WASHINGTON, DC (October 13, 2026) – The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) today announced new leadership appointments to its Board of Directors, naming Richard Rossi, Executive Vice President and President, U.S. Tower Division at American Tower, as Chair; Brendan Cavanagh, President and Chief Executive Officer of SBA Communications, as Vice Chair; and welcoming Chris Hillabrant, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crown Castle, to the Board of Directors.
These appointments solidify the leadership of a Board that brings together the wireless infrastructure industry’s most experienced leaders at a time of unprecedented investment in digital infrastructure, connectivity, and next-generation networks.
“Rich, Brendan, and Chris are respected leaders who have helped shape the communications infrastructure industry through decades of innovation, growth, and operational excellence,” said Patrick Halley, President and CEO, WIA. “As demand for connectivity continues to accelerate, their leadership will help WIA advance policies and initiatives that support investment, innovation, and the deployment of the infrastructure that powers America’s digital future.”
During its quarterly meeting in Washington, DC, the Board of Directors appointed Richard Rossi to serve as Board Chair. Rossi is Executive Vice President and President, U.S. Tower Division at American Tower, where he oversees the company’s U.S. operations. A 25-year veteran of American Tower, he has held leadership roles across business development, operations, legal, government affairs, and compliance. Rossi previously served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel and has been a longtime advocate for the wireless infrastructure industry, including serving as Chair of WIA’s Executive Advisory Committee.
The Board also elected Brendan Cavanagh, President and Chief Executive Officer of SBA Communications, to serve as Board Vice Chair while continuing in his role as Board Secretary. A longtime SBA leader, Cavanagh brings deep expertise in wireless infrastructure, finance, capital markets, and operations. Cavanagh previously served as Chief Financial Officer and helped guide the company’s growth for more than two decades before assuming the role of President and CEO in 2024.
The Board also approved the addition of Chris Hillabrant, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crown Castle, to the Board of Directors. Hillabrant was appointed President and CEO of Crown Castle in September 2025 and brings more than 30 years of experience across the digital infrastructure and telecommunications sectors. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions at T-Mobile, Ericsson, Samsung, Tillman Infrastructure, and Vantage Towers AG, where he led transformational growth, operational improvements, and infrastructure expansion across global communications networks.
For more information on the WIA Board of Directors, visit WIA.org.
About WIA
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) represents the businesses that build, develop, own, and operate the nation’s wireless infrastructure. WIA advocates for the widespread, responsible deployment of wireless infrastructure to enable connectivity everywhere.
Media Contact: April.Ward@wia.org
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