technology and Innovation Policy at the American Action Forum. Jeffrey’s research focuses on telecommunications, online content policy, and antirust. His work has appeared in a wide range of outlets including Morning Consult, The Hill, The Washington Examiner, Lawfare, and Slate. He has also submitted written testimony to Congress and state legislatures, and regularly participates in a range of panels and conferences on issues such as broadband deployment, spectrum management, and deep fake media. Prior to joining AAF, Jeffrey was a fellow at the R Street Institute and a law clerk at the Federal Communications Commission. He has a JD from the University of Colorado Law School and a BS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona.
Josh Withrow
Fellow, Technology and Innovation
R Street Institute
Josh Withrow is a fellow in Technology and Innovation at R Street Institute. He researches and writes commentary on antitrust and other legislative and regulatory efforts that impact the tech sector. His goal is to promote free markets as a better approach to enabling the disruptive competition and innovation that drive societal progress. Josh previously served as the director of Technology Policy at National Taxpayers Union Foundation, and prior to that he was a senior policy analyst at FreedomWorks. He has a Master’s degree in Medieval Studies and a double-major Bachelor’s Degree in Classics and History.