Carri Bennet, Jill Canfield & Patrick Strubbe Take Part in NTCA Telecom Executive Forum

Carri Bennet, Jill Canfield, and Patrick Strubbe represented Womble Bond Dickinson at the NTCA Telecom Executive Forum, held March 29-31 in Coronado, Calif.

At the conference, Strubbe participated in a panel discussion presentation titled “Getting a Seat at the Table in Today's Acquisition Market”.  With marketplace pressures mounting, more NTCA members are considering strategic acquisitions as a path forward — only to find themselves shut out of conversations dominated by private equity and larger buyers. This session examined why smaller and rural broadband providers face challenges getting “in the game” and offered suggestions on how providers can position themselves to be considered when broadband assets come to market. The panelists discussed what kinds of opportunities are emerging, who influences these transactions and what members can do now to improve their visibility, readiness and access to capital.

The Telecom Executive Forum is an annual event exclusively for rural broadband executives seeking to strengthen their knowledge and influence in the industry. The event provides a private forum for sharing best practices, exploring emerging trends and preparing rural telecom organizations to thrive in a dynamic industry. Womble Bond Dickinson sponsored the event to support its 200 plus rural broadband clients who serve rural areas in nearly every state.

Canfield, former General Counsel of NTCA, joined the firm last September.

Carri Bennet has more than 30 years of experience advising telecom clients on regulatory issues, with a particular focus on serving rural wireless and broadband companies.  She represents her clients before the FCC, state regulatory agencies, the courts and Congress.  Bennet works on cybersecurity compliance, risk management and crisis management issues with her clients to reduce the fallout and damages associated with a cyber incident.

Jill Canfield built a career at the intersection of legal advocacy, public policy, and rural broadband development – collaborating with both public and private stakeholders to advance critical digital infrastructure and regulatory goals. Prior to joining Womble, Canfield served as General Counsel and Vice President of Policy at NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. There, she was instrumental in establishing CyberShare: The Small Broadband Provider ISAC, an information sharing and analysis center for facilities-based small broadband providers.

Patrick Strubbe serves as the Womble’s Private Equity Team Co-Lead, as a member of the Corporate & Securities Group Executive Committee, a member of the Digital Solutions Team, and on Womble’s Governing Board. He expertly guides corporate clients, senior management, and private equity groups through complex transactions.