Murray, Utah — April 8, 2025 — UTOPIA Fiber today announced the appointment of Nicole Cottle as Deputy Director. Since joining UTOPIA Fiber in 2023 as Director of Government Relations and General Counsel, Cottle has emerged as a go-to leader within the company who draws on more than two decades of experience in municipal law, public policy, and community development. Her leadership has helped UTOPIA Fiber advance open access fiber builds in seven Utah cities, shape key legislative initiatives, and strengthen economic development efforts across Utah.
“Nicole brings an incredible depth of experience and a proven ability to navigate complex policy and infrastructure challenges,” said Roger Timmerman, Executive Director of UTOPIA Fiber. “She has earned the trust of leaders across Utah through her collaborative approach and track record of results. We’re fortunate to have her in this expanded leadership position as we continue our work to deliver future-proof fiber infrastructure that promotes free-market competition.”
Cottle, a longtime Bountiful City resident, brings nearly 26 years of public-sector executive experience, having served in capacities such as Assistant City Manager, General Counsel, Director of Community and Economic Development, and Chief Sustainability Officer. She has played a central role in shaping policy and securing funding at every level of government, participating in more than $4 billion in creative financing strategies and securing hundreds of millions of dollars in grants, earmarks, and public-private partnerships to drive economic development and support local businesses.
“I’m honored to step into this role,” said Cottle. “Fiber broadband is the great equalizer. It creates a level playing field by opening doors to education, jobs, and healthcare, and it’s essential that every Utahn has access to it, no matter where they live. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s working every day to improve lives across the state.”
In recognition of her leadership and impact on broadband policy, Cottle received the Fiber Broadband Association’s “2024 Advocacy Allstar” award given to individuals who have significantly advanced the fiber broadband industry’s work at both state and federal levels. Cottle’s extensive experience in public-private partnerships and municipal government has been instrumental in promoting high-speed fiber infrastructure deployment while safeguarding community interests. Her leadership has been pivotal in influencing numerous legislative actions and policies that support the expansion of fiber broadband services.
About UTOPIA Fiber
Created by a coalition of Utah cities, the Utah Telecommunication Open Infrastructure Agency, UTOPIA Fiber is a community-owned, Open Access fiber network that promotes competition by giving customers the freedom to choose their internet provider. As an inter-local agency, UTOPIA Fiber delivers Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) in 21 Utah cities and provides business-class service in 50 cities. By building fast, reliable fiber infrastructure and partnering with 19 private-sector ISPs, UTOPIA Fiber fosters competition, ensuring more choice and keeping internet pricing affordable. Since 2009, UTOPIA Fiber has designed, built, and operated nearly half-a-billion dollars worth of successful fiber projects throughout Utah and the West, including operational partnerships with Idaho Falls, Yellowstone Fiber, and Bountiful Fiber, all of which have been funded by bonds which are paid back through subscriber revenue. For more information visit www.utopiafiber.com.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Katherine Songster
Harry
914-242-0010
katherine@harry.marketing
-or-
Alexis Christensen
Marketing Director, UTOPIA Fiber
801-613-3843
achristensen@utopiafiber.com
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