In this episode of Tower Side Chat™, Ryan Nelson interviews the President and CEO of NATE, Todd Schlekeway.

During the interview, Todd talks about his journey from the political world into wireless, the origins of NATE, workforce development, the new infrastructure bill, closing the digital divide, the use of drones in telecom, and more. We also chat about movie producing, growing up in South Dakota, and the lessons he learned through collegiate athletics that apply to his position today.

About Todd Schlekeway
As President & CEO of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, Todd Schlekeway provides overall leadership and vision, working in concert with the Association’s staff, Board of Directors, volunteer Standing Committees, Wireless Industry Network, and over 1,115 member companies.

Prior to joining NATE, Todd worked for seven years as the founder and principal of a public affairs and communications firm called Full Court Strategies Group, LLC. Todd also has extensive policy experience, having served for two terms in South Dakota’s state legislature, where he represented a Sioux Falls, South Dakota legislative district in both the State House and the State Senate.

Todd received his undergraduate college degrees from the University of Sioux Falls (USF) with a B.A. in History/Political Science and a B.S. in Exercise Science. He also earned a Master’s degree in Education (M.Ed.) from USF. While at the University of Sioux Falls, Todd also participated in collegiate athletics as a member of the USF basketball team. 

Todd and his wife Jill reside in Sioux Falls, SD, with their three sons, Gavin, Grant, and Jett.

Learn more about NATE
Learn more about Vertical Freedom the Movie

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Episode Credits
Host: Ryan Nelson
Guest: Todd Schlekeway

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