People
Mike Romano has been named as the next CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, the organization announced this month.
By Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
The current executive vice president of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association will be taking over as CEO next month, NTCA announced last week.
Romano will replace Shirley Bloomfield, who has previously announced her retirement.
According to NTCA, Romano will officially take over duties as CEO on March 15.
“Having worked for the past fifteen years for smaller broadband providers who are working to connect rural America, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the difference these operators make in driving innovation and lifting up consumers and communities,” Romano said.
NTCA Chairman Ben Foster, who was named board chair last month, said Romano has played a key role executing NTCA’s mission for more than a decade.
“He understands NTCA and its member-driven approach, and he is well prepared to advocate forcefully for our industry and the communities we serve,” Foster said.
Last year, Bloomfield said her decision to retire was not an easy one.
“Over the past 36 years, I’ve had the privilege to work alongside dedicated members, a passionate board and an exceptional staff team,” Bloomfield wrote in a message posted last September.
Bloomfield also said she’s proud of her accomplishments, and excited about what the future has in store for the industry.
“Rural broadband is no longer an afterthought — it’s essential infrastructure, a driver of opportunity and a national priority,” she wrote. “I will leave confident in the momentum we’ve built and the strong foundation in place with a strategic plan focused on how to tackle the challenges to come.”
