Overview

• Gardner succeeds Michael Powell, who is retiring after nearly 15 years leading the association, with Powell’s 2023 compensation reported at more than $7.2 million.
• The trade group frames the hire against declining linear TV, the rise of streaming competition, and possible FCC moves on broadcast ownership rules.
• Gardner said he will work with members and policymakers to advance policies that spur investment and innovation in wired and wireless networks across U.S. communities.
• A Colorado Republican, Gardner served in the House from 2011 to 2015 and the Senate from 2015 to 2021, with committee assignments covering technology and telecommunications; he lost his 2020 reelection bid to John Hickenlooper.
• Board chair Mark Greatrex of Cox Communications praised Gardner’s bipartisan approach and strategic relationships as key to strengthening NCTA’s advocacy on behalf of major cable and internet providers.