Comcast has hired Jennifer Somers as vice president of state government affairs for New Mexico. She will succeed Steve Proper, following his retirement after 38 years of service with Comcast.
“Steve’s contributions to Comcast have helped us work side-by-side with the state of New Mexico, to connect customers and communities around the state,” said Chris McDonald, Senior Vice President, External Affairs, Comcast. “I’m grateful for his 38 years of service and am excited to welcome Jennifer to our team.”
In this role, Somers is leading New Mexico initiatives for state legislative regulatory and public policy matters. She will work with the local Comcast team to build on Steve Proper’s efforts of coordinating efforts with policy makers and intergovernmental associations, to protect the interest of Comcast customers and the ever-changing telecommunications industry.
From 2010 to 2016, Somers was Area Director for U.S. Congressman Rob Bishop, after working as his deputy chief of staff and foreign affairs legislative assistant. Most recently, she was Director of Government Affairs at CenturyLink, where she implemented advocacy strategies and educated legislators on key industry policies and issues in the states of Utah, Idaho, and Montana.
With her political, policy, and industry background, Somers is well versed in the complexities of telecommunications today and well positioned to advanced Comcast’s interests in Utah and New Mexico. Somers earned a master’s degree in strategic studies at The U.S. Naval War College and a bachelor’s degree in political science at Brigham Young University. She and her husband, Brian, have two daughters.
“Jennifer will be a great addition to our team,” said Doug Cooley, Vice President, State Government Affairs, Comcast. “She will fill the vacancy created by Steve Proper, who retired after 38 years of stellar service at Comcast. Because of Steve’s leadership and expertise, Comcast has worked smoothly with our government leaders throughout New Mexico to help make the state a leader in the digital landscape. We wish him all the best.”
