State Broadband Office Director announces he is stepping down
Commerce will work with the Governor’s Office to select a new appointee
After nearly a year and a half working as the director of the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO), Aaron Wheeler announced he will take on new challenges after June 27.
“I have had a wonderful time leading WSBO, but working with the Suquamish Tribe again is an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up,” Wheeler said. “The work in IT and education with the Squamish is a real passion of mine, and my new role allows me to get back to that focus.”
Wheeler was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee in March 2024. Under his leadership, the office completed two rounds of BEAD applications. WSBO was about to open the third and final application round when new federal guidance was released, initiating a significant shift in the state’s BEAD process.
“I want to thank Aaron for leading WSBO through what has proved to be challenging waters, including shifting federal requirements as well as a difficult state budget environment,” said Mark Barkley, Assistant Director for the Local Government Division at Commerce. “We wouldn’t have successfully navigated all of these difficult moments without his steady hand guiding us.”
Erica Henry, WSBO’s deputy director, along with other WSBO staff, will continue to support the office’s work and applicants across the state during the next BEAD round.
Wheeler came to WSBO after 18 years as an information technology professional with the Suquamish Tribe’s government. He also co-authored a National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) grant application for broadband equity and digital education on behalf of the Suquamish Tribe. The grant provided the Tribe with funding to rebuild the network infrastructures of the Suquamish Chief Kitsap Academy and Early Learning Center Head Start buildings. These upgrades provided the facilities with new and accelerated internet access, digital learning equipment, and a curriculum to encourage people from Tribal and underserved groups to enter the technology field.
Wheeler highlighted his upcoming career shift after WSBO’s infrastructure team outlined forthcoming changes to Washington’s BEAD program during last Wednesday’s Office Hours meeting.
View a recording of the event.
Passcode: &3Jpc?D?
Commerce will partner with the Governor’s Office to fill the position and will release more information when it is available.
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About the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD)
The BEAD program is working to get all Americans online by funding partnerships between states or territories, tribal nations, communities, internet providers and other stakeholders to build infrastructure where needed and increase high-speed internet adoption. The federal program provides over $42 billion for infrastructure planning and implementation nationwide. Washington will receive more than $1.2 billion in funding.
Please continue to monitor the Internet for All in Washington website for the most up-to-date information on the BEAD process. On the same webpage, you can also subscribe to email updates.
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