October 3, 2024 – ACA Connects President and CEO Grant Spellmeyer today announced the promotions of two association staff members, effective October 1.

Zamir Ahmed has been promoted to Senior Vice President, External Affairs. Ahmed, who joined the organization on January 1, will assume a greater role in leading day-to-day operations including membership recruitment, retention and outreach efforts. He will continue leading government relations and external affairs strategies to advance ACA Connects’ policies and perspectives to diverse audiences, including legislators, federal officials, policymakers, industry partners and other stakeholders.
Previously, Ahmed worked in media relations for the National Association of Broadcasters for nearly 13 years, most recently as Vice President of Communications, and was the Deputy Press Secretary for the House Committee on Small Business.
Bill Tortoriello has been promoted to Vice President – Technology & Policy. Tortoriello, who joined ACA Connects in June 2023, will serve as the organization’s point person on member outreach and education related to technology and its intersection with public policy. He will continue his role on the Regulatory Team assisting in technical research, complex compliance issues, and ACAC member education.

Previously, Tortoriello was Director of Regulatory Policy at UScellular, where he worked on complex regulatory and policy matters dealing with Infrastructure, Public Safety, and Consumer items. He holds a Master of Jurisprudence, Compliance & Enterprise Risk Management, from Loyola University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Administration from Bradley University.
“Zamir and Bill have brought invaluable experience, insight and expertise to the ACA Connects team,” said Spellmeyer. “Their work has strengthened our efforts to serve the interests of independent cable and broadband operators, and these promotions expanding their responsibilities will help our Members better navigate the challenges of tomorrow.”
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 29.5 million households. 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.