Team Members
John C. Lucas, CEO:
Information Technology/Broadband Subject Matter Expert with a strong understanding of security and protocols dedicated to the design and implementation of public, private, and law enforcement Broadband solutions using private, non-traditional and commercial solutions. Focused on an initiative to implement a state-wide divers redundant fiber infrastructure that will promote both economic development and emergency services within the community.
§ CIO, Graham County Board of Supervisors 1996-2017
§ Arizona Broadband Stakeholders Network, current
§ Arizona Broadband Strategic Planning Committee for ADOA 2018
§ Board Member AZ Supreme Courts Commission On Technology (COT) for CSA, 2015 - September 2017
§ Project Director for the “State of Arizona-Counties Communications Network”, SACCNet
§ Board member appointed by Governor, Arizona Eastern Regional Advisory Council, 2003 – 2013
§ Advisory board member, Arizona Digital Government Advisory Committee, 2007-2012
§ Board member, Arizona Telecommunications and Information Council (ATIC), 2004 – 2016
§ Founding member and CIO, Graham County Education Consortium, 1999 – 2017
§ Member, Arizona Chief Information Officers Association, 1996 – 2017
Heidi Lucas, President - Community Relations, Project Oversight/Management:
As a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, Heidi has served in the following capacities: Medical/Surgical, Home Health Case Manager, Inpatient and Outpatient Diabetes Educator, Diabetes Case Manager in the San Carlos Apache Reservation, and Health Information Technology. Living and working in underserved rural areas all her life, especially during the pandemic, helped her realize digital equity and inclusion leads to healthcare access like telemedicine, and participating in home-based learning and home-based employment opportunities. Much work needs to be done to ensure rural Arizona is not left behind. Heidi considers herself fortunate because Community Broadband Advocates is comprised of such a talented team who concern themselves with digital equity and inclusion in the state of Arizona and beyond.
Terry Cooper, Public Sector Relations (City/Town and County):
For nearly 20 years Terry held numerous management positions in both Arizona and the Midwest in the banking industry. During this period, he focused on strengthening the bottom line while utilizing sound business practices and growth through economic development. His focus on community economic development has been a driving force throughout his career.
In 1993 he was afforded the opportunity to become the General Manager of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. During his tenure with the Tribe he had many accomplishments included signing a gaming compact and establishing a casino, attracting a Basha’s supermarket and most notably the creation of a tribally owned telephone company. This project was primarily funded with various grants and loans through the USDA.
In 1996 Terry assumed the position of Graham County Manager, a position that he enjoyed for 22 years. Being responsible for all aspects of County operations he had numerous accomplishments with the County.
Karen Ziegler, Grants and State Government Relations:
Karen Ziegler has worked with public safety agencies and rural communities for over 30 years. Her focus is on planning; programmatic, financial and grant management; as well as expert grant writing services.
Karen most recently was the Public Safety Program Manager for the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) and was responsible for the State 9-1-1 Program; the Arizona Public Safety Broadband Network (FirstNet) Program and the Rural Broadband Initiative. Major accomplishments during her tenure include:
· State of Arizona “opt in” to FirstNet with the lowest negotiated pricing in the country at the time.
· Nationally recognized training and education program on the value of FirstNet for first responders
· Successfully wrote and was awarded federal grants to support FirstNet efforts and upgrade the state’s legacy 9-1-1 system to an Internet Protocol (IP) based network
· Facilitated Broadband Focus Groups across Arizona to gain insight to the needs of rural communities
· Convened state broadband experts and facilitated the State of Arizona Statewide Broadband Strategic Plan 2018
Jim A. Palmer, Legislative and Community Relations:
Has served on many different agriculture related association boards of directors, including President of the Supima Association of America, President of the Arizona Grain Growers Association, President of the Graham Canal Company, Board Member of: National Association of Wheat Growers, National Cotton Council, The Arizona Cotton Growers Association, The Arizona and Graham County Farm Bureau, Calcot Ltd., The Arizona Board of Pesticide Control, The U of A Maricopa Ag. Center Advisory Board, and the Curtis Canal Company
Was elected to the Graham County Board of Supervisors in November of 2000 and served there for 20 years, 8 of those as chairman of the board.
Served two terms as President of the Arizona County Supervisors Association (CSA) and a member of the executive committee for 10 years.
While serving as President of CSA Jim developed relationships and friendships with the Supervisors and administrators in all 15 Arizona counties, which he maintains today.
Served on the Legislative Policy Committee for the Arizona County Supervisors Association for 19 years.
Peter Ziegler, Construction Liaison and Carrier Relations:
With over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, Peter specializes in heavy construction equipment for the underground utilities sector. He has gained extensive hands-on experience in underground construction and customer support while working directly with utility contractors. Peter is also skilled in networking, hardware support for residential and small business environments, data analytics, GIS mapping, and web development. His expertise spans from hardware installation to system maintenance and repair, ensuring comprehensive proficiency across diverse technical domains.
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