This week, Cory Gardner officially steps into his new role as President & CEO of NCTA, succeeding Michael Powell after nearly 15 years of distinguished leadership.
A fifth-generation Coloradan who grew up in a small town on the eastern plains, Cory has long seen the role that connectivity plays in bringing communities together. He also brings years of experience from his time in both the U.S. House and Senate, where he worked across the aisle on issues central to technology, innovation, and expanding opportunity.
We caught up with him to hear what inspired him to take on this role, what’s on his mind as he gets started, and the values that will guide his leadership.
What drew you to this leadership role at NCTA?
Cory Gardner: NCTA members connect America to the economy, culture, and each other. It’s innovative, aggressive, and customer-focused, all built with the keystone of integrity. As a Member of Congress, I worked closely with NCTA on numerous issues from the reauthorization of various policy measures to rural broadband deployment and beyond. They were smart, savvy, and always leading. That’s the kind of organization I always wanted to be a part of, and it’s why I am so grateful to be a part of it now.
I grew up in rural Colorado, home to many great cable pioneers, so the industry has always been important to me. Getting to know its leaders and visionaries has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
As a kid, having cable meant we had 13 channels, and I’m old enough to remember when the Star-Spangled Banner played before the local station went off the air. Today’s environment is vastly different in its delivery, content, and sophistication (not to mention the hours of programming!). But its importance to the individual, our families, and our economy has not diminished, indeed, its importance has grown. Trillions of dollars in commerce depend on our success, and millions of jobs have already been created, with millions more possible if we get the pro-growth policies enacted.
That’s the kind of opportunity I get excited about – incredible growth, incredible meaning to community, and incredible people.
What do the first 90 days in this new position look like for you?
CG: I spent a few minutes the other day explaining to someone that I do not actually have responsibility for the prime-time line-up. Aside from that, I anticipate the first 90 days to be filled with getting to know the great people who make NCTA work, meet and greets with members and their employees, deep dives into legislative and regulatory policies, one-on-ones with staff and key policy makers, and a whole lot of phone calls and emails. An industry representative was kind enough to send me a dictionary of acronyms I need to be familiar with – it can seem a bit like the Rosetta Stone right now, but I look forward to wrapping my head around key issues and technological understanding.
The SCTE Tech Expo is coming up – we’ve got a great line-up, and I look forward to welcoming leaders on stage like FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Chairman of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee Brett Guthrie. This will be a great chance to meet with key industry leaders and cable pioneers.
Leadership Week in New York City follows on the heels of SCTE, so there will be no resting!
What will be your approach to engaging both sides of the aisle to move NCTA’s policy priorities forward?
CG: America will prosper because industry is enabled to do the great work it knows how to do for the American people. This isn’t a blue or red phenomenon, or a left or right issue. NCTA’s partisanship is straightforward: we support what is best for the American people, and NCTA’s policies do just that. In short, NCTA’s allegiance is to NCTA.
As the old saying goes, good policy is good politics. I look forward to working with former colleagues on both sides of the aisle and within the Administration to get our work done, just as I did as a Member of Congress. In fact, I was consistently ranked as one of the most bipartisan members of the United States Senate, a record of accomplishment I am proud of and look forward to continuing at NCTA.
I look forward to working with members from across the country on both sides of the aisle to share in the work we all care about the most – delivering real results for the American people that make their lives better.
What are three values that guide your decision-making as a leader?
CG: Doing the job and the right thing with integrity. Communication and collaboration to develop new ideas and actions with the people who surround me. Implementing and acting with passion and energy.
What’s one thing you want people to know about you right away?
CG: I want people to know they have full license to be creative and innovative. I want to hear their ideas and solutions. I am pragmatic, but want big ideas and people who are driving big ideas around me. I also want to make sure everyone knows I have an open door and open ear.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
CG: Only because I know it will totally embarrass our kids—I love watching some of the old mini-series TV shows that were on when I was growing up. “V” (or “V: The Original Miniseries”) is one of them. Alien lizards and Cold War-tinged American leadership. Doesn’t get any better than this!
