Connecting One Minnesota-Broadband Meeting
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center
Carriage Hall
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center
Carriage Hall
Registration & Check-In
Coffee and a light breakfast will be provided
Opening Welcome
Keynote Address
The Office of Broadband Development Reflections
American Connection Corps Lightning Round
Break
Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities, Challenges, and Planning
Fireside Chat: The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Reflections
Networking Lunch, Buffet Style, General Session Room
Attendees are encouraged to network with each other and discuss ways they can work together to expand broadband access and digital opportunities in their communities.
Minnesota's Digital Opportunity Approach: Digital Connections Committees
County Strategies to Achieve 100% Coverage
Break
Local Advocacy: Broadband Communities Coordination
What's next for Minnesota?
Closing and Thank You
Session and Speaker Biographies will be added as they become available.
City of Minneapolis
City Operations Officer
Fireside Chat: Governor's Task Force Reflections
Margaret Anderson Kelliher, appointed by Mayor Jacob Frey and confirmed by the Minneapolis City Council in 2024, serves as the City Operations Officer for the City of Minneapolis. In this role, she oversees Civil Rights, Public Works, and various departments under Internal Services, Communications and Engagement, and Development, Health and Livability.
Prior to this, she served as Commissioner of Transportation in Minnesota, focusing on safety, climate resiliency, and equity in transportation. Additionally, she led the Minnesota Technology Association, chaired Governor Dayton’s Broadband Taskforce, and established a paid internship program for small businesses and students in technology and sciences.
For twelve years she was elected to the Minnesota House of representatives, rising to the role of Speaker of the House of Minnesota.
Anderson Kelliher has a background in politics, having been Speaker of the House in Minnesota from 2007 to 2011. During her tenure, she championed renewable energy, transportation investment, and the Legacy Amendment for clean water and conservation. Raised on a family farm in southern Minnesota, she holds a Mid-Career Master’s Degree from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She resides in Minneapolis with her husband and enjoys outdoor activities, art, and reading in her spare time.
Otter Tail County
Community Development Director
County Strategies to Achieve 100% Coverage
Amy Baldwin is the Community Development Director with Otter Tail County, holding this position since March 2019. In this role, she works to strengthen communities throughout the County by expanding housing investment, promoting business development and fostering public/private partnerships to advance key strategic initiatives. Prior to joining Otter Tail County, she spent over 15 years in community and economic development roles with various communities in Minnesota. She graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in Public Administration and holds a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Hamline University. Amy has earned Economic Development Finance Professional and Housing Development Finance Professional certifications through the National Development Council. She is a member of the Economic Development Association of Minnesota and serves on the board of directors for the Greater Minnesota Partnership.
Land O'Lakes
Chief Technology Officer
Fireside Chat: The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Reflections
Teddy Bekele is the Chief Technology Officer at Land O'Lakes, a leading $20B Fortune 500 farm to fork farmer-owned cooperative. At the forefront of digital innovation, Teddy's strategic prowess in digital transformation, information technology, and cybersecurity has been pivotal in steering the company into the future. His insights and leadership in technology have garnered recognition from prestigious publications and media appearances, such as 60 Minutes, Gartner, BBC, Fortune Magazine, and MIT Sloan Management Review. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning him accolades like WCCO's "Minnesotan to Meet" in 2017, Twin Cities 2022 Outstanding Directors, the 2022 Minnesota CIO ORBIE® CIO Leadership Award, and the esteemed 2023 Forbes CIO Next 50. His academic credentials include an MBA from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University. Teddy's impact isn't limited to the corporate sphere. He dedicates his expertise to the public sector as the Chair of the Minnesota Broadband Task Force and the FCC-USDA Task Force for Precision Agriculture Connectivity and Adoption, shaping the future of technology and agriculture.
Minnesota Telecom Alliance
President/CEO
Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities, Challenges and Planning
Brent J. Christensen is the President/CEO of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance. He is responsible for administration and operation of a state trade association that represents 41 independent telecommunications companies, over 15 affiliate telecommunications companies, and over 150 associate members. Christensen advocates on behalf of MTA members at the state and federal levels. He has testified before numerous state legislative committees, before Congress and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Prior to this position, Christensen served 6 years on the MTA Board of Directors, including 2 years on the Executive Committee. He also served as Chair of the Legislative committee and as a member of several other MTA policy committees.
Stearns County
Chair, Stearns County Board of Commissioners
County Strategies to Achieve 100% Coverage
Chair, Stearns County Board of Commissioners; Chair, NACo Rural Action Caucus; Member, AMC & NACo Board of Directors; Past Chair/Current Vice Chair, NACo Telecommunications & Technology Policy Steering Committee; Vice President, MICA Board of Directors; Member, FCC Intergovernmental Affairs Committee; Member, NACo Artificial Intelligence Exploratory Committee; Workgroup Lead, Digital Divide/Digital Equity, and member of NACo Broadband Task Force; Chair, State Community Health Services Advisory Committee; Past Chair, AMC Health & Human Services Policy Steering Committee; MN Transportation Alliance, legislative committee; Member of a variety of local, state and national boards, committees and task forces; Significant Nonprofit, Government and Higher Education Leadership Experience; Policy Development, Advocacy and Training for over 30 years; Former State Senator serving as the number two elected leadership position; and Licensed Attorney.
Department of Employment and Economic Development
Government Relations Director
County Strategies to Achieve 100% Coverage
An executive leader at DEED with over 15 years of experience in state, federal and local government relations. I manage DEED's Government Relations Department which works at the intersection between public policy and state government. I directly manage the economic development portfolio at the agency which includes the broadband programs. Having grown up in a small town (in Wisconsin - don't hold it against me) I'm excited about the progress Minnesota has made to achieve broadband for all and looking forward to deploying historic broadband funding to make that goal a reality.
The Pew Charitable Trusts
Project Director, Broadband Access Initiative
Master of Ceremonies & Fireside Chat: The Governor's Task Force on Broadband Reflections
Kathryn de Wit directs Pew's broadband access initiative, which works to accelerate efforts to connect millions of Americans to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. In addition to working with policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders to improve policy outcomes, de Wit's work also includes addressing research gaps and bringing together stakeholders for data-driven discussions about how to ensure that every American benefits from universal connectivity. Before joining Pew, de Wit was an associate with Booz Allen Hamilton, where she focused on broadband deployment, organizational management, and public affairs. She was also a senior fellow with the Heinz Endowments, leading projects on youth philanthropy and community engagement. De Wit holds bachelor's degrees in communications and sociology from Penn State University and a master's in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
Prairie Connect Consulting
Consultant
Local Advocacy: Broadband Communities Coordination
Barbara’s foundation is in public service. In California she organized her community for wildfire mitigation. In Alameda County, serving as child abuse services coordinator/sworn county coroner, she created the first child death review committee in the state. In Le Sueur and Hennepin counties in Minnesota, she served as human services department head, advocating for people with disabilities.
In 2016, she moved back to Le Sueur County. Her quest for broadband service started while renovating a 125 year old farm house. Internet service for Barbara’s home office was inadequate and decades behind current technologies. In 2018, she began consulting, writing Le Sueur county’s first Blandin Grant with her county commissioner/horse veterinarian, John King. Blandin sent Bill Coleman, the feasibility study was completed in 2019. In 2020, Bevcomm was awarded funds for Derrynane township matched by the township and they became a Blandin broadband community. When COVID-19 hit, Barbara chaired the county CARES committee; $1.7 million for wireless/fiber broadband.
She engages in 4H shows by “leasing” her standard poodles including a pup named PUC and works with 4 girls in 4H horse programs. She serves on the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy as a public member.
Repowered
Senior Director of Processing
Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Approach: Digital Connection Committees.
Sam has spent the last 15 years in the Information Technology Asset Disposition (ITAD) industry with a special focus on digital equity. At Repowered, he oversees the sorting, recycling, refurbishment, and resale of electronics in support of the organization’s mission to provide work opportunities to adults facing barriers to employment. Previously in his career, he worked as the Chief Program Officer at PCs for People to provide computer and internet access to low-income families and build awareness of the growing digital divide. He also spent time on the Technology Literacy Collaborative’s steering committee helping digital inclusion practitioners share best practices for addressing digital inequities.
NRTC
Sr Director Broadband and Infrastructure Funding
Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities, Challenges, and Planning
Teresa identifies, demystifies, and assists members apply for federal and state broadband and energy infrastructure funding. Prior to joining the NRTC, Teresa was the Director, Federal Broadband Engagement for the Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) where she supported stakeholders’ successful engagement in state and federal broadband funding programs, while actively participating in the NTIA’s State Broadband Leadership Network (SBLN) and working with Colorado’s Congressional Senators to advocate for, and secure federal broadband funding through block grants to the states. Prior to joining the CBO Teresa worked for the Public Utilities Commissions of Missouri, Washington and Colorado where she held national leadership positions, engaging with the FCC, USAC, USDA and NARUC, advocating on behalf of state telecom and broadband policy interests. Teresa spent 17 years in the private sector deploying broadband networks for schools, libraries and tribal nations funded through the federal E-Rate program.
Serving Koochiching County, Minnesota
ACC Member
American Connection Corps Lightning Round
Tim Gerlach is the current ACC member serving Koochiching County. Originally from International Falls, he earned bachelors and masters degrees at the University of North Dakota. After a career that included teaching school, energy and environmental research, and leadership roles at the American Lung Association and Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Tim and his wife Lisa 'semi-retired' to Rainy Lake. In summer, you'll find him captaining tour boats within Voyageurs National Park.
MN Library Association (MLA)
MLA President
Minnesota's Digital Opportunity Approach: Digital Connection Committees
Jodi is the current President of the MN Library Association and the Director of the Virginia Public Library, which is in the Arrowhead Library System.
Asian Media Access
Executive Director
Minnesota's Digital Opportunity Approach: Digital Connection Committees
Ange Hwang, the Executive Director of Asian Media Access (AMA), has worked to bring in more understanding about different cultural and communication patterns among diverse groups. Hwang received her Master from University of Iowa. She has been working on the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) civil, social and small business issues through training, and video productions for the past 3 decades, and has won numerous awards for her works. She has developed and produced numerous National Initiatives, including: What About Us, and Bicultural Healthy Living, etc., which aim to increase cultural resilience among AAPIs by catalyzing the development of the high-quality educational materials and trainings nationwide. Hwang is known for her analytical approach to the subjects and foresights to issues buried under layers, adding on a special touch with her bi-cultural backgrounds.
Kandiyohi County
County Commissioner, Chair
County Strategies to achieve 100%
Roger has worked on the County Broadband committee for over ten years. As a small business owner with only dsl internet available, Roger understands the need for broad band connectivity. “With four computers, and a Point of Sale (POS) dependent on internet, our growth is limited,” states Imdieke.
State of Minnesota
Enterprise Director, Federal Funds Implementation
What's Next for Minnesota?
Micah Intermill is the State of Minnesota's Enterprise Director for Federal Funds Implementation. In this role, Micah leads a team responsible for maximizing Minnesota's opportunities broadly under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act.
Micah brings a wealth of experience to this role, having spent the last 20 years in and around government at the federal, state, and local levels -- serving in a variety of roles ranging from legislative staff assistant in the US Senate, to agency Chief Financial Officer at State of Minnesota's Department of Administration, and Budget Director at the City of Minneapolis. In all roles he's served as confidant, problem solver, and advisor to public-sector decision-makers to drive positive outcomes for the communities they've served.
All of this is underscored by Micah's deeply held beliefs in the power of democracy and the republic, and a perpetual commitment to improve the world around him.
Outside of work, Micah enjoys spending time with his wife, their six year old son, and newborn daughter. And, when he can, tends to his budding woodworking hobby.
Aitkin County
Economic Development Coordinator
Local Advocacy: Broadband Communities Coordination
Mark has been the Aitkin County Economic Development Coordinator since June of 2021, focusing on priorities that support economic development and community growth, including recreation and tourism attraction, improving broadband, supporting childcare, supporting career development, business retention, business expansion, business attraction and supporting housing initiatives. He is active in the community and is a member of the following boards and commissions:
Waseca County
County Administrator
County Strategies to Achieve 100% Coverage
Michael's first professional career was for a small Internet Service Provider in Owatonna, MN. This allowed him to glean many of the nuances and challenges facing smaller ISPs in being able to quickly provide long-term, sustainable service to customers - especially rural customers. Subsequently, he has spent the last 12 years in local government at the County level, the last 4 of which have been with Waseca County. Having worked for a County in the metro area prior to going to Waseca, it became immediately clear how wide of a chasm the broadband gap presents for rural communities. He now is working closely with his Broadband Development Team at Waseca County to provide both short and long-term solutions for connectivity to its constituents.
Lead for America - American Connection Corps
Lead Program Officer
American Connection Corps Lightning Round
Rebecca Johnson, a native of rural southeast Nebraska, brings nearly 15 years of rural-focused communications, marketing, and community development experience to her current role as Lead Program Officer for the American Connection Corps. Johnson has been with the organization since 2020 and has led 7 members through their community development and broadband-focused service in Minnesota.
The American Connection Corps is an AmeriCorps program that leverages the power of national service and the promise of digital technologies to meaningfully connect people and the places they serve to resources to advance prosperity and alleviate social and economic inequities in digitally disconnected communities. ACC members work shoulder-to-shoulder with local partners on a range of projects that are tailored to each community's unique challenges and opportunities.
Blandin Foundation
Former Director
Local Advocacy: Broadband Communities Coordination
From 2003 to 2022, Bernadine led efforts to advance community-informed rural broadband access and use on behalf of Grand Rapids-based Blandin Foundation, Minnesota's largest rural-based philanthropy. Under her leadership, Blandin partnered with more than 70 rural Minnesota communities to fund and support hundreds of community broadband projects across the state that helped close the digital divide and promote a broadband-fueled economy. Communities participating in Blandin programs secured millions in infrastructure development funds to advance community goals thanks to their planning, commitment, and provider partnerships. Bernadine served seven years as U.S. diplomat, including tours in New Delhi, Moscow, and Washington DC. She left the diplomatic corps to work on international academic and cultural exchange programs with the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) and subsequently to open and lead Eurasia Foundation's first Moscow office. A native of Minnesota, Joselyn earned a master's degree in international affairs and a certificate in advanced Soviet Area Studies from Columbia University, as well as a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Minnesota's Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Currently she serves on the Human Rights Commission for the City of Grand Rapids.
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Federal Program Officer
What's next for Minnesota?
Tom Karst joined the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in August 2022 as a broadband program specialist with NTIA's Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth. As a broadband program specialist, Tom works as a federal program officer for Minnesota. In this role, he works with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Office of Broadband Development, coordinating partnerships and outreach with state and local governments and community groups on NTIA’s Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, as well as working to ensure comprehensive engagement from all stakeholders in the high-speed internet planning and funding process. Prior to joining NTIA, Tom was the President & Founder of Abstrakt Development, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in the development and deployment of human-centric impact-focused programs. He was also the Director of Government and External Affairs for Centri Tech, a social venture using the power of technology to advance people’s lives. Tom holds a double major Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a specialization in Law & Politics, and Philosophy from American University.
Connected Nation
Director, Community Solutions
What's next for Minnesota?
Mr. Kerr plays a vital role in Connected Nation's mission to bridge the digital divide. He develops Technology Action Plans for communities, focusing on education and collaboration to address local needs. Mr. Kerr's expertise supports state and local leaders in broadband and digital equity initiatives, particularly those related to the NTIA's BEAD program and the Digital Equity Act. He leads Connected Nation's work with the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development and supports similar programs across the U.S.
Metropolitan Airports Commission
Chair
Fireside Chat: Governor's Task Force reflections
Rick King is a former executive of Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of business information services. From 2000 until his retirement in 2021, Prior to Thomson Reuters, King held executive-level positions at Ceridian Employer Services, Jostens Learning and WICAT Systems Inc. He began his career as a teacher and coach in Vermont. King serves on the board of directors for Huntington Bancshares, Incorporated. He was named by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to chair the Blue Ribbon Council on IT in 2019 and he currently chairs the Technology Advisory Council. The Governor also reappointed him to chair the Metropolitan Airports Commission, where he has served since 2011 having been appointed twice by former Governor Mark Dayton. In 2009, he was named by former Governor Tim Pawlenty to chair Minnesota's Ultra High-Speed Broadband Task Force.
American Connection Corps - Lead for America, AmeriCorps
Broadband Adviser - Waseca County
American Connection Corps Lightning Round
Following 40 years of international health and development service with the United Nations system and the US Department of State, Steve returned to his home in Waseca County through the American Connection Corps as an AmeriCorps Fellow in August 2022 to help ensure broadband access for everyone, including rural and farm families. Working closely with local and county government, community networks, business leaders, and ISPs, Steve currently serves as Waseca's focal point on "Connecting One Minnesota."
U.S. Department of Treasury
Deputy Director, Capital Projects Fund
The Office of Broadband Development Reflections
Danna has served as the Deputy Director of the Capital Projects Fund at the US Department of the Treasury since 2021, which funds over $8B in highspeed internet infrastructure projects across the country. She and her team work with states to assist with their implementation plans and ensure these investments are of the highest standards necessary to meet community needs, now and into the future.
Prior to this work she served stints at the US Department of Commerce and advised states on developing and implementing their broadband strategic plans. Notably, she served as the first Broadband Director for the State of Minnesota from 2014-19.
Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commisson
Business Development Manager
Minnesota's Digital Opportunity Approach: Digital Connection Committees
Michelle is a Minnesota native, having grown up in rural communities in the southern and western regions. Her work with broadband began in 2001 when she began working for a rural telephone cooperative that was building a fiber-to-the-home network in their service territory. Fast forward many years and several jobs later, she was appointed to the Kandiyohi County Broadband Committee while working for a local utility company. As a Broadband Committee member, she jumped at the opportunity to build the Kandiyohi County Digital Connection Committee and led it through meetings, evaluations, and networking to identify digital gaps that went beyond adequate service. Michelle recently transitioned from the Mid-Minnesota Regional Development Commission to the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar EDC, which hosts the Kandiyohi County Broadband Committee. She is excited to continue working with broadband projects that create a lasting impact beyond infrastructure development.
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
Deputy Commissioner
The Office of Broadband Development Reflections
Kevin McKinnon was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) in November, 2014. As Deputy Commissioner, he oversees DEED’s Business Development, Business Finance, and Community Finance departments, as well as the Minnesota Trade Office, the Office of Broadband Development, and Research. Altogether, these departments are responsible for more than two dozen programs at the agency, leading our state’s work of attracting, retaining, and expanding businesses and creating jobs; cultivating entrepreneurs; stabilizing and stimulating the economy through benefit payments; and helping communities thrive.
McKinnon has served on various committees and boards, including the Economic Development Association of Minnesota and the International Economic Development Council, and is a member of Economic Development and Corporate Real Estate Associations. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.
Minnesota Rural Electric Association
President & CEO
Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities, Challenges, and Planning
Darrick started his service as President & CEO of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) in 2014. As Minnesota’s statewide association, MREA serves all 50 of the state’s rural electric cooperatives, providing safety support, education and training, and political and policy leadership. Darrick has been married to his wife, Robin, for over 30 years, and they have three children. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, University of Idaho, and California State University, having Masters degrees in Electrical Engineering and the Humanities. He has worked in the electric utility industry for over 30 years, holding positions including Washington Liaison in Washington D.C., Operations Support Manager at a bulk transmission system operations center, and Regional Manager of Western Area Power Administration's Desert Southwest Region which is responsible for over 3,000 miles of transmission line and markets the power from Hoover Dam and other Federal generation facilities in the southwest. He has served on national and regional power system operations and reliability committees.
Southwest Initiative Foundation
Economic Development Manager
Local Advocacy: Broadband Communities Coordination
With over 6.5 years of dedicated service as an Economic Development Coordinator for Redwood County, Briana Mumme has emerged as a passionate advocate and promoter of rural development. As a recent addition to the Southwest Initiative Foundation, she now serves as the Economic Development Manager for 18 counties and two Native Nations. During her tenure in Redwood County, the EDA prioritized addressing the county's broadband needs, recognizing that reliable internet access is a vital resource for businesses, agricultural producers, and residents alike. By strategically bringing on an ACC Fellow to build capacity in 2021, the EDA successfully propelled multiple broadband projects and partnerships forward, culminating in Redwood County's impressive achievement of nearly 90% fiber-to-the-premises coverage by 2026.
Koochiching Technology Initiative / American Connection Corps
Chair/alumni
American Connection Corps Lightning Round
Jaci Nagle currently serves as the Chair of the Koochiching Technology Initiative, a local citizens committee working to address digital equity and other technology needs in Koochiching County, MN. She is a proud American Connection Corps alumni, having served as a member of the 2023 Cohort following her retirement as the Information Systems Director for Koochiching County in February, 2022. Jaci enjoys spending time with family and friends while looking forward to the summer months where she can be found at one of the many houseboats sites on the beautiful Rainy Lake portion of Voyageurs National Park with her husband Russ.
Smart North
Board Chair
Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Approach: Digital Connection Committees
Sabina has 25 years of senior leadership experience with Fortune 1000 companies in building global brands and businesses such as The Coca Cola Company, The Tata group and PricewaterHouseCoopers (PwC). Over the last decade she has pivoted to entrepreneurship and investment in smart city solutions, digital health and social impact. She cofounded Smart North in 2020 with a mission to advance digital equity and transform livability in MN in a post pandemic and George Floyd world and is also its current Exec Director. She is also the Board Chair of the Towerside Innovation District in the Twin Cities and a Board Member of Project Success. She is an avid reader, traveler and foodie and loves hanging out with her family and shih-tsu.
Pine County
Economic Development Coordinator
Local Advocacy: Broadband Communities Coordination
With a dynamic career spanning 18 years in economic and community development, Lezlie Sauter brings a unique blend of scientific acumen and strategic vision to the table. Armed with a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's in chemistry, her analytical skills have been invaluable in driving sustainable growth and fostering community resilience. Outside the professional realm, she is a proud parent to four wonderful children and a devoted owner of a lovable dog, Reba Rue. In her leisure time, she finds solace in the tranquility of gardening, revels in the strategic challenges of golf, and shares the excitement of hockey games with her active family. Her commitment to both family and community is reflected in her professional endeavors but also in her personal interests, as she serves on her local school board and co-owns two small businesses with her partner Jonah.
American Connection Corps
ACC Alumni
American Connection Corps Lightning Round
I served as an American Connection Corps fellow in Martin County, MN in 2022-2023 through Project 1590. During my fellowship, I focused on initiatives addressing digital skill gaps, working with seniors and English learners on introductory digital skills, as well as youth on advanced digital skills to include programming and robotics. Following my fellowship, I now work as a Community and Business Development Specialist for CEDA in Madelia and Faribault County.
Department of Employment and Economic Development
Commissioner
Matt Varilek became DEED Commissioner on June 20, 2023. Since 2016, he served as President of the Little Falls-based Initiative Foundation, which supports economic and community development in the 14 counties and two sovereign tribal nations of Central Minnesota. Previously, he was Chief Operating Officer for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), regional administrator for U.S. SBA Region VIII, and a candidate for Congress in South Dakota. He also served as an Economic Development Director and Speechwriter for the offices of U.S. Senators Tom Daschle and Tim Johnson, and Director of Policy and Research for Natsource LLC, an energy brokerage based in New York. Commissioner Varilek earned a B.A. from Carleton College, a M.Phil. in Economic Development from the University of Glasgow, and a M.Phil. in Environment and Development from the University of Cambridge.
Minnesota Office of Broadband Development
Deputy Director
Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities, Challenges, and Planning
Diane Wells has over 37 years of experience working with telecommunications and broadband issues for the State of Minnesota. She joined the Office of Broadband Development at the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development at its inception in 2013. Prior to joining the Office, Ms. Wells managed the telecommunications division at the MN Department of Commerce for eight years and served on the telecommunications staff of the MN Public Utilities Commission for 17 years. She received her undergraduate degree from St. Cloud State University and her M.P.A. from the University of Texas in Austin. She resides in rural Minnesota, north of Melrose.
Minnesota Cable Communications Association
Executive Director
Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities, Challenges and Planning
Melissa Wolf is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Cable Communications Association (MN Cable). Minnesota cable providers are proud to serve Minnesotans in every corner of the state. Today MN Cable member companies provide reliable, high-speed broadband connections to over 1.5 million residents. Melissa is responsible for representing MN Cable companies before governmental and regulatory agencies and advocating on their behalf at the state capitol. Before joining MN Cable, Melissa represented Midco, a MN Cable member company where she was responsible for the company’s relationships with government officials at the local, state, and federal levels, particularly as it related to Midco’s expansion efforts. In 2023, Governor Tim Walz appointed Melissa to the Governor’s Broadband Task Force. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the WICT Network: Midwest, which serves as the region’s leading cable and telecommunications association committed to advancing women’s careers and enriching their lives at all levels through personal and professional development and leadership opportunities.