Congrats to Brent – and to the NTCA for selecting him…

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association awarded Brent J. Christensen, president and chief executive officer of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance (MTA), with the 2019 Grassroots Advocate of the Year award during the recent Legislative & Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. on April 15.

Christensen earned this acknowledgement for his achievements and service to the industry through his active participation in grassroots activities. He is responsible for the administration and operation of a state trade association that represents over 40 independent telecommunications companies, over 20 affiliate telecommunications companies, and over 250 associate members. Christensen also advocates on behalf of MTA members at the state and federal levels.

“I am pleased to congratulate Brent Christensen on this well-earned award honoring his dedication to supporting the vitality of rural communities through his work in the rural telecommunications industry,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield. “The grassroots advocacy efforts Brent has participated in are essential to ensuring that the broadband needs of rural communities are understood by policymakers in our nation’s capital.”

Brent was on the original MN Broadband Task Force. That was a group that really hammered decisions that helped get us to state speed goals and the Office of Broadband Development. He has hosted FCC chairs and others through tours of rural Minnesota. He’s the the Capital, he’s on the front lines, he does a great job keeping rural broadband (and Minnesota!) in the foreground for policymakers and community leaders.