Mta Podcast

PODCAST: "Behind the Solutions" with MTA

Oct. 1, 2023
Listen in as Jonathan and Jessica share MTA's key objective in getting more fiber to more structures in Alaska and the problems they face, including struggles with bears.
Jonathan Babbitt is an integral part of MTA's executive team, holding the position of Vice President of Product Strategy & Communications in Alaska's Mat-Su region. His primary responsibility lies in the strategic development and implementation of MTA's product lines, targeting sustainable profitability.

Jonathan is recognized for his ability to synchronize MTA’s brand promise with customer experience, driving alignment across the company. His transformational leadership has redefined the marketing and sales operations, yielding streamlined processes and superior performance. His public relations acumen has been instrumental in fostering favorable perceptions of MTA's customer and community service achievements.

Since 2016, Jonathan and his team have been at the forefront of esports adoption and engagement across Alaska, pioneering new avenues of connectivity.

Beyond his role at MTA, Jonathan's industry expertise has been recognized with three terms as Co-Chair of the Broadband Multimedia Marketing Association (BMMA), and he currently leads as Board President of the MTA Foundation. His work signifies the fusion of strategic foresight, dedicated service, and dynamic leadership.

Jessica Gilbert is the Director of Marketing and Communications for MTA. In addition to corporate communications, media relations, thought leadership, social media, product marketing, and more, Jessica leads MTA’s non-profit arm, the MTA Foundation, which provides grants and scholarships to students and organizations in MTA’s service area. She also has spearheaded MTA’s growing annual esports league, with all proceeds going toward the MTA Foundation.

A winner of Alaska’s Top Forty Under 40, Jessica previously served as a Corporate Communications Manager and Marketing Specialist with MTA. Prior to beginning at MTA in 2018, Jessica served in various roles at Wells Fargo. With her team at MTA, Jessica has prioritized collaboration, focused on creativity, and led with emotion—all while empowering the community around her.

Jessica enjoys volunteering for causes that support prevention and awareness around domestic violence, as well as other issues impacting the Women of Alaska. She is also passionate about the empowerment and education around Alaskan Native culture.

She is the proud mother of two and lives in the Greater Anchorage Area.

Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA) was established in 1953, as a 100 percent Alaskan-owned and operated telecom cooperative, MTA is Alaska's best choice for technology and communications products. As a key player in the economy of Southcentral and Interior Alaska, MTA provides business technology solutions to empower member-owners and patrons to live a connected life. Today, MTA remains as one of the largest telecommunication co-ops in the United States and proudly employs more than 400 Alaskans. For more information, visit https://www.mtasolutions.com/ or connect with MTA on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
While product innovations fuel network evolution, the leaders and doers BEHIND those innovations have the inside scoop about them. And oh, how we can learn from their business challenges, successes, doubts and personal struggles. Listen in on more ISE podcasts: www.isemag.com/podcasts/ise-podcasts.
About the Author

Sharon Vollman | Editor-in-Chief, ISE Magazine

Sharon Vollman is Editor-in-Chief of ISE Magazine. She oversees the strategic direction and content for ISE Magazine. She also leads the educational content development for ISE EXPO. Vollman has created educational partnerships with the major communications and entertainment providers including AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink, Frontier Communications and Cincinnati Bell. She has covered the telecom industry since 1996. Prior to that, she worked in advertising with Ogilvy & Mather and CME. Vollman has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Advertising from the University of Iowa.