Building a Prosperous Future in Wireless

2022 has been an interesting year. We’re finally seeing a return to normalcy following the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person events and tradeshows are making a comeback and we are connecting in-person to discuss important topics, challenges and strategies for future growth. This is a critical and important step for the future of all industries because, despite the value that virtual meetings and events have afforded us during the past two years, they are no substitute to face-to-face connections.

During these 12 months, I have been honored to be elected as the New York State Wireless Association’s (NYSWA) president, and have overseen great additions in service solutions, resources, and people to ANS Advanced Network Services LLC . I have traveled the country to sit on panels and give presentations about #evcharginginfrastructure, #wireless networks, #publicsafety, and #workforcedevelopment. Perhaps most importantly, I have continued a critical and personal mission to build the future of our great industry.

As a young adult coming out of community college, I was uncertain of what direction my path was going to take. I didn’t “know what I wanted to be when I grew up”. Yet there I was, Associate’s Degree in hand, "grown up". What happened next effectively changed my life. I was introduced to the #communications industry and found guidance from a few individuals who became lifelong #mentors to me. I began working as a field technician for Time Warner Cable, getting my feet wet on the ground, and rose through the ranks to become the President and CEO of ANS, a position which I still proudly hold today.

This pivotal moment shaped everything that has come since, and has impressed upon me the importance of returning that opportunity to the next generation. During 2022, as president of ANS, I added 40 new jobs to our company and began a personal initiative to get out and talk to the younger generations about the #careeropportunities that can come from being a part of the wireless industry. This year, under my direction, NYSWA created a new workforce development committee chaired by two past-presidents, that is expanding initiatives to create industry awareness and career opportunities among three different groups of individuals: the younger generation, the underprivilege population who may not be college-bound, and veterans.

Very little is understood about the wireless industry beyond the towers and the networks. And, while the industry is always searching for hardworking tower and power technicians, the infrastructure and the technology are constantly evolving. This evolution requires talent from so many facets, including #engineering, #electrical, #cybersecurity, #projectmanagement, #construction, #environmental, #publicrelations, #legal, and more. Wireless is an industry rich with career opportunity that can satisfy any curiosity. Educating to bring back the skilled trades sets the foundation and building blocks to a lifelong rewarding career in telecom.

It has for me.

If you are interested in the resources available to help infuse our industry with fresh #talent, I encourage you to visit the NYSWA website and learn how our industry is working together to shape the future of New York wireless through outreach, education and partnerships with educational institutions. I welcome you to reach out me directly, to discuss how I draw from my experience to help organizations and companies demonstrate the value of a wireless career, or to learn about my outreach efforts. The future of wireless is in our younger population. It’s up to us to show them the open door.