In 2006, after 7 years at Dish Network in its government relations arm, Ross Lieberman departed for a role at what was then known as the American Cable Association, the industry lobbying group representing small-market and smaller MVPDs across the U.S.
He rose from VP/Government Affairs to SVP/Government Affairs over his nearly 15 1/2 years at the organization today known as ACA Connects. Now, he’s stepping aside.
Lieberman is resigning his position at the end of the month to pursue new interests, the Pittsburgh-headquartered organization shared on Monday.
“With Ross stepping down, ACA Connects says farewell to a great friend who cheerfully accepted every challenge put before him and delivered fantastic results for ACA Connects Members on any number of fronts, including broadband, voice and video issues. Ross was especially tireless in helping ACA Connects persuade Washington, D.C., on the important matters impacting the membership,” said ACA Connects President/CEO Grant Spellmeyer, who recently succeeded Matthew M. Polka in the top chair at the advocacy group. “Ross will be missed by all his friends at ACA Connects.”
Lieberman’s resignation is effective August 31. ACA Connects has begun the search process for the purpose of selecting and naming Lieberman’s successor.
“In leaving, I will miss the many talented, dedicated, and passionate ACA Connects staff and Board Members and consultants,” Lieberman said. “It’s been a privilege to be part of the ACA Connects team and its tremendous growth since I joined in 2007. During that time, we did so much to ratchet up our advocacy and education for our independent broadband and cable members. We’ve become a brand name in Washington and a vital resource to our members.”
ACA Connects Chairman Patricia Jo Boyers, who is President/CEO & Co-Founder of BOYCOM Vision in Poplar Bluff, Mo., thanked Lieberman for his many significant contributions to the association and wished him well in his new endeavors. “Over the past 15 years, the ACA Connects Board decided one big issue after another based on the candid appraisals offered by Ross stemming from his deep understanding of the political environment in which we had to operate. We owe Ross a great deal for his loyalty to ACA Connects and his nonstop concern for the long-term interests of its deeply appreciative membership,” Boyers said.
During Lieberman’s tenure at ACA Connects, the trade group was a major participant in shaping the substance of telecommunications policy crafted by lawmakers and regulators in Washington, D.C. This includes the fight over retransmission consent fees, which are a major contributor to broadcast television companies’ profits.
“Ross has been a steadfast partner to the American Television Alliance during his time at ACA Connects. His advocacy and leadership in the fight to protect consumers and educate policymakers has been invaluable,” said Mike Chappell, Executive Director of the American Television Alliance, the pro-MVPD association of which ACA Connects is a member. “Ross will be missed by his colleagues here at ATVA, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
