Jeff Sobotka, who was Arizona's state broadband director for the past three years, announced Friday that he's stepping down and moving to the private sector.

"After 3 years of working to bridge the Digital Divide I am resigning my position as State Broadband Director. I am proud of the the results delivered. Broadband projects funded by Governor Doug Ducey & built by the Arizona Department of Transportation will change rural Arizona forever and add to the Governor's legacy of Securing Arizona's Future.
Today, due to an incredible coalition of government, Broadband carriers and non-profit organizations 296,570 Arizona families have affordable #Broadband through the [Affordable Connectivity Program.]
The below communities have Broadband projects funded by the Arizona Commerce Authority, our federal partners, AZ counties and by capital from our private sector Broadband Carriers.
I leave knowing we made a difference and I am grateful to have served the people of Arizona and for the opportunity to work with so many great people around our State.
Payson, Bullhead City, Page, Alpine, Concho, Eagar, Greer, Nutrioso, Springerville, St. Johns, Vernon, Douglas, Wilcox, Golden Valley, Chloride, Dolan Springs, Meadview, White Hills, North Kingman, Peach Springs, Oatman, Yucca, South Yucca, Havasu Heights, Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Parker, Bouse, McVay, Vicksburg, Salome, Wenden, Brenda, Quartzsite, Morgantown, Ehrenberg, La Paz Valley, Heber-Overgaard, Coconino County, Safford, Holbrook, Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low, Snowflake, Taylor, Winslow, Kearny, Patagonia, Ajo, Sycamore Springs, Three Points, Robles Junction, Tohono O'odham Nation, Wickenburg, Surprise, Gila Bend, Yuma, Fortuna Foothills, San Luis, Somerton, Wellton, Arizona City, San Manuel, Black Canyon City, Maricopa, San Manuel, Oracle, Black Canyon City, Congress, Huachuca City, Sun Lakes, SE Sierra Vista, Eloy, Toltec, Desert Hills, Summit View, Rimrock, Paulden, Mayer, Cornville."

Sobotka told Broadband.money that he plans to take a break in October and then think about what's next. But it's definitely back to the private sector.

Meanwhile, Ernst & Young is working with the state to help develop its five-year broadband development plan that's required by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in order to qualify for its share of the $42.5 billion in federal broadband infrastructure funding.

“Dr. Erin Carr-Jordan of Arizona State University and the Digital Equity Institute (DEI) are partnering with the State of Arizona to write the State’s Digital Equity Plan,” Sobotka said.

Sobotka and his work at the broadband office had many fans. While he received many congratulations on his LinkedIn profile, others were sad to see him leave this very important role.

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