Fiber Broadband Association’s Jennifer Vassil Recognized as One of Cablefax’s 2025 Most Powerful Women
The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA), the leading voice of the fiber broadband industry, proudly announced that Jennifer Vassil, Vice President of Membership, has been named to Cablefax’s 2025 Most Powerful Women list, a prestigious honor recognizing influential leaders across broadband, telecommunications, and media. The recognition highlights Vassil’s exceptional leadership, sustained impact, and forward-thinking approach to strengthening the fiber broadband ecosystem.
This milestone marks the second consecutive year that an FBA staff member has earned a place among Cablefax’s Most Powerful Women, underscoring the Association’s growing influence and its commitment to advancing inclusive, collaborative leadership within the industry.
Celebrating Leadership in a Rapidly Evolving Industry
Cablefax’s annual Most Powerful Women awards celebrate women whose strategic vision, innovation, and leadership are shaping the future of connectivity, media, and communications. In an era defined by digital transformation, infrastructure investment, and equitable access to high-speed broadband, these honorees play a vital role in driving progress across the industry.
Jennifer Vassil’s inclusion among the 2025 honorees reflects her significant contributions to the Fiber Broadband Association during a period of accelerated growth and change for the fiber sector. Through a combination of relationship-building, strategic expansion, and operational innovation, Vassil has helped position FBA as a trusted hub for collaboration, education, and advocacy.
Five Years of Purpose-Driven Growth at FBA
Since joining the Fiber Broadband Association five years ago, Jennifer Vassil has played a central role in reshaping how the Association engages with its members. As Vice President of Membership, she has focused on creating meaningful, high-value connections among companies, network operators, Tribal organizations, policymakers, and technology providers across North America.
During her tenure, Vassil has launched and expanded a range of membership programs and events designed to foster participation both in person and online. These initiatives have enabled members to stay connected regardless of geography, ensuring broader access to industry insights, educational resources, and networking opportunities.
Her leadership philosophy emphasizes authenticity, consistency, and openness, encouraging collaboration across the entire fiber broadband ecosystem. By supporting her team in adopting emerging technologies while maintaining a people-first approach, Vassil has helped cultivate a strong, resilient membership community that reflects the diversity and dynamism of the industry itself.
Record-Breaking Membership Growth and Engagement
One of the most notable achievements under Vassil’s leadership has been the exceptional performance of FBA’s Membership Team over the past year. During the last 12 months alone, the Association experienced record-breaking growth and engagement, reinforcing its status as the premier organization representing the fiber broadband industry.
In 2025, FBA membership across North America grew by nearly 10 percent, reaching the highest total membership level in the Association’s history. This growth highlights not only the expanding importance of fiber broadband but also the effectiveness of Vassil’s strategic outreach and engagement efforts.
Beyond numbers, there has been a significant increase in member participation and involvement, signaling deeper engagement and stronger alignment with FBA’s mission. Members are taking a more active role in events, committees, educational programs, and collaborative initiatives, strengthening the collective voice of the industry.
Expanding Network Operator and Tribal Participation
A particularly impactful development during the past year has been the substantial rise in network operator participation and Tribal membership, which now represents 45 percent of FBA’s total membership. This growth reflects the Association’s commitment to inclusivity, equity, and expanding broadband access in underserved and Tribal communities.
Under Vassil’s guidance, FBA has focused on ensuring that network operators and Tribal entities find real value in membership through tailored resources, educational opportunities, and platforms for collaboration. By amplifying these voices within the Association, FBA has strengthened its ability to address challenges related to deployment, workforce development, funding, and digital equity.
This inclusive approach aligns closely with broader national and regional initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide and ensuring all communities have access to reliable, high-speed fiber broadband.
Enhancing the Member Experience
In addition to driving membership growth, Jennifer Vassil and her team have prioritized enhancing the overall member experience. Recognizing that strong engagement depends on accessibility and ease of participation, FBA has implemented improvements across several areas.
Key enhancements include:
- Clearer, more consistent communication with members
- Streamlined administrative processes to reduce friction
- Expanded educational offerings and knowledge-sharing resources
- More accessible networking and engagement platforms, both virtual and in-person
These improvements make it easier than ever for organizations to stay informed, involved, and connected to the fiber broadband community. As a result, members can better leverage FBA programs, events, and insights to support their own growth and success.
Industry Recognition and Executive Praise
FBA President and CEO Gary Bolton praised Vassil’s leadership and the lasting impact she has made on the Association and the broader industry.
Jennifer’s vision and commitment have made a profound impact on our members and on the future of fiber broadband,” Bolton said. “She leads with purpose, empathy, and a relentless drive to strengthen our community. This continued momentum reflects both the team’s strategic focus on outreach and engagement and the industry’s growing recognition of FBA as the trusted hub for collaboration, education, and best practices in fiber broadband.
Bolton noted that Vassil’s leadership style—balancing strategy with empathy—has helped foster a culture of trust and collaboration that resonates across the membership.
Continuing a Tradition of Excellence at FBA
Jennifer Vassil’s recognition follows a strong tradition of excellence within the Fiber Broadband Association’s leadership team. In 2024, Deborah Kish, FBA’s Vice President of Research and Workforce Development, was also honored by Cablefax’s Most Powerful Women awards.
Kish was recognized for her leadership on the Association’s OpTIC Path™ optical telecom installer certification program, an initiative designed to address workforce shortages and prepare the next generation of fiber technicians. Together, these recognitions reflect FBA’s commitment to leadership development, workforce innovation, and advancing the fiber broadband industry through practical, impactful programs.
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