Thursday, November 19, 2020
Press Release
Benton Institute Welcomes New Board Member
At its annual meeting today, the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society welcomed David Dodson to its Board of Directors. Dodson is the former president and a current Senior Fellow at MDC, a North Carolina-based nonprofit “think tank with muddy boots,” focused on helping the South become a place where all people can thrive.
"For nearly forty years David has worked to advance economic opportunity and social mobility for people and communities struggling to realize the American Dream," said Benton Executive Director Adrianne B. Furniss. "His experience makes him an invaluable asset at the Benton Institute as we strive to bring open, affordable, high-capacity broadband to all people in the U.S. to ensure a thriving democracy."
"It is obvious that in the 21st century, broadband is the infrastructure of opportunity," Dodson said. "As such, it is imperative that everyone in America have affordable access and the skills needed to make use of the networks we need to end the pandemic, rebuild our economy, address racial inequity, and combat climate change. The Benton Institute is well-placed to help the nation realize fast, fair, and open broadband for all."
Prior to joining MDC, David served as executive director of the Cummins Engine Foundation and director of corporate responsibility for Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana, a corporate innovator in creating workplace democracy and corporate responsibility. Dodson is a graduate of Yale College and holds masters degrees from Yale Divinity School and the Yale School of Management. He is a board member of the Center for Law and Social Policy in Washington, DC.
Dodson's arrival corresponds with the departure of longtime Benton director Terry Goddard. The former Mayor of Phoenix and Attorney General of Arizona served on the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Board of Directors for a total of 20 years, from 2000 to 2020.
"The Benton trustees, board, and staff offer Terry our deepest gratitude for his countless contributions today and always," said Furniss. "We wish him every success in his future endeavors."
The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people in the U.S. have access to competitive, High-Performance Broadband regardless of where they live or who they are. We believe communication policy - rooted in the values of access, equity, and diversity - has the power to deliver new opportunities and strengthen communities.
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