Insights

A Conversation on Trust and Service: FCC Leaders Joins Somos at NAB

Feb 20, 2026

On Feb. 18, 2026, Somos convened communications leaders at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) office, which generously offered its space to host a timely conversation on leadership, trust and what it takes to strengthen the communications ecosystem at a moment when connectivity is both indispensable and increasingly targeted. Held during Black History Month, the program created space to reflect on leadership identity and public service.

Kayla Gardner, Somos’ Director, Public Policy & Government Affairs, brought together public service leaders with deep experience in communications policy. The goal was simple: create space for an honest discussion about conscious leadership and the responsibility that comes with shaping networks people rely on every day.

The program featured FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty, who has quickly emerged as a leading voice on two issues at the center of today’s communications landscape: cybersecurity and universal service. These priorities reflect the dual reality facing the industry. Networks must be secure and resilient in the face of evolving threats, and connectivity must continue expanding so that every community can participate fully in the digital economy.

Following Commissioner Trusty’s welcome, the conversation expanded into a panel of former FCC leaders whose service has helped shape communications policy across decades of change:

• Former FCC Chairman Michael Powell

• Former FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn

• Former FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks

The program also included a special video message from former FCC Chairman William Kennard.

Together, the panel focused on leadership and public service through a set of forward-looking questions, including how leaders bring identity and values into decision-making, what conscious leadership looks like in practice and how impact is measured beyond titles and achievements. The discussion also explored what it takes to build and sustain public trust, particularly at a time when trust can be fragile and expectations for accountability are high.

That focus aligns closely with Somos’ vision and our role in the communications ecosystem. Every day, we support service providers and enterprises that depend on accurate information to reach customers, protect users and build confidence in communications. Convenings like this help connect policy, industry and public interest around the shared work of restoring trust in the world’s communications.