Williams was previously Commerce’s Information and Communications Technology sector lead



Having trouble viewing this email? View it online [ [link removed] ]




Commerce Logo


July 1, 2025

Joseph Williams selected as interim director of the Washington State Broadband Office

Williams was previously Commerce’s Information and Communications Technology sector lead

Joseph Williams

Jospeh Williams will lead the Washington State Broadband Office until a permanent director is appointed. Williams was previously Commerce’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness (OEDC) Information and Communications Technology  (ICT) sector lead.

Williams steps in for Aaron Wheeler, who left the agency in June. In his role as sector lead for Commerce, Williams worked closely with the state’s tech sector to both recruit new business and support those already here. Williams was also a tech policy advisor to former Washington Governor Jay Inslee. He left state service in 2019 to be the Seattle director for the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, then joined Commerce in 2023. He also led the state's semiconductor working group and regularly contributed expert testimony and industry group coordination.



“I’m pleased to have Joseph leading the WSBO during this period of transition at both the state and federal level,” said Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn. “His experience and steady leadership will help maintain momentum in Washington’s broadband development while we continue the recruitment process for a permanent director.”

“It’s a critical time for the WSBO, and I am excited to join and support this important team and their vital mission of bringing internet to all in Washington,” Williams said. “My predecessor in this position, Aaron Wheeler, did a great job getting the state to this point. My plan is to ensure we can meet the upcoming federal deadlines and award funding to broadband providers across the state as quickly as possible.”

Williams was a recent recipient of GeekWire’s Public Policy Champion for Innovation award [ [link removed] ] for his work in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity and semiconductors.

Commerce is partnering with Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office on the permanent appointment. The formal recruitment for the position will be posted soon.

 

About the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program [ [link removed] ] (BEAD)

The BEAD program [ [link removed] ] is working to get all Americans online by funding partnerships between states or territories, tribal nations, communities, internet providers and other stakeholders to build infrastructure where needed and increase high-speed internet adoption. The federal program provides over $42 billion for infrastructure planning and implementation nationwide. Washington will receive more than $1.2 billion in funding.

Please watch the Internet for All in Washington  [ [link removed] ]website for the most up-to-date information on the BEAD process. On the same webpage, you can also subscribe to email updates.








About Commerce

*
Stay connected
*www.commerce.wa.gov [ [link removed] ]  |  Facebook [ [link removed] ]  |  LinkedIn [ [link removed] ]  |  Instagram [ [link removed] ]  |  Threads [ [link removed] ]  | Bluesky [ [link removed] ]  

Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department’s diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit [link removed]. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com [ [link removed] ].

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].

This service is provided to you at no charge by Washington Department of Commerce [ [link removed] ].

Subscribe [ [link removed] ] | Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ] | Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ] | Help [ [link removed] ] | Contact us [ [link removed] ]





This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Washington State Department of Commerce · 1011 Plum Street SE, P.O. Box 42525 · Olympia, WA 98504-2525 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]