Changes are happening at Minnesota Telecom Alliance (MTA). After many years of service, MTA President Randy Young is moving on. Between his time at MTA, Onvoy and MEANS, Randy has long been a staple of the Minnesota telecommunications arena. To me he’s always been a friendly face and someone I could call when I needed any information – including the latest technology or most arcane policy details. He will be missed; but I think he’ll be enjoying the fruits of his labors and the advantages of local broadband in one of Minnesota’s more picturesque communities.

Randy will be replaced by Brent Christensen. Currently General Manager of Christensen Communications, Brent served on the Minnesota Ultra High-Speed Broadband Task Force and will be an excellent leader at MTA. Despite a very busy schedule, Brent has been kind enough to answer a few questions for me about the transition.

How will your experience on the Task Force inform your plans for your new position?

The Broadband Task Force was an incredible experience for me. I learned so much from the other members of the TF and the testimony given during the process. It was amazing for me to see 26 diverse points of view come together to form one report that we could all sign off on. I definitely plan on using the consensus skills I learned through this process in my new position.

MTA members have very close relationships with their customers and do everything possible to meet the telecommunications needs of those they serve. It is important to me that people outside the industry understand that we are not the stereotypical providers.

Will the MTA be promoting the goals of the TF recommendations?

I feel comfortable saying that the majority of our members either already meet the goals of the report or have plans in place to meet and even exceed them. That said, since I have not started the position yet, I am not sure what action has been taken by the MTA on promoting the TF report.