Maria Isabel Ellis (Restrepo Florez)

Maria Isabel Ellis (Restrepo Florez) serves as the Deputy Director for Broadband at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).13 In this role, she is responsible for overseeing broadband-related initiatives and programs within the commission.

As Deputy Director, Ellis is involved in various aspects of broadband development and implementation in California:

1. Grant Management: She oversees the allocation and approval of grants for broadband infrastructure projects, such as those in Plumas County.1

2. Program Oversight: Ellis is involved in managing programs like the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF), which aims to expand broadband access across the state.2

3. Policy Implementation: She works on implementing broadband-related policies and legislation, such as those outlined in Senate Bills 156 and 4.2

4. Stakeholder Engagement: Ellis participates in roundtables and discussions with federal agencies like the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to bring federal broadband funds to California communities.4

Ellis is a first-generation immigrant and brings her experience to her role at the CPUC.3 Her work contributes to California's efforts to expand broadband access, particularly in unserved and underserved areas of the state.