Broadband Development Conference
Telecommunications Industry Association, VP
Melissa Newman has over 20 years of experience as a seasoned Executive in telecommunications companies with expertise in government affairs, public relations and legal.
Recently, Melissa worked at Transit Wireless as Vice President of External Affairs and Senior Legal Counsel in New York City where she oversaw contract negotiations, human resources (legal) and external affairs for the company. Prior to this position, Melissa worked at Wilkinson Barker Knauer, a premier telecommunications law firm in Washington, DC.
Melissa spent 18 years at CenturyLink/Qwest/US West as Vice President, Federal Policy and Regulatory Affairs responsible for developing and implementing the company’s federal regulatory advocacy before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), other federal agencies and the Administration.
Melissa served as Deputy Division Chief of the Policy Division in the Common Carrier Bureau of the FCC, and as Legal Counsel to the Common Carrier Bureau Chief.
Prior to these positions, Melissa was an associate at the law firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher where she practiced communications law. Melissa was a member of the Board of Directors of the National Exchange Carriers Association (NECA) from 2011-2016, serving on the Audit and Compensation Committees.
She was recognized in Fierce Telecom Magazine — Women in Wireline 2014: Leaders shaping telecom services, innovation, and policy. She has served on the Federal Communications Bar Association Executive Committee and was a Federal Consumer Advisory Committee Member at the FCC.
Melissa received her B.A. from the University of Minnesota and her J.D. from the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri.
AI data centers are rapidly becoming critical state infrastructure, supporting economic growth, public services, and emerging AI applications. As demand accelerates, states face growing challenges related to security, supply‑chain risk, energy access, and operational resilience. This session examines how collaboration between state governments and equipment manufacturers can help address these risks without slowing innovation. Using Virginia’s experience as the nation’s largest data center hub, the discussion highlights how voluntary, industry‑driven standards and independent certification programs can support secure, reliable growth while addressing community concerns around energy use, sustainability, and speed‑to‑power. Attendees will explore practical policy approaches that align economic development goals with long‑term infrastructure resilience.
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