Karen leads Michael Baker’s Broadband Practice to ensure the high-quality execution of broadband projects for clients, as well as be responsible for business development and the identification, pursuit and winning of broadband projects across the U.S. with states, territories, Tribal governments and other public sector entities.
Ms. White brings 25 years of leadership experience in municipal, commercial and public safety telecommunications, including the planning, design, procurement and implementation of wireless broadband systems and communications software, to her new role. Prior to joining Michael Baker, she served as Vice President, Client Solutions for CTC Technology & Energy, where she oversaw state and local engagements with clients spanning the U.S. Earlier in her career, Ms. White held roles with Federal Engineering, Inc. and Motorola Solutions. Her professional appointments and memberships include the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) SAFECOM Committee, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) and the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council, where she is Chair of the Technology & Broadband Committee and Vice-Chair of the Broadband Emerging Technology Working Group.
The Federal Communications Commission is playing a large role in the future of universal connectivity, with a current focus on aggressively expanding mid-band spectrum for 5G/6G, streamlining satellite-to-smartphone connectivity to eliminate dead zones, and fostering competition in Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and mobility by moving underutilized airwaves into the hands of providers. This session will explore how the FCC is marking the 30-year anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 with sweeping change — and how these policy decisions will set the stage for the next generation of innovation and investment.