WASHINGTON-Mark Crosby, who left the Industrial Telecommunications Association in February 2001 to become president of Access Spectrum L.L.C., has returned as ITA’s president and chief executive officer. Laura Smith is no longer with the organization.
“Mark’s passion for pursuing and achieving results that benefit not only the ITA membership but the private-wireless industry as a whole are needed more than ever in these times of tremendous change in the regulatory, spectrum and technology landscapes. Private-wireless systems are a crucial ingredient in meeting America’s need for continuous improvement in workplace safety and productivity. ITA’s challenge is to assist end users in making the right communication solution decisions by arming them with complete and accurate information. Challenge is what Mark is all about and we welcome him back to the helm of ITA,” said ITA Chairman Rick Smith.
Access Spectrum expressed regret to lose Crosby but said his work with ITA would help the fledgling band-manager organization.
“While we hate to lose Mark, what’s good for the private-wireless industry is good for Access Spectrum,” said Michael Gottdenker, Access Spectrum chairman and CEO. “I thank Mark for his vision, efforts and commitment and look forward to continuing our close collaboration to satisfy the spectrum needs of the private-wireless community.”
While at ITA, Crosby spearheaded the efforts to have the FCC designate the 700 MHz guard band spectrum to be used by band managers who would lease it to others for private-wireless purposes. Access Spectrum won many licenses in the 700 MHz guard band and acquired other licenses in the 200 MHz band.
Crosby previously served as ITA’s president from 1975 to 2001.
In July, ITA announced the departure of Smith, who had served as president and CEO since Crosby left in February 2001. Prior to that Smith was vice president of regulatory affairs.
With Smith’s departure, Crosby joined as senior policy adviser.
“ITA’s mission to provide not only frequency management but also advocacy has never been more relevant than it is in today’s environment. I look forward to working with ITA’s board, staff and members on the many varied issues facing our industry,” said Crosby in July.
