Shirley Bloomfield

Today isn’t really about a farewell. It’s about celebrating what we have built together, focusing on what lies ahead and sharing why I remain deeply optimistic about the future of rural broadband, the work you do and the communities you serve.
Anyone who has worked closely with me knows that I am a list person — the last thing I do before ending the day is create my tomorrow list and take great satisfaction in crossing things off.
So it felt right to share my thoughts with NTCA members this way. But instead of a top 10 list, my nearly 40 years with all of you gives me the latitude to share five things we’ve accomplished together, five things ahead for this industry and five things that have given me the greatest joy during our time together.
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Today was really a day for reflection on friendships, partnerships and industry collaborations as my friend Gary Bolton surprised me at #FiberConnect 2026 show with Fiber Broadband Association’s Industry Impact Award. While I was still in shock (and glad I woke up in time for the morning General Session!), I was able to catch part of Gary’s gracious remarks once the shock wore off….but for me, this recognition really emphasized how no one leader, no one association and sometimes no one industry can go it alone on some of the significant developments that impact the #fiberbroadband industry and how much better we can all be on telling the story, sharing the burdens and seeking the opportunities when we do it together. Gary has been that partner and seeing all that he has done creating an ecosystem where providers of all sizes, from across the world, gather to meet with vendors, key partners, suppliers and key stakeholders was gratifying as well. I see great things ahead for the NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association and FBA to continue their important work together with Gary and Michael R. Romano at the respective helms! #fiberdelivers #thankyouGary

Thirty years has flown by….
If you ask folks what they know or remember from 1996, they might harken back to the unique spot the mid-90s have taken in American pop culture. Alanis Morissette won Album of the Year at the Grammys, the Spice Girls released their debut album (aptly titled, “Spice”), the Macarena became an international phenomenon, and Tickle Me Elmo and Beanie Babies were the top toys.

For me, it was a time of personal and professional growth, as I worked as a NTCA lobbyist to help shape future U.S. communications policy through passage of the 1996 Telecom Act.

As we mark the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Act—and prepare to host an event with dozens of our Washington, D.C., telecom policy colleagues to discuss its legacy—I can’t help but reflect on how pivotal that moment was, not just for our industry, but me personally.

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Two months ago, I stepped away from my role as CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association after more than three decades of serving rural broadband providers and the communities they connect.

People often ask, "How's retirement?"

The honest answer is that I'm still learning what retirement means and I thought I would share what I have learned so far:


• The calendar fills up faster than you think. The difference is that now I have more say in what fills it. And often a dog at my feet while I am on calls and Zooms.

• The conversations, friendships, and connections built over a career don't retire when you do. The challenge has been switching out long-held emails and finding your contacts didn’t all transfer over but thankfully, we’ve all learned how to be creative in tracking one another down again!

• Purpose doesn't end with a job. It simply finds new outlets. Whether through board service, mentoring leaders, executive search work, doing retreats, director training or supporting causes I care deeply about, the desire to contribute remains strong.

• Rural America continues to inspire me. Even without the daily responsibilities of leading NTCA, I find myself cheering for the innovators, advocates, and community leaders working to ensure rural communities thrive. I sometimes have to remind myself which battles are not mine anymore but I still get fired up over the idea that rural America connectivity is taken care of “thanks to satellite service”. What??!!!

• Reflection is a gift. When you're running full speed, you rarely stop to appreciate how much has been accomplished by so many people working together toward a common mission. Truly encourage everyone to give yourself the gift of reflection long before you hit retirement - enjoy it in the moment!

• And perhaps most importantly, transitions aren't endings. They're invitations to become curious again. To learn something new and to stretch. I am finding that already with Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure even before my first advisory council meeting, just reading the incredibly insightful pieces written by my fellow advisory members. It’s like being a student all over again!

I've discovered that retirement isn't about stepping away. It's about stepping toward something new.

I'm grateful for the extraordinary privilege of serving NTCA's members, board, and staff. And I'm excited about this next chapter—one that includes learning, giving back, spending more time with family and friends, and continuing to look for ways to leave the world a little better than I found it.

For those who have made a similar transition - and many of my good friends in this industry have - what's something retirement—or your next chapter—has taught you? I’d l love to hear and learn from you as well.