Meet the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board

The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board was created by the Idaho Legislature in 2021, via the passage of  House Bill 127. The board consists of three members from the Idaho House of Representatives, three from the Idaho Senate and three appointed by the Governor.

The board established the Idaho Broadband Strategic Plan, which supports the board’s vision that Idahoans have access to affordable and reliable broadband infrastructure. The board is responsible for structuring, prioritizing and dispersing state and federal grants, which will enhance connectivity across the state and address equal access to economic development, telework, public safety, telehealth and education. Click on the photos below to see each board members’ bio.

View the Idaho Broadband Strategic Plan.

View the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board Bylaws.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official website for all State of Idaho Public Meetings, Townhall.idaho.gov.

Board Meetings

Senator Doug Ricks
Chairman

Senator Doug RIcks is a fifth-generation Rexburg resident. He is a graduate of Madison High School, Ricks College, and BYU-Idaho. Doug is a retired university administrator, small business owner, precinct committeeman and former Madison County GOP chairman. He has been married to his spouse Melissa for 37 years and has five children and four grandchildren.

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Representative John Vander Woude
Vice-Chair

Representative John Vanderwoude is on his 6th term, he has also served 16 years on the Nampa Christian School Board. Furthermore, he is a former board member of the United Dairymen of Idaho, Milk Producers of Idaho and the Idaho Dairy Herd Improvement Association.

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Andy Emerson
MH Solutions

Andrew Emerson is the President of MH Solutions.  MH Solutions is a company specializing in the design and supply of bulk material handling systems for mining, cement and other heavy industrial applications with experience working on major projects all over the world.  Mr. Emerson’s professional experience and education in civil engineering bring key perspectives to the expansion and deployment of broadband infrastructure.

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Senator James Ruchti

Senator James Ruchti was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho.  He is a graduate of West Point (1993) and the University of Idaho College of Law (2001).  He is also a partner at Ruchti and Beck Law Offices and married to his wife Wendy, with 2 children: Spencer and Drew.

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Representative Brandon Mitchell

Representative Brandon Mitchell was raised in Syracuse, Utah. He is a graduate of Clearfield High School and attended Weber State University and Brigham Young University–Idaho. He has been a small business co-owner with wife since January 2013; served as a leader in the Boy Scouts of America (2006-2018); has been certified therapeutic foster parents along with wife and served in that capacity for 12 years. He is a lifetime benefactor member of the NRA; scuba instructor; 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do; served in various ecclesiastical leadership roles; spouse: Marcie, 32 years; one son and two daughters (one adopted, still at home, and one foster); five grandchildren.

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Margie Watson
JC Watson & Company

Margie Watson is a longtime business owner and community leader.  She has served on the state’s Economic Advisory Council and on the University of Idaho College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Advisory Board.  As a former Parma Mayor, Parma City Council President and Special Education Teacher, Mrs. Watson is dedicated to public service. She is also one of the founders of the Treasure Valley Agriculture Coalition.
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Senator Treg Bernt

Senator Trent Bernt was born and raised in Pocatello.  He is a fourth-generation Idahoan and a graduate of Idaho State University with a B.A. in speech communication.  He is a small business owner and has served the Meridian community in several roles since 2007. He is married to his wife Tiffanie and has three children.

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Representative James Holtzclaw

Representative James Holtzclaw enlisted in USAF after graduating high school. He was the first member of the family to attain college degree upon graduating from George Fox University. He served ten years in the armed forces and completed four tours of duty where he was awarded distinguished medals and commendations. He is also a small business owner in Meridian and a real estate agent/broker and property manager; Chairman of Commerce and Human Resources; member of Transportation & Defense, State Affairs, Occupational Licensing Oversight, and Change in Employee Compensation; honors: Outstanding Airman of the Year, National Defense Medal, Outstanding Unit with Valor Medal, Idaho Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding work for the State of Idaho – awarded by Governor Otter and Gowen AFB, Advocate of Justice Award for outstanding service to the public safety of Idaho’s citizens, Legislator of the year by the Fraternal Order of Police, Legislator of the year by the Firefighters of Idaho.

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Rick Belluzzo

Richard has spent his entire career in the Technology Industry. He is a three time CEO and has held significant executive roles at Hewlett Packard and Microsoft.  He has served on many Company Boards as a Board Member and Chairman. Over the last 10 years he been Chairman of Viavi Solutions and has been active as a Partner in a European Venture fund.
 
He began his career with Hewlett Packard and spent 23 years at the company. Much of his time was focused on leading and building the Printing and PC business. His last role was as Executive VP of the Computer Organization. He also served as CEO of SGI and held several roles at Microsoft, including Group VP of the Consumer Organization and President/COO of the company. He spent 9 years as CEO of Quantum Corp and more recently was Interim CEO of Viavi Solutions.

Currently he is a Partner for Innogest Capital SGR (a leading Italian Venture firm).  

His passion is the involvement he has with a number of private technology companies–helping them grow and become Global Leaders. In January of 2018 he was awarded the honor of Cavaliere Della Repubblica Italiana (Italian Knighthood) by the President of Italy.
 
Richard and his wife Pamela live in Boise, Idaho.

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