News
Federal and State Policymaker Awards
The Federal and State Policymaker Awards honor elected and appointed policymakers at both the state and federal levels who have championed equitable access to technology and the effective use of technology in K-12 education.
Federal Policymaker
2025
FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez
SETDA proudly recognizes FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez as the 2025 Federal Policymaker of the Year. Commissioner Gomez has made broadband equity and closing the digital divide the cornerstone of her work, consistently emphasizing how connectivity impacts education. From championing the Affordable Connectivity Program to defending E‑Rate funding for Wi‑Fi hotspots, she has advanced policies that ensure students, educators, and communities have the tools they need to thrive in a digital world.
Read the full press release.
Federal Policymaker Honorees
| 2024 | NTIA Director of Digital Equity Angela Thi Bennett | Washington |
| 2023 | FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks | Washington |
| 2022 | Senator Patty Murray Congressman Jerry McNerney |
Washington California (9th District) |
| 2021 | Senator Gary Peters | Michigan |
| 2020 | Congresswoman Grace Meng | New York |
| 2019 | Senator Jacky Rosen | Nevada |
| 2018 | Senator Ed Markey | Massachusetts |
| 2016 | Congressman Dave Loebsack | Iowa |
| 2015 | Senator Tammy Baldwin | Wisconsin |
| 2014 | Congressman Jared Polis | Colorado |
| 2013 | Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel | Federal Communications Commmission |
| 2012 | Senator Olympia Snowe | Maine |
| 2011 | Senator Patty Murray | Washington |
| 2010 | Senator Jeff Bingaman | New Mexico |
| 2009 | Congressman George Miller | California |
| 2008 | Senator John D. Rockefeller IV | West Virgina |
| 2007 | Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard Senator Richard Burr |
California North Carolina |
| 2006 | Senator Tom Harkin | Iowa |
| 2005 | Senator Orrin Hatch | Utah |
| 2004 | Senator Arlen Spector | Pennsylvania |
State Policymakers
2025
Representative Mia Gregerson
SETDA proudly recognizes Washington State Representative Mia Gregerson as the 2025 State Policymaker of the Year. A champion for digital equity, Representative Gregerson has strengthened Washington’s cybersecurity posture, expanded digital literacy, and advanced equitable broadband access statewide. Her leadership reflects SETDA’s Universal Connectivity Imperative—demonstrating that high-quality broadband is essential to learning, economic opportunity, and full participation in modern civic life.
State Policymaker Honorees
| 2024 | Education Group Chief Information Officer Mary Reynolds | Illinois |
| 2023 | New Mexico Public Education Secretary Dr. Arsenio Romero Former New Mexico Public Education Secretary Dr. Kurt Steinhaus |
New Mexico |
| 2021 | State Superintendent Dr. Sydnee Dickson | Utah |
| 2018 | Governor Rick Synder State Superintendent Brian Whiston (posthumous award) |
Michigan |
| 2017 | State Superintendent Jillian Balow | Wyoming |
| 2016 | Dale Erquiaga, Office of Governor | Nevada |
| 2015 | Education Commissioner David C. Hespe Chief Innovation Officer, Assistant Commissioner Evo Popoff |
New Jersey |
| 2012 | State Superintendent Tom Torlakson | California |
| 2011 | State Superintendent Dr. Patricia Wright | Virginia |
| 2010 | State Superintendent Dr. June Atkinson | North Carolina |
| 2009 | Director Judy Jeffrey | Iowa |
| 2008 | State Superintendent Dr. Joseph Morton | Alabama |
| 2007 | State Superintendent Michael Flanagan | Michigan |
| 2006 | Assistant State Superintendent Dr. Jorea Marple | West Virginia |