TIRAP Chairman Paul Roberts
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) announced that Paul Roberts, Vice President, Compliance, American Tower Corporation, was elected to serve as Chairperson of WIA’s Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP) Executive Board. A new slate of officers was also elected.
Other newly elected officers include: Vice Chairperson, Beau Aero, President and Founder, GME Supply Co.; Chairperson Emeritus, David Sams, Vice President of Risk Management, SBA Communications Corporation
Other board members include: Jonathan Adelstein, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wireless Infrastructure Association; Richard Cullum, Director of Safety, Crown Castle; and Joel Hightower, Chief Executive Officer and Owner, Hightower Communications Inc.
Roberts has served on the TIRAP Board since its inception. At American Tower, he administers the Safety and Health initiatives and supports the company’s public policy efforts through direct advocacy with federal policy makers. He works with industry groups and government representatives to champion telecommunications workforce development and advocates for laws and policies that propel the rapid delivery of broadband deployment across the nation. Prior to his 17 years with American Tower, Roberts practiced law as a partner in the firm Monaco & Roberts; served as Chief Operating Officer for Visionfactory, a software development firm; and served as Chief Information Officer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
“I am honored to serve as Chairperson of the TIRAP Executive Board. This could be a crucial year for making our greatest strides yet to equip the workforce with the resource it needs,” said Roberts.
“As we move closer to 5G, it is more important now than ever to train the telecommunications workforce that will build the infrastructure needed for mobile connectivity, and I am pleased to work toward this goal with my fellow board members and Industry.”
“Paul is a strong advocate for the telecommunications industry and has been deeply involved in ensuring impactful policy that helps the industry develop apprenticeships, training, and an environment of safety for its workers,” said Grant Seiffert, Vice President of Workforce Development and Executive Director of TIRAP.
“Throughout his valued service to the TIRAP Board, Paul has made significant contributions to the industry, and I look forward to his continued stewardship for a skilled telecommunications workforce, through apprenticeships, needed to support a 5G society,” said Seiffert.
“Serving on the TIRAP Board has been an honor. In just a few short years, with the guidance of the board and WIA, TIRAP has built a capable, thriving program to train telecommunications employees through apprenticeships,” said Sams.
“This industry calls for on-the-job training, and TIRAP is a one-of-a-kind program to support this. I am confident that Paul will serve as a leader for the continued success of building a nationally recognized telecommunications apprenticeship program.”
