NCTA Announces the Promotions of Nilda Gumbs to be Chief of Staff and Mark Kulish to be Chief Administrative & Financial Officer
NCTA President & CEO Michael Powell today announced two personnel moves. Powell announced: “First, I am pleased to announce that I have selected Nilda Gumbs to become my Chief of Staff. Nilda is an NCTA veteran with deep operational and policy experience, and I am excited to have her join the Executive Office. Also, Mark Kulish will become Chief Administrative & Financial Officer. His new title represents a broader range of duties in addition to overseeing finances, IT, HR and facilities. Congratulations to both Nilda and Mark on these well-deserved promotions.”
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Regarding Dane Snowden Being Named CEO of the Internet Association
“Dane Snowden has been an exceptional force at NCTA. As our Chief Operating Officer he has contributed immeasurably to NCTA’s success. With his steady hand and commitment to excellence he has helped build and nurture a warm and supportive culture, while ensuring peak performance even in the midst of a pandemic. While a consummate professional, what we will miss most is his joyful spirt and his caring friendship. While we regret his departure, we are excited for him as he embarks on a new challenge. We wish him the very best.”
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Regarding the Passing of Disney’s Richard Bates
“We join The Walt Disney Company in mourning the tragic passing of Richard Bates, the longtime head of Disney's government relations office. We have had the privilege of working closely with Richard for many years and saw up close his intelligence and leadership in representing Disney and other content creators. But beyond his many policy successes, Richard was a wonderful colleague and a dear friend to so many. Richard set the standard for excellence and integrity and while his leadership will be missed, his example will remain a guiding light for all of us and the generations that follow in
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Regarding The Protect Lawful Streaming Act
“We applaud Congressional approval of The Protect Lawful Streaming Act, bipartisan legislation that modernizes copyright law to protect video programming against unlawful online streaming. This narrowly-tailored law will target large scale criminal piracy, and will not affect legitimate internet service providers or ordinary internet users. It will provide prosecutors with a critical new tool to deter online criminal activity and protect the rights of cable programmers that stream their creative works online. We thank Sen. Thom Tillis for his leadership on this critical issue and appreciate
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet and Television Association Regarding Broadband Funding in the COVID Relief Package
“The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of broadband and its role in helping Americans stay connected during this public health crisis. The COVID relief package rightly focuses on existing broadband gaps and wisely dedicates $7 billion to shrink the digital divide and promote broadband adoption and use. In supporting new pandemic-related assistance for low income families, minority communities and unemployed Americans, Congress importantly recognizes both the value of ongoing private efforts and the virtue of building new support mechanisms that complement and further energize these
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Mike O’Rielly’s Departure from the FCC
“During his tenure at the FCC, Mike O’Rielly served with steadfast integrity, intellectual honesty and an unwavering passion for advancing policies that enable a competitive marketplace to thrive. His determined advocacy played a critical role in Commission decisions to free up more unlicensed and mid-band spectrum and his commitment to connecting the truly unserved helped shape technology-neutral auctions for USF funding that opened participation to new providers and will result in more households being connected. Mike also forcefully advocated for the removal of outdated regulations that don
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding House Passage of H.Res. 549
“We applaud passage of H.Res. 549, a resolution that aims to increase diversity in media. We especially congratulate Rep. Val Demings for sponsoring this important resolution, a leap forward that will help continue to create the countless stories that truly reflect all people. The cable industry has long-championed diversity in media, delivering diverse TV programming that reflects the wide range of ethnicities, cultures, and races that make up America. We look forward to continually working with Congress on ways to strengthen diversity in media through common ground solutions.”
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Senate Confirmation of Nathan Simington as FCC Commissioner
“We congratulate Nathan Simington on his confirmation to the FCC. Mr. Simington joins the FCC at a time when our national commitment to connect every American to broadband is more vital than ever. We look forward to working with him and his colleagues to find creative solutions that will promote private sector investment and innovation rather than returning to obsolete regulatory models of the past that would only stifle broadband deployment.”
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding the Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act
“We applaud the President for signing into law the Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act. With potential security threats to networks always looming, maintaining stringent cybersecurity standards is a must to protect many business and government operations. Since the government is such a large purchaser and user of IoT devices, this new law will have an impact on IoT purchases by businesses and beyond. Many thanks to Senators Gardner and Warner, and Representatives Kelly and Hurd, for introducing this important legislation and navigating it through Congress.”
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers Being Elected Ranking Member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee
“We congratulate Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers on being elected Ranking Member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, the first woman to be elected as Chair or Ranking Member in the committee’s history. Rep. McMorris Rodgers has long been a leader who recognizes the significant benefits of today’s vibrant and competitive media and communications marketplace that facilitates ongoing investment and innovation in new consumer products and services. We look forward to working with her and the entire committee on America’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensuring that every American can