NTCA Names Victoria Backer Chief Operating Officer

NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association announced today that Victoria Backer has been named chief operating officer, overseeing several aspects of the association's internal operations and supporting NTCA's continued efforts to serve its members and advance its mission, effective August 26.

Backer joins NTCA with nearly three decades of experience leading operations, member services and strategic growth for national trade and professional associations.

Backer has served most recently as the chief operating officer of the American Retirement Association (ARA), leading teams responsible for operations, human resources, conferences, information technology, and education and credentialing. Since joining ARA in 2017, she worked to modernize the organization's infrastructure, strengthened its operational model, and helped position it for substantial and sustainable growth.

Prior to ARA, Backer spent 20 years with the United Fresh Produce Association, where she held a variety of leadership roles before becoming executive vice president. During her tenure, she oversaw the 501(c)(3) United Fresh Start Foundation, reimagined the association's volunteer structure, developed and managed new education and leadership programs, and led the association's flagship annual convention. Throughout her career, she has built and led high-performing teams, guided organizational change and developed programs and initiatives that delivered value for members and stakeholders.

"NTCA's members are committed to ensuring that the rural communities they serve have access to world-class connectivity," said Backer. "I'm honored to join an organization that champions this mission, and I look forward to working with the NTCA team and members to strengthen the association's operations, support its members and help position NTCA for continued success."

"As NTCA continues to adapt and evolve alongside its members, we're excited that Victoria Backer will be joining the association as its first-ever chief operating officer," said NTCA CEO Mike Romano. "Victoria's extensive background overseeing operations for several other associations will position NTCA well to enhance its delivery of effective events, products and services that meet members' needs, to help advance our technology strategies and to support the success of our foundation's philanthropic and educational mission. We can't wait for our members to meet Victoria, and we're eager for her to help us help these members in their enduring mission to deliver robust, reliable and affordable connectivity in rural America."