Pat Cipov is a tireless advocate for developing standards and promoting a culture of safety in the wireless infrastructure industry. Pat’s driving force is her passion to make sure that every tower technician goes home safely every day. Over four decades, she has volunteered her time and expertise to advance safety, standards and education in the wireless infrastructure industry.
Pat is a rare industry executive who started her career climbing communications towers. Today she serves as President of Cipov Enterprises, Inc., a certified woman-owned family business. In her 40 year career, Pat has been actively involved in all aspects of ownership and operations of wireless of communication towers and antenna systems, with extensive knowledge of construction and maintenance.
In 1995, Pat committed her company to become one of sixty founding member companies of the National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE). Pat’s field knowledge and business acumen earned her the respect of her peers, and she advanced through the NATE leadership ranks. She was elected to the Board of Directors in 2000, and in 2006 to the Executive Committee as Vice Chair. In 2013, Pat became the first woman to serve as Chair of the Association.
Pat played a pivotal role in establishing the Wireless Industry Safety Task Force which consisted of top safety and operations executives representing the wireless carriers, tower owners, OEM’s and turnkey/construction management firms. The groundwork established by the Wireless Industry Safety Task Force later led to the formation of the National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA), a 501 c-6 assessment and certification organization. The NWSA’s nationwide and portable credentialing system has been a game-changer in the industry from a workforce development and safety perspective.
She also spearheaded many legislative and regulatory initiatives including the NATE-OSHA National Partnership Program that ultimately helped many tower construction and maintenance firms establish a culture of safety within their organizations. Pat was an advocate for streamlining the deployment of broadband and wireless infrastructure technologies, and promoting technological innovations in fall protection equipment in order to enhance workplace safety.
In addition to her legacy in workplace safety, Pat has tirelessly contributed her time and talents to mentor the next generation of women from the industry who are now involved in leadership roles at their respective companies and with NATE.