SHLB Welcomes Joseph Wender as New Executive Director

Washington, D.C. (February 20, 2025) – The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition is pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph Wender as its new Executive Director, effective March 10, 2025, succeeding founding Executive Director John Windhausen. This transition comes at a pivotal moment in broadband policy, including a pending Supreme Court decision on the future of the Universal Service Fund (USF).

Since its founding, SHLB has led efforts to ensure that every school, library, healthcare provider, and anchor institution has access to affordable, high-speed broadband. Under John Windhausen’s leadership, SHLB has become a powerful national coalition advocating broadband expansion and adoption.

A longtime advocate for internet access, Wender joins SHLB after leading the Capital Projects Fund at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he successfully oversaw billions in broadband and infrastructure investments connecting rural and urban communities. Previously, as a Senior Policy Advisor to Senator Edward J. Markey, he played a key role in shaping national broadband policy. With deep expertise in federal, state, and local broadband funding, Wender will help SHLB navigate critical policy debates affecting anchor institutions. He holds a law degree from Harvard Law School and an undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University.

“This is a crucial moment in our nation’s efforts to promote broadband deployment and adoption, and it is a great honor to lead SHLB into a better broadband future,” said Joseph Wender, incoming Executive Director of SHLB. “Connectivity is the foundation of modern education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for kids, families, and communities. I look forward to working with SHLB’s members, policymakers, and partners to continue my work to ensure that every community—especially those historically underserved—has access to reliable, affordable broadband.”

“While I am sad to step down after 16 years, I am incredibly proud of the success our organization has had in improving anchor institution broadband across the country,” said John Windhausen, outgoing Executive Director of SHLB. “SHLB has grown into a thriving coalition with over 300 members, and I know Joey’s leadership will take it to new heights. With his deep experience in broadband policy and dedication to digital opportunity for all, he will be a strong advocate for anchor institutions and the communities they serve. While I am stepping down as SHLB Executive Director, I will continue to support universal internet connectivity in my future work.”

SHLB’s mission to advocate for open, high-quality broadband remains more critical than ever. Leaders from across the country, including in the education, library, and healthcare sectors, emphasized the importance of SHLB’s role in shaping broadband policy.

“John, thank you for your vision and generative leadership in building SHLB into a dynamic coalition for solving the digital divide. We are thrilled to welcome Joey as Executive Director,” said Phil Neufeld, Executive Officer, Strategic Research and Policy Analysis, Fresno Unified School District, and SHLB’s newly appointed Board Chair. “Joey’s experience and passion for collaborative and pragmatic policies will be invaluable as we move forward.”

“John has been a tireless champion for broadband expansion, shaping SHLB into a national leader in promoting affordable internet access for everyone,” said Cindy Aden, Master of Library & Information Science Program Chair and Teaching Professor at the Information School, University of Washington, and outgoing SHLB’s Board Chair. “As a longtime advocate for library services, broadband access, and digital discovery, I’ve seen firsthand how SHLB’s work benefits communities across the country. John’s leadership has built a coalition that will continue to make a lasting impact under Joey’s guidance.”

“As we progress into an economy increasingly driven by AI and advanced technologies, the E-rate program is the foundation for empowering schools and libraries to deliver high-speed broadband access. As these technologies evolve, it is important that we advocate for policies that address the connectivity demands of modern communities," said Beverly Sutherland, President & CEO of EdTechnologyFunds, Inc. and SHLB Board Secretary. “SHLB's ongoing leadership is crucial in safeguarding and enhancing programs that ensure our anchor institutions have access to the high-quality broadband they need to thrive in an increasingly more digital society. ”

“Broadband access is just one piece of the puzzle. We must also ensure that communities have the skills, support, and resources they need to fully participate in the digital world,” said Angela Siefer, Executive Director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) and a SHLB Board member. “SHLB plays a crucial role in advancing policies that strengthen digital opportunity.”

“The E-rate program has been instrumental in helping schools and libraries access high-speed internet at an affordable rate. Broadband connectivity empowers students, supports teachers, and ensures digital learning opportunities are accessible to all,” said Cathy Cruzan, President of Funds For Learning LLC and Treasurer of the SHLB Board. “SHLB’s advocacy ensures that this vital program continues to evolve and meet the connectivity needs of schools and libraries nationwide.”

“Reliable broadband is essential for telemedicine and rural healthcare,” said Michael Wallace, Assistant Director of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Digital Health & Innovation, e-Link, and SHLB Board member. “SHLB’s leadership ensures that broadband policy prioritizes healthcare providers, making it possible for rural patients to access life-saving telemedicine services.”

SHLB’s success is fueled by its small but mighty team. Its dedicated staff has continually driven national broadband policy while operating as an efficient, impactful organization.

“As SHLB moves into this next phase, its mission remains unchanged: ensuring that schools, libraries, healthcare providers, anchor institutions, and their communities continue to be at the center of efforts to close the digital divide,” concluded SHLB’s Board Chair Phil Neufeld. “Under Joey’s leadership, SHLB is well-positioned to champion innovative solutions and secure sustainable broadband funding to achieve universal connectivity.”

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About SHLB: The SHLB Coalition is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) advocacy organization that supports open,
affordable, high-quality broadband connections for anchor institutions and their surrounding communities. The SHLB Coalition is based in Washington, D.C., and has a diverse membership of commercial and non-commercial organizations across the United States. To learn more, visit www.shlb.org.