Leveraging Federal Programs to Scale Connectivity

Monday, May 18, 2026

1:50 PM - 2:30 PM ET

Location: Desoto 1-2 (Mezzanine Level)

Moderator(s)

Craig Corbin

Director - Public Sector Partnerships
Ready.net
Cumming, Georgia, United States

Panelist(s)

HeidiJoy Harnegie

Vice President and General Manager
MaxxSouth
Joe Jensen

Senior Director Value Creation
Corning
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Jade Piros de Carvalho

Fiber Expansion Lead
Socket Fiber
Columbia, Missouri, United States
Loren Brace

Vice President PMO & Special Projects
UtiliSource, LLC
Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Federal funding remains one of the most powerful tools for expanding broadband, but success depends on knowing where the opportunities are and how to act on them. This session will show you how to navigate the current funding landscape, meet compliance and reporting requirements, and coordinate with state broadband offices to keep projects moving. Hear real-world examples from providers who are turning federal dollars into measurable results. Leave equipped with the insights and strategies you need to turn funding into faster builds and lasting impact.