NTCA Announces Mike Romano as New CEO

Romano to lead rural broadband association starting in March

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association has named Mike Romano as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 15. Romano currently serves as the association's executive vice president and will replace outgoing CEO Shirley Bloomfield, who announced her retirement last fall after leading the organization since 2010.

Why it matters

NTCA represents nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are working to bring high-quality broadband services to rural communities across the United States. Romano's appointment comes at a critical time as the industry faces technological changes, regulatory challenges, and increasing marketplace competition.

The details

In his new role, Romano will be responsible for overseeing NTCA's public policy, government affairs, and business development initiatives, as well as the educational and community-focused mission of the Foundation for Rural Service. Prior to joining NTCA in 2010, Romano held various legal and executive positions at companies like Bingham McCutchen, GTT Communications, America Online, and Level 3 Communications.

  • Mike Romano will officially become NTCA's new CEO on March 15, 2026.
  • Shirley Bloomfield announced her retirement from the CEO role last fall.

The players

Mike Romano

The new Chief Executive Officer of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, effective March 15, 2026. Romano currently serves as the association's executive vice president.

Shirley Bloomfield

The outgoing CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, who announced her retirement last fall after leading the organization since 2010.

Ben Foster

The president and CEO of ISG Technology (Miltonvale, Kan.) and the current chairman of NTCA.

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

The premier association representing about 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are working to bring high-quality broadband services to rural communities across the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Having worked for the past fifteen years for smaller broadband providers who are working to connect rural America, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the difference these operators make in driving innovation and lifting up consumers and communities. I am grateful for the trust that the NTCA board and the association's membership have placed in me with this selection, and I look forward to helping them fulfill their mission of delivering connections that will benefit our entire nation for decades to come.”

— Mike Romano, Incoming CEO, NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

“Mike has played an integral role in executing NTCA's mission for more than a decade, he understands NTCA and its member-driven approach, and he is well prepared to advocate forcefully for our industry and the communities we serve. We feel very confident in Mike's abilities to lead us into our next phase of progress by building from a strong foundation he helped create.”

— Ben Foster, President and CEO, ISG Technology (Miltonvale, Kan.) and NTCA Chairman

The takeaway

Romano's appointment as NTCA's new CEO comes at a critical time for the rural broadband industry, as it faces technological changes, regulatory challenges, and increasing marketplace competition. His experience and understanding of NTCA's member-driven approach position him well to advocate for the industry and the communities it serves, as the association works to fulfill its mission of delivering high-quality broadband connections that will benefit rural America for decades to come.