Next Century Cities Launches Nationwide Leadership Search; Executive Director Francella Ochillo to Depart This Summer

After four years at the helm, Francella Ochillo announced that she will move on from her role as Executive Director of Next Century Cities (NCC), an organization committed to bringing connectivity within reach for every resident in every community. Since joining Next Century Cities in 2019, Ochillo has been recognized as one of the most impactful digital rights advocates in the country. A champion for raising the voices of local officials working to close digital divides in their communities, she empowered on-the-ground leaders with tactical ways to influence federal policy making and state broadband programs. Under her leadership, NCC developed strategies for local governments and community leaders to operationalize once unimaginable goals to connect everyone, everywhere. The search for a new Executive Director will be led by NCC's Advisory Board, composed of Rondella Hawkins, Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs Officer for the City of Austin; Aldona Valicenti, outgoing Commissioner/Chief Information Officer with Lexington Fayette Urban County Government; and Coralette Hannon, Director of Livable Communities for AARP Government Affairs.