Washington State Broadband Office Director Mark Vasconi has announced that he will retire on Dec. 31 after more than two and a half years in the post.

?Transitions are never easy. After much thought and discussion with my family, I have decided it is time to retire,? Vasconi said. ?I've been privileged to work with great people at the Department of Commerce and the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO). We have accomplished many significant milestones since starting my work here in April 2022.?

Under Vasconi?s leadership, the WSBO administered more than $125 million in various grants to support broadband expansion and digital literacy programs throughout the state. The office also engaged with the National Telecommunication and Information Association (NTIA) to earn $1.2 billion for Washington through the federal $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program.?

Vasconi?s 40-year career includes 13 years in public service for Washington state and another 27 years in the telecommunications industry. Before coming to Commerce in April 2022, he worked as the director of regulatory services at the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission for 11 years.

?In retirement, I'll spend more time with my wife, Sonia, our two adult children and my eclectic assemblage of long-time friends,? Vasconi said. ?I'll also turn attention to an ever-expanding list of neglected honey do tasks, travel and enjoy all the culinary opportunities we can find. I will also have time to re-engage in road biking and wander streams, fly rod in hand, as I try to outsmart fish.?

?Internet access is an essential, powerful tool for improving the lives of Washington residents.? Mark has been a tremendous asset, leading our broadband office through a critical time in which billions of dollars in federal funding for infrastructure construction and digital literacy programs is available to states,? said Commerce Director Mike Fong. ?His significant contributions have helped ensure we are well-positioned to bring broadband access to those who do not have it, and provide innovative tools and supports to increase digital literacy as well.??

Under Mark?s leadership, and in collaboration with community partners, Washington successfully challenged the initial FCC national broadband map to more accurately identify households without high-speed internet connectivity. This increased Washington?s BEAD funding allocation from NTIA to over $1 billion - funding?that will be transformational for households across Washington and help the state reach its goal of universal high-speed access.

The WSBO leads the state's Internet for All in Washington initiative. To learn more about this work, including opportunities for public participation, visit the Internet For All website.

Local Government Division Assistant Director Mark Barkley has appointed WSBO Deputy Director Erika Henry as interim director. Gov. Inslee's office has begun the process to select and appoint the state?s next broadband director. To learn more about the Washington State Broadband Office, visit our website.