[May 13, 2015]

TIA Announces Three New Top Executives as it Deepens Tech and Policy Expertise; Also Strengthens Presence with Addition of 12 New Members

Continuing its effort to build a stronger and more vocal industry presence, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA (News - Alert)), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today announced it has added three new executives to its management team: James Reid as Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, Franklin Flint as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Patty Higginbotham as General Counsel and Senior Vice President. The organization also announced the addition of 12 new members.

The moves follow the appointment of Scott Belcher as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in November 2014, and are part of a strategic effort to better align the organization with the public policy, technology, business and standards needs of the rapidly shifting information and communications technology industry. The new executives bring decades of experience working on Capitol Hill, with a leading American business, and for high-profile trade associations.

"With a new management structure and the addition of top executive talent, TIA will have a stronger and more effective industry presence," said Belcher. "New regulatory regimes, emerging technologies and quickly changing business models are having a dramatic impact on our industry. The addition of these experienced executives to our already highly skilled team gives us incredible depth and ability to raise our voice and meet evolving member needs."

Since joining TIA, Belcher's mission has been to help policymakers, the business community, and customers understand the vital role that network innovators and infrastructure play in delivering on the promise of modern communications networks. After several months of speaking with TIA members, government leaders, and industry executives, Belcher is making strategic changes to better serve members and allow TIA to have a stronger, more effective impact on policy and industry debates.

James Reid, TIA's new Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, previously served as the Chief of Staff to Senator John D. Rockefeller and as Deputy Staff Director for the Senate Commerce Committee. CTO Franklin Flint previously spent 30 years working as both an executive and consultant with Dell (News - Alert). And Senior Vice President and General Council Patty Higginbotham has decades of association experience, including in senior roles at the Global Business Travel Association and Airlines for America.

Belcher continued, "James brings incredible savvy and hands-on experience to an already strong public policy team. We're excited to add someone of his stature, as this part of our work is increasingly critical. James will help our industry advance public policy solutions on issues vital to our future, including net neutrality, spectrum availability and the coming re-write of the Telecom Act."

Senator Jay Rockefeller commented, "I have never met someone as utterly knowledgeable about telecommunications policy as James Reid. He is meticulous in his work, his judgement, and his ability to forge relationships with industry and policy leaders. I am thrilled for both James and the Telecommunications Industry Association (News - Alert) as he takes on this new role."

Senator John Thune (R-SD), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, added, "James Reid has a proven track record of accomplishment both during his time on the Senate Commerce Committee and as chief of staff to Sen. Rockefeller. James has a reputation for knowing the issues and being able to get things done."

"A former telecom evangelist at Dell, Franklin will help place TIA and its members in a more active role leading the communications world of tomorrow," Belcher continued. "He has a great understanding of where technology is headed, and will ensure our membership is wel informed on the innovations and trends that are shaping the industry."

"With her incredible leadership experience, Patty will bring together our policy, events, technology, and standards initiatives in ways that will make TIA more nimble, responsive and effective," Belcher said.

TIA also announced that its Board of Directors has approved 12 companies and organizations as new members.

The companies joining TIA represent businesses from across the technology and telecommunications industry. The new members are: AESA Cortaillod; Affirmed Networks, Inc.; Bennett and Pless; Consolidated Engineering; Convergent Connectivity Technology; GetVoIP.com; Northern Virginia Technology Council; Safety LMS Training; Semaan Engineering Solutions Holdings, LLC; Strategic Edge Group; TowerMRL, Inc.; and Tusa Consulting Services.

"With the addition of these new members, TIA continues to grow as a strong representative for tech and telecom companies in a rapidly changing industry," said Belcher. "Through advocacy, standards-setting and networking, TIA ensures companies' voices are heard as the future of the network is decided."

TIA offers its members a broad suite of benefits, including industry intelligence, events, public policy advocacy, networking opportunities, participation in standards-setting, and more. The organization is focused on delivering meaningful value for members and industry in a way that supports innovation, investment, economic growth and global competitiveness.

TIA will hold its annual flagship conference - TIA2015: Network of the Future - in Dallas, TX from June 1-4. More information is available at http://www.tia2015.org/.

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About TIA

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents manufacturers and suppliers of global communications networks through standards development, policy and advocacy, business opportunities, market intelligence, and events and networking. TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment, and entertainment. Visit tiaonline.org for more details.

TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and is a proud sponsor of ANSI's Standards Boost Business campaign. Visit www.standardsboostbusiness.org for details.

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