Ben Foster has been named chair of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association’s board for 2026, the organization announced today as part of its officer slate. The appointment places Foster at the helm of the nation’s network of independent rural providers, guiding policy, workforce development, and advocacy as the group pursues universal broadband access by 2030.
Foster is president and CEO of Twin Valley and ISG Technology, the largest independently owned broadband and communications company in Kansas. Together they have invested more than $100 million over the past decade to expand broadband, mobile, and IT services across rural Kansas. ISG operates managed IT and cloud services with locations across Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
NTCA represents about 850 independent, community-based broadband providers nationwide. News provided by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. Under Foster’s leadership, the association is pursuing a path toward universal access to robust, reliable and affordable broadband in rural America by 2030, supported by policy advocacy, training, research, events and member programs that strengthen the workforce and sustainability of rural providers.
“I’m honored to continue serving NTCA’s rural broadband membership at a pivotal time,” Foster said. “We will advocate for policies that support rural providers and the communities they serve, ensuring rural America is prepared to meet rising connectivity demands in a digital world.”
NTCA’s 2026 officers include Ross Petrick, general manager and CEO of Alliance Communications Cooperative Inc., as vice chair, and Jennifer Prather, CEO of Totelcom Communications LLC, as secretary-treasurer. Christa Alexander, president and CEO of Arriva, was welcomed as a new board member. The organization also announced that Shirley Bloomfield, NTCA’s CEO, will retire at the end of March 2026, with a search for its next chief executive already underway.
Foster added that the board will stay focused on member needs and rural communities as the broadband landscape evolves, emphasizing continued innovation and the long-term viability of NTCA’s independent providers.
