Todd Schlekeway and Paula Nurnberg will continue to lead NATE during the Association’s continued growth and influence in the industry as well as with legislators and regulators
Todd Schlekeway, Executive Director and Paula Nurnberg, Chief Operating Officer of the National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE), have agreed to multi-year contract extensions that will keep them directing NATE, the nation’s leading grassroots communications infrastructure organization.
“The wireless industry is extremely fortunate to have Todd and Paula directing the management of our organization,” said Jim Tracy, NATE Chairman and CEO of Legacy Telecommunications, LLC. “Their outstanding leadership has contributed to a continual growth trajectory of success. They have remained true to the core mission of Safety First, Safety Always; honoring our history with a clear vision for our industry’s future. NATE has become an influential powerhouse in the wireless industry under their leadership and we are grateful that they have agreed to extend their obligations.”
From when he was hired to lead the organization in 2012, with assistance from Nurnberg, the Association’s staff and many NATE members, membership showed a 53% hockey stick rise to its approximately 840 companies today, according to Wireless Estimator research.
In the six years prior to 2012 the organization saw a 19% growth in membership.
Schlekeway oversees the Association’s political advocacy efforts, key industry initiatives and coalition outreach. Under his leadership, NATE has increased its influence attracting a record level of members, reflecting the growing status of tower infrastructure to the U.S. economy. Todd has also been the catalyst for the movement of NATE into arenas affecting its membership ranging from Unmanned Aerial Systems, emerging technologies and small cells to enhanced collaboration with the FCC.
Prior to NATE, Schlekeway served for two terms in South Dakota’s state legislature where he represented his district in both the State House and the State Senate. Schlekeway also worked for seven years as the founder and principal of a public affairs and communications firm called Full Court Strategies Group, LLC and worked on the 2004-2005 Presidential Inaugural Committee.
“The sky is the limit for NATE and I am ecstatic to continue representing the Association in this leadership capacity,” said Schlekeway. “As 5G deployment begins to scale in 2019, continuity among our executive team will enable NATE to continue playing a leading role positively impacting the wireless ecosystem through the Association’s policy advocacy, resources development and grassroots outreach.”
Paula Nurnberg joined NATE as a staff member in 1995, the startup era of the Association. She has held virtually every position and role that NATE has ever created. “Under Paula’s direction, this group has weathered many storms and come out stronger as an Association. Her perseverance is a testament to her character and determination. Paula has been the glue of NATE for over two decades,” said long time NATE Board Member Jimmy Miller from MillerCo, Inc. of Gulfport, Mississippi. Paula has been the Chief Operating Officer of NATE since 2011.
Prior to being named Chief Operating Officer, Nurnberg held positions in Operations, Events, Member Services, and publishing, including both Marketing and Advertising. Paula was also instrumental in the development of many programs including the NATE Wireless Industry Network and Women of NATE. She has continually earned expanded roles and responsibilities throughout her career at NATE.
“I am honored to continue serving NATE where I started my career over twenty years ago,” stated Nurnberg. “Throughout the years NATE has become my home away from home because of the loyal and passionate members and leaders within the Association. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many wonderful individuals assisting in the growth and development of the wireless industry with the ultimate goal of bringing everyone home safely at the end of each day. I look forward to continue aiding to build on NATE’s tradition of safety, standards and education.”
