“I’m a big-picture, see-around-the-corner leader driven to transform vision into action.”

Evan Feinman is a nationally recognized executive in the technology and infrastructure sectors, known for his transformational leadership and unmatched capacity to engineer strategic solutions across public and private domains. With more than two decades of distinguished service spanning federal government initiatives, state-level governance, nonprofit leadership, and campaign strategy, Feinman’s professional trajectory reflects a commitment to equitable growth, innovation, and long-term impact. His core strength lies in taking on complex challenges, building high-performing teams, and delivering scalable results in service of the public good.

As the inaugural Director of the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program within the U.S. Department of Commerce, Feinman architected one of the largest infrastructure programs in modern American history. Tasked with bridging the digital divide for every American home and business, he was instrumental in developing the program’s operational structure from the ground up. From negotiating implementation plans with all 50 states and six territories to overseeing procurement, communications, budget, and legislative affairs, he led a diverse national team to advance digital equity at scale. His tenure underscored his ability to steward massive investments while maintaining a sharp focus on strategic vision and accountable outcomes.

Prior to his federal leadership, Feinman served as the Chief Broadband Advisor to the Governor of Virginia, where he spearheaded the Commonwealth Connect initiative. Under his leadership, the program connected nearly 200,000 previously unserved homes and businesses. His creation of a 130+ member coalition of private and public stakeholders catalyzed over $1.1 billion in private capital and secured over $900 million in state investment. His work has become a national model for collaborative, data-driven broadband expansion and rural inclusion.

Feinman’s capabilities as a turnaround specialist were exemplified during his tenure as Executive Director of Virginia’s $500 million Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. Facing unsustainable fiscal practices and stagnating impact, he led a comprehensive restructuring of the organization. He introduced a strategic operating model and revamped investment criteria, leading to a 30% increase in private capital inflow and over a 10% rise in employment across distressed regions. This transformation established him as a capable reformer who brings measurable growth to legacy institutions.

His earlier role as Virginia’s Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources positioned him at the nexus of environmental policy, regulatory streamlining, and infrastructure development. Feinman guided the strategic work of six state agencies, advised on clean energy transitions, and led commissions tasked with disaster resilience and climate action. His pragmatic approach helped align public priorities with business interests, facilitating hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure modernization.

Feinman also played pivotal roles on political campaigns and in strategic planning teams. As Policy Director for the McAuliffe for Governor campaign and Deputy Policy Director for the subsequent transition team, he crafted comprehensive platforms and directed policy recruitment for an incoming administration. His influence shaped public narratives and operational blueprints that continue to impact Virginia’s governance framework.

With academic roots in law and political science, Feinman earned his Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law and his undergraduate degree in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia. He is an alumnus of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, where he honed his acumen for bipartisan cooperation and ethical governance. His thought leadership has been featured in CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and other major outlets, and he’s delivered frequent public remarks on infrastructure, economic policy, and inclusive technology.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Feinman is deeply committed to community engagement. He currently serves on the Richmond Economic Development Authority and advises a private artificial intelligence firm. His past involvement includes service on nonprofit boards, housing organizations, and economic strategy committees. Whether founding grassroots movements like STAY RVA or mentoring through scholarship programs, Feinman consistently channels his energy toward civic uplift and systemic betterment.

A consummate team builder, Feinman believes that organizational health stems from culture, clarity of purpose, and inspired execution. He is passionate about woodworking, college athletics, and lifelong learning—qualities that reflect his balanced approach to leadership and life. He lives in Richmond, Virginia, with his wife, Annalisa Feinman, a public defender, and their children, Bennett and Betsy.

Feinman now seeks board opportunities where his multidimensional experience can inform strategy, support innovation, and strengthen governance. His career is a testament to the power of mission-driven leadership and a steadfast belief that effective institutions—public or private—can deliver meaningful, measurable progress.

Character:

Evan Feinman leads with integrity, resilience, and a deep sense of civic responsibility. His decisions are consistently grounded in ethical principles and an unwavering commitment to the public good.

Knowledge:

With over 20 years of diverse experience across law, policy, technology, and infrastructure, Evan brings broad and deep expertise to any organizational challenge. He is a recognized authority on broadband policy, economic development, and intergovernmental collaboration.

Strategic:

Evan excels in crafting clear, actionable strategies for complex, high-stakes endeavors. He is especially skilled in guiding institutions through transformation while aligning teams toward long-term, mission-aligned goals.

Communication:

Whether testifying before Congress or motivating staff in a rural community center, Evan is a compelling, thoughtful communicator. He conveys complex ideas with clarity and inspires trust across stakeholders.