Governor Lombardo announces appointment of Britta Appel as Director of the Governor's Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT)

Today, Governor Joe Lombardo announced his appointment of Britta Appel as the new Director of the Governor's Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT), succeeding Brian Mitchell.

"As he steps down, I am deeply grateful to Brian Mitchell for his commitment and dedication to our state," Governor Lombardo stated. "I extend my sincere thanks to Brian for his years of service to Nevada and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career."

"It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve Governor Lombardo and the great State of Nevada," said Brian Mitchell. "I am incredibly proud of the work the OSIT team has done over the last 10 years to bring reliable, affordable, scalable high-speed internet to all Nevadans and I look forward to watching Britta and OSIT continue this important work."

"Britta has shown exceptional leadership in broadband infrastructure planning and execution, and her in-depth knowledge of Nevada's broadband landscape will ensure continuity and sustained progress," Lombardo added. "I'm confident she will lead OSIT with professionalism, efficiency, and a strong commitment to serving Nevadans, ensuring the state reaches its connectivity goals."

Appel brings extensive experience in statewide broadband planning, development and project management. Appel has proven expertise in driving broadband policy and legislative initiatives, coordinating with state and federal agencies, engaging stakeholders, and overseeing broadband compliance, monitoring, and reporting.

Appel joined OSIT at its creation in 2015 as the state's first Broadband Manager and has served as the Deputy Director since 2022. In addition to her years with OSIT, she brings more than 25 years of legal and policy experience including roles as a policy and legal analyst for Governor Brian Sandoval, Vice Chair of the Broadband Task Force, and lead on establishing a state fiber trade policy in collaboration with the Nevada Department of Transportation. Prior to public service, Appel practiced civil law for 17 years. She holds a Juris Doctor from Western State University College of Law and a bachelor's degree in political science with an emphasis on public administration from California State University, Fullerton.

"I am profoundly grateful to Governor Lombardo for this opportunity, and to Director Mitchell for his steadfast guidance," said Britta Appel. "After years of working to bridge Nevada's digital divide, I am excited and committed to leading OSIT in delivering universal high-speed internet access through the High Speed Nevada Initiative."

Britta's appointment as Director of the Nevada Governor's Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology will commence on January 5.

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