Professional Bio
John Windhausen founded the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition in 2009, with funding from the Gates Foundation, to address the shortage of adequate broadband connectivity for U.S. anchor institutions and their communities.
Under his leadership as Executive Director for 16 years, SHLB grew into a national advocate for digital equity, shaping policies that expanded high-speed internet access for schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and other community organizations. His vision and dedication helped bridge the digital divide, ensuring that underserved communities had the connectivity necessary for education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
Previously, he served as president of the Association for Local Telecommunications Services, spent nine years on Capitol Hill, and started his career as a staff attorney at the FCC. In his role as senior counsel to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, John was a principal staff person responsible for drafting the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and served as chief legal adviser on telecom issues to Senators Fritz Hollings and Daniel Inouye.
John has authored several papers documenting the benefits of broadband. His EDUCAUSE whitepaper, "A Blueprint for Big Broadband," resulted in the creation of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). In 2012, John was named the Community Broadband Hero of the Year by the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors.
John sits on the board of directors for the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). He holds a J.D. from UCLA Law School and bachelor's degree in history from Yale University.
Under his leadership as Executive Director for 16 years, SHLB grew into a national advocate for digital equity, shaping policies that expanded high-speed internet access for schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and other community organizations. His vision and dedication helped bridge the digital divide, ensuring that underserved communities had the connectivity necessary for education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
Previously, he served as president of the Association for Local Telecommunications Services, spent nine years on Capitol Hill, and started his career as a staff attorney at the FCC. In his role as senior counsel to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, John was a principal staff person responsible for drafting the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and served as chief legal adviser on telecom issues to Senators Fritz Hollings and Daniel Inouye.
John has authored several papers documenting the benefits of broadband. His EDUCAUSE whitepaper, "A Blueprint for Big Broadband," resulted in the creation of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). In 2012, John was named the Community Broadband Hero of the Year by the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors.
John sits on the board of directors for the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). He holds a J.D. from UCLA Law School and bachelor's degree in history from Yale University.
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Telepoly Consulting
Telepoly Consulting
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