Eric Frederick

Chief Connectivity Officer, Michigan High-Speed Internet Office

Speaker | 2023 Ideas Summit

Eric Frederick serves as the State of Michigan’s first Chief Connectivity Officer. In this role, Mr. Frederick leads the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) with the goals of achieving universal broadband access and creating a more digitally equitable state. Mr. Frederick is a state and community broadband policy and planning expert and a sought-after speaker on broadband and technology issues with experience working with local to international stakeholders to improve the access, adoption, and use of broadband. Mr. Frederick’s long-term and comprehensive approach to technology-related community development provides wide-ranging insights, education, and solutions to create digitally inclusive and equitable communities.

Over the last decade, Eric served as the Executive Director and Vice President of Broadband Planning for Connected Nation Michigan where he advised several state agencies and was a steadfast advocate and resource for expanding broadband in Michigan. During this time, Eric advised the Michigan 21st Century Infrastructure Commission, was the principal author of the 2018 Michigan Broadband Roadmap, (and its 2021 update), created the Connecting Michigan Taskforce, and developed and administered the Connecting Michigan Communities grant program.

Eric has advised the Obama and Biden Administrations, Federal Communications Commission, Michigan’s Congressional delegation, the last three Michigan gubernatorial administrations, and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, among many others, on issues of connectivity and digital inclusion, and is one of the longest tenured members of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s State Broadband Leaders Network. Eric is an alumni board member for Michigan State University’s Urban and Regional Planning Program and consultative panel member for MSU’s EDA Center for Regional Economic Innovation. Eric holds a Bachelor of Science degree in planning from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from Michigan State University. Eric is an Eagle Scout, recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Heroism Award, and an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 43 in Holland, MI. Eric and his wife, Dana, and their children enjoy strategic board games, riding bikes to Holland area beaches, and geocaching.