Benton Institute Welcomes New Board Member David Dodson

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.