National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors executive director Elizabeth "Libby" Beaty died on June 12, the organization said Monday.
The cause was lung cancer, NATOA said. She was 48.
"Libby was an extraordinary woman, a loving mother and a great friend," the Alexandria, Va.-based trade association said. "Nothing in the world was more important to her than her husband Randy and her two adorable boys, Jonathon and Nicholas. We are all grateful to Libby for her exemplary leadership and her fierce advocacy on behalf of communities across America. We will be forever grateful for the honor and privilege of working with Libby over the last 10 years. She will be missed."
NATOA said it would establish a NATOA Education Fund for her children. It will provide more details about it and about funeral service arrangements when more information is available.
Prior to joining NATOA in 1999, Beaty served in a variety of senior positions at the Federal Communications Commission, NATOA said. She earned her B.A. in Business Management and in Fine Arts from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, N.C., and her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School in Brooklyn, N.Y.
The American Cable Association said its members were "deeply saddened" at Beaty's loss. "She will always be remembered in our thoughts and prayers for her grace and courage, her easy laugh and bright smile, and her dedication and professionalism. We wish to express our deepest sympathies to Libby's family, friends and NATOA colleagues in their difficult hour of mourning this genuinely gracious lady."
Added the National Cable & Telecommunications Association: "NCTA mourns the tragic loss of Libby Beaty who was an exceptional and thoroughly professional representative of our nation's local governments. Libby's tireless efforts on behalf of communities all across the U.S. will be her lasting legacy, and all of us in the cable industry will remember her dedication and ability to make a difference. We will miss her."
NATOA represents local government jurisdictions and consortiums, including elected and appointed officials and staff, who oversee communications and cable television franchising.
