January 3, 2024 – Today, ACA Connects President & CEO Grant Spellmeyer announced three new additions to the ACA Connects senior leadership team: Zamir Ahmed, Olivia Shields, and Max Staloff.
Spellmeyer said, “I’m excited to welcome Zamir, Olivia, and Max to our team. They all have exceptional backgrounds and expertise to strongly advocate for ACA Connects Members. As we begin 2024, I’m confident they will help our team elevate our mission, drive results, and increase our impact across the board.”
Zamir Ahmed joins ACA Connects as Vice President of External Affairs. He will lead external affairs strategies to advance ACA Connects’ policies and perspectives to diverse audiences, including legislators, federal officials, policymakers, industry partners and other stakeholders. Zamir previously worked in media relations for the National Association of Broadcasters for nearly 13 years, most recently as Vice President of Communications. His duties included developing and executing messaging campaigns spotlighting legislative advocacy, business operations, foundation and technology initiatives, marketing efforts and trade shows. Previously, Zamir was the Deputy Press Secretary for the House Committee on Small Business. He began his career as an intern in the office of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
Olivia Shields joins ACA Connects as Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications. She will develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies to advance ACA Connects’ mission and advocacy goals. Olivia is a 10-year veteran of Capitol Hill and served as a top communications advisor for Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and the House Republican Conference. Most recently, she was the Communications Director for the Energy and Commerce Committee, where she led the communications and messaging strategies for Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and her policy priorities, including in telecommunications and technology.
Max Staloff joins ACA Connects as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. He will work with Brian Hurley, the Chief Regulatory Counsel, to advocate for legal and regulatory policies that benefit the interests of ACA Connects Members. He began his career as a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) attorney, including in the Office of General Counsel. Most recently, he worked in private practice, advising wireless carriers, satellite operators, cable operators, major technology companies, and trade associations on issues and policies related to spectrum, license transfer allocations, merger review, infrastructure, and satellite and experimental licensing.
“I am thrilled to welcome Max to our regulatory affairs team,” Hurley said. “He brings an impressive background, including substantial experience in government and the private sector. I look forward to putting Max’s skills and expertise to good use as ACA Connects continues full steam ahead into the new year.”
About ACA Connects: America’s Communications Association –America’s Communications Association – ACA Connects is a trade organization representing more than 500 smaller and medium-sized, independent companies that provide broadband, video, and phone services covering 31.9 million households, 7.3 million of which are located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. ACA Connects Members operate in every state, providing advanced communications to connect homes, companies, main street, schools, hospitals and more. America’s economic prosperity in smaller communities and rural areas depends on the growth and success of ACA Connects Members, who believe a connected nation is a prosperous nation.