Palpallatoc joined the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in August 2022 as the federal program officer (FPO) for the State of California. In this role, Gladys coordinates partnerships and outreach with the state and local governments, community groups, and other entities with a vested interest on NTIA’s high-speed internet grant programs and policy issues. Gladys works directly with California’s broadband office and the state-level county and municipal associations to ensure comprehensive engagement from all stakeholders in the state on the State’s high-speed internet planning and funding process.

Prior to joining the NTIA, Gladys was the Associate Vice President for Northern California at the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF). She has over 20 years of experience in community, economic, and sustainable development in the non-profit sector – specifically in the broadband and digital equity policy areas. Her experience has focused primarily on public policy, working to help build partnerships between the public, private, and community sectors. She has worked at the local, regional, and statewide levels.