Somos, Inc. Expands Regulatory Leadership with New Appointments
In a strategic move to bolster its legal and regulatory framework, Somos, Inc. has announced the appointments of Sanford Williams and Heather Hendrickson to key leadership roles within the company. As a recognized leader in telecom registry management and data solutions, Somos aims to advance its operational excellence and industry impact through these strategic hires.
New Appointments with Vast Experience
Sanford Williams joins as the Deputy General Counsel and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, bringing over 20 years of valuable legal and executive experience. His notable tenure at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) included many senior roles such as Deputy Managing Director and Deputy Chief of Staff. Williams’ extensive background makes him an asset to Somos, where he will collaborate closely with the Chief Legal and Trust Officer to drive the company’s strategic initiatives, ensure legal compliance, and enhance corporate governance.
“I’m proud to be part of an organization that plays such a critical role in trusted communications, while simultaneously caring for its employees and their communities,” said Williams. “My commitment to access, equity, and operational excellence aligns perfectly with Somos’ mission, and I look forward to contributing to our strategic goals and making a positive impact.”
Sanford Williams holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Virginia School of Law, an MBA from Cornell University, and a Bachelor of Science in Operations Research from Cornell. His leadership extends beyond his current role, as he has been involved in civic engagements relating to equity and education.
Heather Hendrickson takes on the role of Senior Director of Number Administration Strategy, fresh from her nearly twenty-year career at the FCC, where she rose through the ranks to become Deputy Division Chief in the Competition Policy Division. In her new position, Hendrickson will oversee the company’s strategies related to number administration, regulatory compliance, and advocacy for industry advancement.
“Joining Somos gives me the opportunity to continue my passion for enhancing communications infrastructure on the front lines of numbering policy and innovation,” shared Hendrickson. “I am enthusiastic about working with a company committed to transparency and trust.”
Heather Hendrickson earned her J.D., cum laude, from George Mason Antonin Scalia Law School and a B.A. from The George Washington University. Her previous roles involved managing FCC rulemakings and initiatives that improved rural call completion and the development of the call authentication framework STIR/SHAKEN.
A Vision for the Future
Gina Perini, the CEO and Chair of the Board at Somos, expressed excitement over the fresh leadership, stating, “Sanford and Heather bring deep experience and exceptional leadership to Somos at a pivotal time. Their strategic insight and regulatory expertise will be key to shaping the future of our ecosystem as we continue to lead in numbering, identity, and trusted communications.”
About Somos, Inc.
As the telecommunications landscape evolves into a more interconnected space, Somos provides essential services that facilitate communication between brands and consumers. Serving as a trusted source for phone number administration and routing data management, Somos is intricately linked to the North American Numbering Plan and supports over 1,400 service providers across the continent. The company manages over 7 billion phone numbers, ensuring smooth communications and establishing trust within the telecom ecosystem. Through its subsidiary, XConnect, Somos extends its reach globally, bolstering its portfolio of telecommunications solutions.
With the addition of leaders like Williams and Hendrickson, Somos sets its sights on continued innovation and leadership in the telecom industry, maintaining its commitment to trust and transparency in a rapidly evolving digital world.
For more information about Somos and their initiatives, please visit
www.somos.com.