Minnesota Appoints Bree Maki as Broadband Director

Minnesota has appointed Bree Maki as the director of the state's broadband development office, the governor's office has announced. Maki, who worked on broadband issues in her capacity as senior outreach director for Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota, replaces Angie Dickison in the role.

“Bree Maki’s past experience working to develop broadband in Minnesota shows that she has the experience and skill set to successfully bring broadband access to all communities in Minnesota,” Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement.

“With her diverse connections in Minnesota and focus on the needs of reliable Internet, especially in industries such as education and health care, I am confident she will work to get all Minnesotans access to high-speed Internet,” Walz added.

As for her new role, Maki will join the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's (DEED) senior leadership team, overseeing the state's broadband expansion and development efforts. So far, DEED has awarded over $176 million in broadband infrastructure grants since 2014.

“I am incredibly honored to be able to serve Minnesota in this role and look forward to being a part of advancing broadband access and affordability across the state,” Maki said in a release. “Minnesota understands that broadband is the infrastructure of the 21st century and is essential to our economy. I am committed to making sure that the need for digital equity and high-speed Internet access for all Minnesotans is a priority.”