Kansas Tech’s Ben Foster Takes the Helm of National Rural Broadband Association Board

In a notable development for rural broadband advocacy, Ben Foster, who serves as the President and CEO of Twin Valley, has been appointed as the Chair of the National Rural Broadband Association (NTCA) Board for 2026. This announcement highlights Foster's continued commitment to enhancing broadband access in underserved areas of the United States. With extensive experience in the broadband and technology sectors, he has taken on this pivotal role during a critical time for rural connectivity.

Twin Valley is recognized as the largest independent broadband and communications company in Kansas. Over the past decade, the company has invested more than $100 million to improve its broadband infrastructure, significantly bridging the connectivity gap in rural communities across the state. Their services not only cater to individual customers but also extend to small and medium-sized businesses, reflecting their expansive impact on local economies.

Foster has a proven track record in the industry, having transformed ISG Technology into a national leader in Managed IT Cloud Services. His leadership style focuses on innovation and growth, ensuring that both Twin Valley and ISG Technology thrive amid a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In his remarks upon his appointment, Foster expressed enthusiasm for continuing to serve NTCA’s member base. “I'm honored to be in this position at such a crucial time,” he stated. In his new role, Foster aims to drive policy advancements that will foster universal access to reliable and affordable broadband, a necessity for enhancing quality of life and economic opportunities in rural America.

NTCA has around 850 independent, community-based broadband providers in its network, all committed to overcoming the digital divide that affects many rural areas. Under Foster’s guidance, the association will continue to foster initiatives that advocate for rural broadband providers while equipping them with the training and resources necessary for sustainability and innovation.

Foster's involvement with NTCA isn’t new; he has been serving on its board since 2021 and was also part of the board from 2011 to 2014. His dedication to the unification of independent telecommunications organizations is evident in his previous efforts to merge OPASTCO, which focused on small telecommunications firms, into NTCA. Such actions underscore his long-standing commitment to rural telecommunications advancement.

Alongside Foster, NTCA has appointed fellow officers who will join him in guiding the organization through forthcoming challenges. Ross Petrick, CEO of Alliance Communications Cooperative Inc., will serve as vice chair, while Jennifer Prather, CEO of Totelcom Communications LLC, has been elected as secretary-treasurer. Moreover, Christa Alexander, president of Arriva, is welcomed as a new board member.

Shirley Bloomfield, the current NTCA CEO, has announced her impending retirement after an impactful career advocating for rural broadband policy. As Foster steps into this leadership role, he acknowledges the importance of continuity and strong leadership during this transition, emphasizing the need to focus on the members and rural Americans’ connectivity needs.

“Shirley has had an incredibly distinguished career,” Foster said. “I'm grateful for her leadership, and I’m confident that our board will continue to push NTCA forward through this leadership transition.”

Twin Valley, where Foster has held multiple leadership positions since joining in 2004, embodies a fourth-generation family business tradition. With over eight decades of experience, it has consistently driven innovation in technology and connectivity, creating a suite of services that includes broadband, mobile communications, home security, managed IT services, and more. Their commitment to community outreach, customer satisfaction, and local service underscores their mission to keep pushing down the premium costs of connectivity.

This new chapter for NTCA under Foster's leadership signals a proactive approach to ensuring rural communities across the U.S. have the technology and infrastructure needed to thrive in a digital age. As digital demands continue to rise, the organization's emphasis on keeping rural America connected will be critical to future economic and social growth.