WIA Team

Tim House is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA). He leads the day-to-day operations of a thriving 35+ employee trade association.

Oversees telecommunications industry workforce development initiatives including the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP). Appointed by FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel to the Telecommunications Interagency Working Group, established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Interacts with Department of Labor, Department of Education, Department of Commerce, Congress and state and local governments on telecommunications industry education and workforce needs. Created the Telecommunications Education Center, a dynamic learning platform of more than 30 courses. Guides activities for industry-leading trade show and conference Connectivity Expo, aka “Connect (X).”

Tim joined the association in 2007 and has been a key contributor to the evolution of the organization to the industry’s leading voice on all things connectivity.

Prior to joining WIA, Tim spent nearly a decade at Discovery Communications Inc., where he was primarily responsible for developing consumer product marketing strategies for Discovery’s hit shows. His campaigns produced three New York Times® Best Sellers and have been featured in Ad Age, USA Today, TV Guide, The Washington Post and the New York Times.

A native Washingtonian, Tim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting and Cable from The Pennsylvania State University. He was inducted into Gonzaga College High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019 for his accomplishments in Track and Field.

Marta Sokol is Chief Financial Officer for the Wireless Infrastructure Association. She leads all finance, human resource and office management functions and is responsible for establishing the association’s culture consistent with its core values of innovation, collaboration and accountability. 

Prior to WIA, Marta held key finance positions at the SEED Foundation, The Society for Technical Communication and the Washington Capitals. Marta is an active member of the Finance and Administration Roundtable (FAR), which is the DC area’s only association dedicated exclusively to nonprofit business leaders. She currently serves on its Board of Directors.

Born and raised in Poznan, Poland, Marta attended the University of Economics and Business where she achieved her Master of Science in Finance and Banking. She later earned her Master of Business Administration in the U.S. at George Mason University. She is a Certified Public Accountant. 

In her formative years, Marta developed many skills necessary for success in business. Outside of her studies, she was a competitive ballroom dancer. She studied under the direction of the masterful choreographer, dancer and TV star Piotr Galiński, where her competitive spirit and disciplined approach became ingrained. 

Marta’s active lifestyle extended far beyond dancing. Skiing, table tennis and acting all captured her interest, but nothing was quite like satisfying her curiosity about the world around her through travel. Visiting other countries and experiencing cultures different from her own became a lifelong passion. Fittingly, in 2004, Marta moved to the United States with little more than a backpack and a dream to explore the magical place she knew only from her TV screen half a world away. 

Marta took several jobs and worked evenings to make ends meet while learning English and discovering American culture. Through determination and perseverance, she became a U.S citizen and ultimately landed in the suburbs of Washington DC, where she attended George Mason University and completed her MBA. 

Marta still dances on special occasions and enjoys traveling with her family. She lives in Burke, Virginia, with her son and daughter.

Mike Saperstein is the Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Chief Strategy Officer for WIA. Mike leads the association’s external and government advocacy.

Mike joins WIA from the law firm of Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP where he was a partner. Mike recently served as Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships for USTelecom—The Broadband Association. Mike’s portfolio included promoting all means of connectivity, including state outreach and data analysis to highlight the broadband industry. In his previous role as VP, Policy & Advocacy at USTelecom, Mike worked to develop broadband infrastructure projects like the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and other universal service efforts to further the reach of broadband. Mike also served as VP, Federal Regulatory at Frontier Communications, and practiced in the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. He started his legal career right here with WIA (then PCIA).

Mike received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and earned his J.D. from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law with a certificate from the Communications Law Institute.

Prior to law school, Mike worked in PR at Weber Shandwick in Chicago, primarily on the ‘got milk?’ campaign’s Milk Mustache Mobile traveling from coast-to-coast donning milk mustaches and pumping up milk’s nine essential vitamins and nutrients.

Mike lives in Alexandria, VA with his family. He is also on the board of the FCBA Foundation, the vestry of his local church, and co-chairs the groundskeeping committee at the community pool.

Don Andrew has been employed with WIA’s Coordination Services team for over 25 years. During that period he has served as Director, Operations Manager, Team Leader, Trainer, Coordinator and Representative on the Land Mobile Communications Council. Don has an extensive background in client service in high tech industries. 

The primary goals of WIA’s Frequency Coordination Services team are to assist clients in obtaining wireless radio licenses and provide the information necessary to satisfy the regulatory requirements for operating wireless radio systems. His team continues to achieve those goals through constant improvements in process quality and efficiency. The team has developed a reputation for providing timely and innovative service and solutions for their clients. 

There are technical and customer service standards that must be achieved to meet and exceed regulatory and customer satisfaction requirements. The Coordination Services team has dedicated their efforts to this and as a result the department has maintained a position as an industry leader with a reputation for the highest quality and speed of service. 

Don learned from his experiences with WIA and previously with Compaq Computer Corporation that quality and success are achieved by seeking to understand the client’s issues and requirements, applying the best available resources and proven techniques along with a personal but professional touch. 

Don also learned from his favorite sports team – The St. Louis Baseball Cardinals – that consistent effort is required to be a consistent winner. Go Cardinals! 

Deb Bennett is WIA’s Vice President of Apprenticeship, leading the operations of the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP) to provide technical assistance, training resources, support, and access to incentive funding for our registered Employer Sponsors.

Amelia De Jesus is the Vice President of Workforce Solutions at the Wireless Infrastructure Association, leading the development of WIA’s Workforce Services as the association focuses on developing America’s highly skilled broadband workforce through innovative sector partnerships.

Amelia has over two decades of experience in the wireless industry. Prior to joining WIA, she worked at Crown Castle, where she served as the national vice president. She has diverse industry experience, having worked for carriers, service, and infrastructure providers. A leader in the wireless industry, she also served as president of the WIA-affiliated Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum from 2017-2019, and she continues to be passionate about coaching and advocacy for women.  

Outside of work, Amelia enjoys a variety of activities, including competitive sports and volunteering. She loves soccer and currently serves as vice-chair on the Board of Terminus Legion, Atlanta United FC’s first supporter group. Amelia also enjoys volunteering with Meals by Grace and the Children’s Restoration Network with her daughter.

Tracy Ford is Vice President, Member Services at the Wireless Infrastructure Association and guides HetNet Forum initiatives for the association. 

Tracy has spent more than two decades covering the rapidly changing wireless industry, tracking its changes as it grew from a voice-centric marketplace to the dynamic data-intensive industry it is today. She started her technology journalism career at RCR Wireless News and has held a number of titles there, including associate publisher and executive editor. A graduate of the Minnesota State University-Moorhead, Tracy holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Mass Communications with an emphasis on public relations. 

A dog-lover who never favored small, yippy dogs, Tracy now finds herself a proud mom of two small, yippy rescue mini-poodles. 

Jason leads the development of business generating opportunities for WIA’s members and partners as Vice President, Partnerships and Development. As a proven business-builder, Jason has taken a start-up from zero in revenue through acquisition, doubled association membership, and launched multiple new media, event, and association business models.

At FierceMarkets, Jason was the first salesperson leading market engagement for FierceWireless. In addition to twenty years of experience in telecom, he launched media and event brands in several industries, including energy, government, and IT. At the Smart Cities Council, Jason engaged with companies around the world to encourage them to partner with us to build more livable, workable, and sustainable cities.

In his spare time, Jason coaches little league baseball and is a roadie for his daughter’s band.

Karmen has over twenty year of experience working in the wireless industry focusing on legislative and regulatory action, real estate, zoning, and permitting issues with states and municipalities. Most recently, Karmen was the Vice President of Government Affairs for Crown Castle working with state and local governments driving tower, fiber, and small cell deployments nationwide. During her tenure with Crown Castle, Karmen held a variety of roles including Network Permitting and Utilities Director, Tower Real Estate Director, and Government Relations Director leading regional and national teams.

Prior to joining Crown Castle, Karmen worked at American Tower and where she served as DAS Director and National Zoning Manager. She and her teams supported building hundreds of towers and small cells nationwide. Karmen started her telecommunications career in fixed wireless at Teligent in Washington, DC.

Karmen graduated magna cum laude from Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL with a Bachelor of Science in International Relations and Minor in Economics, a Juris Doctor from Tulane School of Law in New Orleans, LA, and is licensed to practice law in Maryland and New Jersey.

Sarah Channon currently serves as Director of Sales and Business Development at WIA, bringing 15 years of commercial, strategic, and client centric experience.

Prior to joining WIA, Sarah led the commercial functions for brands across the telecoms industry, including a leading international wireless infrastructure media company where she set the sales strategy, launched new revenue streams, and connected industry leaders across the globe.

At WIA, Sarah is now responsible for delivering strategic solutions for partners across the connectivity ecosystem. Her main objective is to offer value and collaborative ideas for industry leaders as part of the Meetings and Events team, which is responsible for Connect (X) – the largest 5G infrastructure event in North America.

Having recently relocated back to the US after 15 years in the UK, Sarah spends her time outside the office teaching her British husband the difference between “chips” and “fries,” reconnecting with family and friends, and obsessively texting her son who is attending University in London.

Ashley is WIA’s Director, State Wireless Associations. For the past six years, she has been working with the state wireless associations to help remove barriers to 5G deployment and to support their communities through various initiatives. Currently nine state associations are members of WIA.

Ashley began her career in wireless infrastructure at TowerCo as the Corporate Marketing Manager, where she led the team to a 358% increase in website registration, or almost 4000 new prospects. Prior to her role there, she spent over 20 years in media, marketing, and advertising, working on accounts like Arby’s, Coca-Cola, Delta, Dodge, Frito-Lay, Hardee’s, Lever Brothers, 20th Century Fox, and more.

Ashley graduated from Louisiana State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Sciences in Advertising Journalism.  She is an obsessed Tigers fan and saw them, in-person, win the 2020 National Championship in New Orleans. When not cheering on her Tigers, she is baking up a storm or on the golf course. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, two girls, and three dogs.

Trish Wildt currently serves as WIA’s Director of Meetings and Events, where she leads the logistics team in producing Connect (X) and other WIA events throughout the year.

Prior to joining WIA, Trish worked in the events and meetings industry for over 15 years at several associations.

Originally from Baltimore, Trish graduated from Radford University with a degree in Fashion Design and a minor in Marketing.

Outside of work, Trish lives in Aldie, VA with her husband and two young children. She enjoys spending quality time with family, friends, working out, frequenting local vineyards, and traveling.

Stephen Keegan is Senior Counsel, Government and Legal Affairs for WIA’s Government Affairs team. He is responsible for analyzing legal and policy issues affecting the wireless industry before state and federal policymakers and rendering opinions on such matters.

Prior to joining WIA, Stephen interned with the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology where he worked on issues regarding broadband access and telecommunications mergers.  Additionally, he has worked for the Broadband Division at the Federal Communications Commission, the Public Policy department at Comcast, and the Telecommunications Industry Association.

Stephen received his J.D. in 2019 from American University Washington College of Law (WCL) where he served on the editorial board of the Business Law Review and as President of the Information Security and Privacy Law Society.  Stephen graduated from Siena College, where he studied Psychology and Computer Science.

LaShena Honore serves as the Controller at WIA. She works alongside the Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for the critical accounting functions, payroll, and financial reporting for the Association. Prior to joining WIA in 2017, she worked in the financial services, commercial real estate, and public accounting industries and has over 10 years of accounting experience.

LaShena is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Greater Washington Society of CPAs (GWSCPA).

LaShena studied accounting and business at the College of William and Mary and graduated with a Masters of Accounting and Bachelor of Business Administration.

LaShena spends her free time traveling and spending time with family and friends.  She lives in Charlotte, NC, with her husband and daughter.

Matt serves as the Senior Manager, Finance and Technology at WIA, where he manages information technology and security for the organization. His prior experience includes over 15 years in accounting, finance, and information technology, and over 10 years at nonprofits, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon and United Way Worldwide. 

Matt studied finance and economics at York College of Pennsylvania and is a Certified Public Accountant in Virginia. He also holds multiple certificates in cybersecurity. 

Outside of work, Matt lives in Carlisle, PA on a small farm and enjoys working outside, coaching soccer, playing soccer and basketball, and skiing.

Kristen is the Community Manager for WIA, where she engages with members and provides opportunities for them to showcase their thought leadership through WIA’s blog, working groups, and white papers.

Kristen has nearly 25 years of experience in the wireless industry, including as a reporter and editor for RCR Wireless News, having covered cellular carriers, tower companies, and public safety, as well as for Mission Critical Communications magazine, where she covered critical infrastructure, public-safety radio networks, and 9-1-1.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Kristen is based in Colorado and spends her free time raising teenage triplet boys, backyard birdwatching, and uncovering her family history. She is a third-generation FCC amateur radio licensee, call sign KE0EYY.

Alex Golden is the Project Manager in Workforce Development for the Wireless Infrastructure Association, and he operates across the numerous initiatives that the Workforce team has undertaken. Alex joined WIA in November of 2021 and immediately became a key performer on existing projects as well as new endeavors.

Prior to joining the association, Alex worked as a Deputy Regional Program Manager for Parsons Corporation on their Technical Support Services Contract with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). While supporting the operations of the contract’s largest region, Alex also managed multiple programs consisting of a total of several hundred unique projects for the FAA’s Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Services. He earned his Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate in 2019.

Alex enjoys a variety of activities outside of work, particularly all things family and sports. These two joys have been demonstrated through coaching Special Olympics for approximately 15 years as both the head coach of an adult basketball team and an assistant coach for the softball team. Alex has been fortunate enough to share this experience with his father (a multi-sport coach), mother (a multi-sport team manager), brother (a multi-sport gold-medal winning athlete), and wife (the soccer coach). While there may be debate in the family about the best coach, there is no doubt about who is the best athlete. Alex and his wife live in Silver Spring, MD with their two young boys who always keep them on their toes.

Rachael Hill serves as WIA’s Project Manager of Apprenticeship, working to expand and improve upon the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP) offerings. She has been contributing to the growth of TIRAP, delivering subject matter expertise and technical assistance to Employer Sponsors of apprenticeship.  

Outside of work, Rachael enjoys being outdoors- swimming, kayaking, nature walking, birding, gardening; and visiting local breweries and food trucks with her husband. 

Sara currently serves as the Senior Manager for the Workforce Solutions team. She has been working for the organization since July 2022. She is responsible for several executive team projects including the 5G Ohio Sector Partnership.

Prior to joining WIA Sara was a professional school counselor, developing career programs for K-12 schools. Sara spent 7 years in public education. Before her time in public education, she served in the United States Airforce for 8 years, working in logistics and senior recruiting.

Sara is a distinguish graduate from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA where she earned her M.S.Ed. in Counselor Education. Her undergraduate degree is in Business Administration from Strayer University. She holds certifications in school counseling K-12, teaching of Business, Computer and Information Technology K-12, and Cooperative Education Coordinator from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Sara currently lives in the Greater Pittsburgh area with her son Ethan, dog Bear and cats Chloe and Claire. She enjoys being outdoors, landscaping, and interior decorating.

Lauren Madelmayer coordinates WIA’s annual Connectivity Expo and other events throughout the year. As part of a small team, Lauren handles many of the logistics for these events. She coordinates and executes the Annual C(X) Golf Tournament among other networking events. She works closely with sponsors and speakers on their participation at Connect (X) and enjoys the opportunity to interact with so many people in the industry.

Lauren graduated with honors from Virginia Tech in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and a minor in Business. Go HOKIES!

When off the clock, Lauren enjoys spending time with family, friends and her goldendoodle Ralph. She loves planning events for family and friends whether that be coordinating her book club, throwing scavenger hunts, murder mystery parties or some other way to gather people in a fun and unique way. Lauren loves bringing people together for new experiences!

Marshall Miller currently serves as the Senior Manager of Communications and Digital Engagement at WIA, where he manages external communications and strategic media relations for the association and the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP).

Marshall previously worked for DDC Public Affairs, executing advocacy and issue campaigns for clients across multiple sectors, including technology. Before DDC, he worked as a rapid response and research analyst for national campaigns and political parties. Marshall graduated from Bridgewater College in Virginia with a degree in Political Science and English.

Outside of the office, Marshall enjoys spending time outdoors with friends, a good indie playlist, and volunteering in his local community.

Katherine Peterson has been employed with WIA for over 35 years.

During this period, she has served in the frequency coordination department as data entry, senior central processor, as administrative assistant and as a frequency coordinator.

She has also worked in reception, as executive assistant to the President, and now is Manager of Office and Finance.

Before coming to WIA, Kathy spent nearly a decade in the restaurant & hospitality industry where she developed strong customer service skills and techniques that she utilizes to this day.

Kathy is a native of Alexandria, Virginia where she has raised her son and enjoys dinning out, playing trivia and spending time with friends and family.

Jan Smith is Manager, Business Development for WIA.  Jan engages with WIA’s members to solve problems and create business opportunities.  Jan also works with WIA’s Events and Workforce Development teams to develop opportunities for the association’s members and bring new members to WIA through the benefits it offers for companies in the wireless infrastructure ecosystem.

Prior to joining WIA, Jan owned and operated a Verizon premium retailer franchise in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.  She gained her industry cred working at the retail end of the wireless delivery chain.

Jan earned her J.D. from the Columbus School of Law and her B.A. from The Catholic University of America, where she majored in Politics with a minor in Philosophy. Over the years, she has worked on and volunteered with many campaigns and political organizations.

Jan lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband, where they have raised their four children.  She loves to travel and root for the World Series Champion Washington Nationals!

Andrew has been working for the organization as a frequency coordinator processing applications for FCC Business Radio Licenses since 1994.  Today, as a senior frequency coordination specialist, he continues to provide the highest quality radio licensing services to the telecommunications industry.

Andrew has a BA in English and a Master’s in Education from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

Andrew is an avid skier and is always looking forward to his next ski adventure whether it be a quick trip to a local PA ski resort or a week long excursion to a Rocky Mountain ski resort.

Michael serves as the Senior Associate, Sales and Business Development at WIA. He’s a member of the Meetings and Events team, responsible for Connect (X) – the Connectivity Expo –  the largest 5G infrastructure show in North America. Michael focuses on business development for the event, while maintaining valued partnerships with longtime exhibitors.

Michael studied at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies. Following college, he interned at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and worked in the music industry in Los Angeles.

When not working, Michael spends his time with family and friends and makes music when he can. He tries to fit in at least a good hour of guitar practice every day to stay loose and ready whenever a spontaneous jam session is about to take place and he gets the call.

John has been employed by WIA for nearly 20 years.  During that time, he has served as a senior analyst for the PCIA Microwave Clearinghouse and as a senior analyst for WIA’s Frequency Coordination Services.   While working with the PCIA Microwave Clearinghouse, John worked with PCS carriers to establish a cost-sharing mechanism for the relocation of microwave links and tracked money owed from one PCS carrier to another in the 1.9 & 2.1 GHz microwave bands.   Now working with Frequency Coordination Services, he assists clients in obtaining FCC radio licenses while also being a resource of regulatory requirements for the licensing process.

Before coming to WIA, John spent nearly a decade in the hospitality industry where he developed strong customer service skills and techniques that he utilizes everyday with Frequency Coordination Services.

Francine has enjoyed a career in the wireless telecommunications industry since the late ’90’s.  Starting with PCIA, as a frequency coordinator; then with Nextel, and finally a return to WIA.   Her primary focus has been in spectrum management.  

Francine earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Science from the University of Maryland University College and is married with 3 children, a dog and 2 African Grey Parrots. 

She enjoys spending time with her husband during her free time as well as swimming and quilting.  

Sara Griffith serves as the Senior Accountant at WIA.  She works alongside the Controller and is responsible for critical accounting functions and financial reporting for the Association. Before joining WIA in 2022, Sara worked as a high school Business Education Teacher, a corporate Accountant for multiple law firms in Washington, D.C., and in public accounting industries with nearly ten years of accounting experience.

Sara studied accounting and business at the University of Maryland and graduated with a Bachelor of Accounting. In 2022, Sara graduated from Longwood University with a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Data Analytics.

Currently, Sara lives in Woodbridge, Virginia, with her wife, three dogs, and two cats, who are all named after famous authors.  Sara and her wife are also foster parents who have welcomed numerous children into their home.

Originally from the Virginia Beach area, Sara spends as much time as she can on the beach, preferably with a book in hand.  When not at the beach, you can find her playing with her dogs, rooting for the Washington Nationals, and visiting family.

Jonathan serves as the Associate, Sales and Business Development at WIA. He’s a member of the Meetings and Events team, responsible for Connect (X) – the Connectivity Expo – the largest 5G infrastructure show in North America. Jonathan focuses on business development for the event, in addition to connecting industry leaders with membership benefits and opportunities offered through WIA.

Jonathan studied at the George Washington University – Elliott School and graduated with a Master of Arts in International Affairs. Following grad school, he was a Congressional staffer, Policy and Research Project Manager at a regional economic development organization, and Associate Director of Member Services at a crypto and digital asset trade association.

When not working, Jonathan spends his time cooking for friends and consuming as many podcasts as he can. Cajun and Creole cuisines are in-house specialties in Jonathan’s kitchen.

Madeline Sorg currently serves as WIA’s Government Affairs Associate, where she provides support for the Government Affairs team on federal, state, and regulatory issues. 

Prior to joining WIA, Madeline was Senior Policy Analyst at communications law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer.  She interned for the Ohio Democratic Party, Hillary for America, Subject Matter, and Berger Hirschberg Strategies.

Madeline is a 2019 graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University, where she majored in Political Science and American Studies.  She is originally from Middlebury, Indiana.

Shay Harris serves as Staff Coordinator & Executive Assistant to WIA President and CEO Patrick Halley. She proudly wears the “Jill of All Trades” hat, as she is responsible for a multitude of office responsibilities.

Prior to joining WIA, Shay held the title of Human Resources and Office Coordinator for an IT/ Tech organization. It was here she learned the importance collaborating across departments, communicating effectively, and running the local office seamlessly.

Shay graduated from the University of Lynchburg with a BA in Communication & Media Studies. She was a proud member and served as the secretary of the Zeta Nu Chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority and Vice President of the Debate team.

When not working, you can find her spending time with her chihuahua, Aero (named after the band Aerosmith) or perusing around Target. She enjoys running her book club, cooking, and spending time with her family.