---
title: Where Did the BEAD Funds Go!? And How the Savings Should Be Reinvested
description: Webinar Replay. Cliff Johnson, Broadband Initiative Director at NRECA, will cut through the noise to clarify where BEAD funding truly...
image: https://learn.rbbn.com/hubfs/In%20the%20Mind%20of%20a%20CXO%20From%20Cornfields%20to%20Cloud%20Deals%20The%20Rural%20DCI%20Play%20(13).jpg
---

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# Wednesday, April 1st | 11:00 - 11:30 AM CT

# In the Mind of a CXO

# Where Did the BEAD Funds Go!?

# And How the Savings Should Be Reinvested

Cliff Johnson, Broadband Initiative Director at NRECA, and Ribbon’s Marketing & Product Director, Mitch Simcoe, cut through the noise to clarify where BEAD funding truly stands—what has been allocated, where significant dollars remain, and how emerging middle‑mile opportunities are reshaping the competitive landscape.

 

Join us for a fireside chat where we’ll explore the new fiber‑enabled applications electric co‑ops are looking to deploy, and also discuss how to position your organization to capture BEAD funding, unlock innovation, and turn today’s investment decisions into long‑term advantage.

[![Webinar Replay ](https://learn.rbbn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Webinar%20Replay%20003.png?width=2000&height=1125&name=Webinar%20Replay%20003.png "Webinar Replay ")](https://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/19965/665880?bt_tok=1&utm_source=RibbonCommunications&utm_medium=brighttalk&utm_campaign=665880)

# Our Speakers

![cliff](https://learn.rbbn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cliff.png?width=400&height=428&name=cliff.png "cliff")

# Cliff Johnson

![NRECA002](https://learn.rbbn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NRECA002.png?width=150&height=54&name=NRECA002.png "NRECA002")

Cliff is Director of NRECA’s Broadband Initiative, leading program design and operations. He joined NRECA in 2024 after six years at Bloomberg Government and previously held leadership roles at National Journal and Gartner Group. He holds an MBA from Georgetown University and a BA from UC Santa Barbara.

 

![Mitch Cut Out](https://learn.rbbn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mitch%20Cut%20Out.png?width=391&height=427&name=Mitch%20Cut%20Out.png "Mitch Cut Out")

# Mitch Simcoe

![ribbon logo white](https://learn.rbbn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ribbon%20logo%20white.png?width=150&height=41&name=ribbon%20logo%20white.png "ribbon logo white")

Mitch has 30+ years in telecom, with experience at Bell Canada, Nortel, and Ciena in marketing and product management. Now with Ribbon’s IP Optical Marketing team, he supports utility and DCI markets and promotes the Muse Multi-layer Automation Platform. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering and an MBA from McGill University.

 

# Ribbon is the Right Way

Ribbon, a global leader in **secure cloud communications, IP routing,** and **optical networking solutions**, prioritizes deep engagement with our customers to solve their network challenges. 87% of customers endorse Ribbon's industry-leading solutions, and our exceptional support services also stand out with an impressive 9.5/10 rating.

[Learn More About Ribbon](https://ribboncommunications.com/about-us)

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