Husch Blackwell Strategies is pleased to announce that its Colorado team based in Denver is preparing to expand its engagement with the Colorado Telecommunications Association (CTA). HBS CO will broaden its lobbying work for the organization and lead CTA’s advocacy in Denver and direct its statewide operations for its member companies.

CTA represents Colorado’s rural providers—including family-owned companies, member-owned cooperatives and rural focused corporations that have served their communities for more than 50 years, delivering advanced high-speed Internet, video and voice services across nearly a third of the state.

Pete Kirchhof, the association’s current Executive Director recently announced his retirement, effective July 31, 2023. Over the next seven months HBS will work closely with Kirchhof through the transition. HBS Principal Carrie Hackenberger will serve as the association’s new executive director and manage its legislative strategies while guiding the day-to-day engagement of its member companies.

Kirchhof said, “I’ve had the opportunity to work with the HBS team for many years (with CTA and other clients) as the premier lobby firm in Colorado.  I’m confident that they will do an excellent job leading and managing the association helping members continue to provide high quality and reliable broadband to many small rural communities.”  

Carrie said at today’s announcement, “Our rural providers are integral to ensuring all Coloradans can stay connected and I am honored to be able to take on the ED role and be the voice at the capitol for our member companies.”

Prior to joining HBS CO, Carrie served in a similar role as Associate Director of the American Petroleum Institute (API) Colorado where she helped lead that organization’s legislative and policy efforts across the state.