Broadband industry association ACA Connects unveiled plans to name a new CEO later this month, announcing long-time chief Matt Polka will step down from his role at the end of July. Polka is the first and only CEO ACA Connects has ever had. He has led the organization for more than 25 years.
“I think it’s very important and healthy for the organization…I definitely want to pass on the organization to new blood, new vision, new energy,” Polka said in a video message. “It’s time.”
ACA Connects represents more than 600 small and medium-sized companies across all 50 U.S. states which provide broadband, phone and video services to more than 11 million customers. Its board and officers include executives from TDS Telecom, WideOpenWest, Cable One, GCI, Breezeline, MetroNet, Vyve Broadband, Astound Broadband, Vexus Fiber, Mediacom and Shenandoah Telecommunications (Shentel), among others.
Polka noted “so much has changed” since ACA Connects was founded as the Small Cable Business Association in 1993. In 1999 it changed its name to the American Cable Association to better represent its membership and rebranded to its current moniker in 2019 to remove its focus on a single technology. According to Polka, the impending leadership transition is a continuation of ACA’s bid to keep up with the times.
“This is just another step in that direction where no one knows the future, no one knows how technology’s going to develop. And having new energy, new vision to be able to see around that corner and be prepared for that as we work to keep in parallel form with our members is really important,” he said.
The organization said in a press release Polka initiated conversations about his departure with ACA Connects Chairwoman Patricia Jo Boyers and Vice Chairman Mike Bowker in October 2021. Its search for a new CEO is nearly finished and Boyers will announce its pick during ACA’s Board meeting in mid-May. A celebration of the appointment will subsequently be held at the Independent Show set to be held in Florida at the end of July.
Polka said he plans to impart what he has learned about ACA’s team, membership and the industry in general to the organization’s new leader. He will also “facilitate the building of relationships” to help ensure a smooth leadership transition, he said.