TIA Names Barbara Labuskes as CFO; Brings in Top Talent for Content Development and International Policy

Arlington, Va. (January 11, 2016) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, is pleased to announce the appointment of Barbara Labuskes as Chief Financial Officer, as well as the addition of Limor Schafman as Director of Content Development and K.C. Swanson as Director of Global Policy.

The new hires are part of TIA’s ongoing strategic effort to better align the organization with the public policy, technology, business and standards needs of the rapidly shifting information and communications technology industry.

“I am excited to welcome Barbara, Limor and K.C. to TIA,” said TIA CEO Scott Belcher. “Barbara has the experience and vision to guide the organization financially to allow us to better meet the needs of our membership. And with the addition of Limor and K.C., we will continue to serve the industry with high-level thought leadership and strategic guidance, as well as connections in global public policy. Their skills and know-how will be invaluable as we guide our members through a complex marketplace and push for policies that spur innovation.”

Labuskes has more than two decades of experience leading major corporations through creation and execution of financial strategies. She most recently served as CFO and Treasurer of Riggs, Counselman, Michaels & Downes, Inc. (RCM&D), one of the most well established firms in the Baltimore region with roots dating back over 125 years. In this position, Labuskes had complete responsibility for financial and administrative leadership for the regional insurance broker and all of its related subsidiaries. Prior to becoming CFO of RCM&D, Barbara worked for Erickson Retirement Communities for 12 years in various financial manager roles.

Schafman joins the marketing team at TIA producing multiple content products, including the annual TIA conference on the Network of the Future. This year’s event will focus on the Internet of Things, 5G and mobile networks, cybersecurity, and network virtualization (TIA2016.org). Prior to joining TIA, Schafman advised technology companies on marketing strategy and business development in the digital media, video gaming, theme park, mobile, software and hardware industries. She began her career as an international corporate attorney in Paris, France.

With a strong background in U.S.-China trade relations and the technology industry, Swanson will direct TIA’s advocacy efforts for international policy. She previously served as the Director of Communications for the Beijing-based American Chamber of Commerce in China. In this role, she managed the external communications for the organization and helped to shape messaging for advocacy efforts. In addition, Swanson has over 10 years of experience as a journalist and freelance writer for business and technology publications including National Journal, the Financial Times, The Economist Intelligence Unit, TheStreet.com and The Deal.

Contact

Ashley Simmons, 703-907-7704, asimmons@tiaonline.org

About TIA

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents manufacturers and suppliers of global communications networks through standards development, policy and advocacy, business opportunities, market intelligence, and events and networking. TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment, and entertainment. Visit tiaonline.org for more details. TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and is a proud sponsor of ANSI’s Standards Boost Business campaign. Visit www.standardsboostbusiness.org for details.