LinkIDAHO Broadband Advisory Team (LBAT)


Mission of the Advisory Team

Advisory Team Members


Mission of the Advisory Team

The LinkIDAHO Broadband Advisory Team (LBAT) is convened by the Idaho Rural Partnership and initially chaired by IRP director and LinkIDAHO statewide broadband coordinator Mike Field. The LBAT has representation from diverse sectors and meets quarterly.

Representatives from the Regional Planning Teams are welcome to participate in the LBAT meetings, as well.

The role of the LBAT is to:

  • Collaborate to work together to enhance broadband access and use in the state.
  • Communicate, outreach and share information about broadband efforts occurring statewide and regionally.
  • Interact with policy makers and inform them about broadband needs and benefits in Idaho.
  • Develop and suggest strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to improve broadband availability and use in Idaho.
  • Provide input on the statewide broadband framework.
  • Advise/identify how to turn into a sustainable project.
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Advisory Team Members (listed in alphabetical order)

Brian Currin| College of Western Idaho

Chris St. Germaine | Nez Perce Tribe

Christine Frei | Clearwater Economic Development Association

Dan Chadwick | Idaho Counties Association

Darrell Bolz | State Representative

Dave Ferdinand | Canyon County Commissioner

Debbie Bloom | Idaho Non-profit Center

Dennis Thornock | Custer Telephone Cooperative

Donna Jones | Office of the State Controller

Ed Lodge | CenturyLink

Garry Lough and Brady Kraft | Idaho Education Network

General Bill Shawver | Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security

Gens Johnson, Ann Joslin and Steve Maloney | Idaho Commission for Libraries

Greg Zickau and Bill Farnsworth | State of Idaho Office of the CIO

Hank Ebert | Idaho Department of Commerce

Jay Larson | Idaho Technology Council

Jerry Piper | Idaho Telecommunications Alliance

Joe Pascavage | Idaho National Laboratory

John Rusche | State Representative

Jon Pope | Idaho Transportation Department

Ken Harward | Association of Idaho Cities

Kerrie Hurd | USDA Rural Development

LaDonna Larson | State Health Information Technology

Mike Candalero | Bureau of Land Management

Mike Howell | University of Idaho Extension

Paul Kjellander | Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Peter Morrill | Idaho Public Television

Randy Gaines | Idaho State University

Rick McKinney | Syringa

Rick Ritter | Idaho TechConnect

Roger Brown | Office of the Governor

Ron Williams | Idaho Cable Telecommunication Association

Tab Roper | TW Telecom

Troy Wheeler | Department of Education

Victor Braud | IRON

Will Hart | Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association

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