ACA Connects CEO Polka to Resign
ACA Connects President/CEO Matthew Polka plans to exit after 25 years of leading the association for small- and medium-sized independent operators.
A plan was put into place this week for Polka’s departure at the end of July, when the association holds its annual Independent Show along with NCTC. A successor has not been named yet, but a search is nearing completion. ACAC Chairman Patricia Jo Boyers is set to announce the group’s new leader during the May board meeting, which will allow an official passing of the baton at the Independent Show (July 24-27, Orlando).
“I have been blessed every day to lead ACA Connects, but after 25 years I believe it is time to pass on the privilege of leadership for the healthy growth and future success of the organization. I know that new vision and energy will take ACA Connects to even greater accomplishments, built upon our solid foundation of doing things the right way and never backing down or giving up,” said Polka, who plans to spend more time with family and serving in his local church. Polka, who serves as Secretary Treasurer of the Cable TV Pioneers, said he hopes “to find ways to give back to our members, association and industry for all I have been blessed to receive.”
Plans for a transition began last fall. “This decision was Matt’s as he has always looked out for what’s best for the association,” said Boyers, who is the co-Founder and President of BOYCOM Vision. “In fact, he first came to me in October 2021 with a plan that allowed for a careful transition of leadership and would result in healthy growth for the organization. And here we are.”
ACAC, originally called the Small Cable Business Association (SCBA), was formed in 1993 in response to the harsh terms meted out by Congress and the Federal Communications Commission in the 1992 Cable Act, which slashed retail cable rates and put hundreds of small cable operators on the brink of disaster. It’s continued to make the case for smaller operators on a number of issues, including net neutrality, spectrum issues and retransmission consent.
