About Us

Who We Are

 

Interested in helping FRS by serving on a Committee?

Let Us Know

Learn more about our board.

The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) was established in 1994 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association and plays a unique role within the telecommunications industry by supporting rural telecom companies, consumers and policymakers with educational information, products and programming.

 

 

Mission

Working in cooperation with NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association and its members to sustain and enhance the quality of life in rural America through philanthropic and educational programs.

Vision

To harness the power of the rural broadband telecommunications industry to enrich lives in America.

 

What Really Puts the Fire in Our Belly?

Rural telecom providers know that their customers are also their neighbors. These community-based businesses not only have a direct impact on the local economy, they are also proactively involved in making their communities better places to live, work and raise a family.

With every program, FRS calls attention to rural challenges, goals and achievements, and educates the public and lawmakers on exactly why rural America is so unique and worth fighting for. Similarly, FRS is committed to educational achievement in rural communities, recognizing that tomorrow’s economic and civic development depends on the involvement and success of today’s students.

Why Should you Care?

Every bit helps to keep rural America at the table as a key contributor to our nation’s prosperity. Today, our rural communities face many challenges. FRS relies on the generous donations of individuals, companies and partners to move our programs forward. Together, we can enhance quality of life in rural America. Donate today to help us accomplish our mission.

FRS Board Alumni Club

The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) is creating an Alumni Club whose members will be former FRS Board members. The Alumni Club will establish and perpetuate fellowship among the former board members (“alumni”) and foster a spirit of loyalty to the Foundation. Members of the Club will champion FRS and encourage NTCA member companies and individuals to support the FRS mission with their philanthropy.

All former FRS Board members are invited to participate and requested to make a financial commitment of at least $250 annually to the FRS General Fund.  A single gift of at least $1,000 will result in a five-year membership to the Alumni club. 

The benefits of membership are intangible and include invitations to purchase tickets to FRS fundraising events, recognition at NTCA meetings and conferences, and special social gatherings throughout the year. 

For more information about the FRS Board Alumni Club, please contact Pam Becker at [email protected] or 703-351-2044.
 

Our Team

We couldn’t make the #ruraliscool magic happen without our staff and board of directors. If you are interested in serving on the foundation board, or staff positions, please contact us.

Pam Becker

Executive Director

Pam joined FRS in the summer of 2019 after 22 years raising private support for higher education, science research and health care non-profit organizations in Southern California. She grew up in Indiana, went to college and had her first job in Washington, DC, before moving to California. Now back in the Washington, DC area, she enjoys exploring the area and serving as a volunteer puppy raiser for a service dog organization. Reach out to Pam with any questions about the FRS board, fundraising and FRS programs that help support people and organizations in rural communities. You can contact Pam at [email protected].

Lorna Gilmore

Foundation Fundraising Manager

Lorna’s upbringing in a small town in Southern Illinois drives her passion for rural communities. After attending the University of Illinois for her undergraduate degree, Lorna moved to New York City to obtain a graduate degree from Columbia University and then began her career in philanthropy. She comes to FRS with a background in nonprofit fundraising and grant making. In her free time Lorna enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog and exploring her new home, Washington D.C. If you have any donation, sponsorship, or FRS event related questions, Lorna can be reached at [email protected].

Maurelle Pollard

Foundation Assistant

Maurelle grew up in Northern Virginia, where the importance of philanthropy was instilled at an early age. She gained an appreciation for rural communities when she relocated to North Carolina to attend college and would often visit small towns. Maurelle earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at High Point University. In Maurelle's free time, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones and volunteering across the Washington metropolitan area. If you have questions about FRS programs, contact Maurelle at [email protected].

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2024 FRS Board of Directors

Chair
Camille Christiansen
Moss Adams
(Spokane, WA)
Vice Chair
Michael Prather
Totelcom Communications
(De Leon, TX)
Secretary/Treasurer
Andy Isackson
Consolidated Telecommunications Co. (Brainerd, MN)

 

   
       
       
REGION DIRECTORS
NORTHWEST
Michael Parrish
Direct Communications
(Rockland, ID)
SOUTHEAST
Carlton Lewis
Horry Telephone Cooperative 
(Conway, SC)
CENTRAL
Mark Thoma
Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association
(Lake Mills, IA)

 

NORTHEAST
Kurt Gruendling
Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom
(Hinesburg, VT)
SOUTHWEST
Jim Haynie
Hill Country Telephone Cooperative
(Mountain Home, TX)
NORTH CENTRAL
Andy Isackson
Consolidated Telecommunications Co.
(Brainerd, MN)
       
       
AT-LARGE DIRECTORS
Greg Coltrain
RiverStreet Networks
(Belhaven, NC)
Chad Mutziger
Midstate Communications, Inc.
(Kimball, SD)
Mike Burrow
NineStar Connect
(Greenfield, IN)
Mitchell Bailey
GRM Networks
(Princeton, MO)
Ashley Shiner
STRATA Networks
(Altamont, UT)
       
       
         
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS
Todd Henecke
National Information Solutions Cooperative
(Mandan, ND)
Bob Silverman
Womble Bond Dickinson
(Washington, DC)
Andy Smith
CoBank
(Greenwood Village, CO)
Nancy White
Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative
(Dulles, VA)
Jordan Roberts
Telecom Insurance Group
(Manhattan, KS)
Brian Sullivan
JSI
(Greenbelt, MD)
   
       
       
       
INDUSTRY DIRECTOR
Colleen Jamison
Jamison Law, LLC
(Tecumseh, KS)