Climbing the Tower

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March 31, 2022

DigitalBridge Ups Ben Jenkins to President-CIO

Digital infrastructure real estate investment trust DigitalBridge Group said it has promoted the chief investment officer at DigitalBridge Investment Management to president and chief investment officer of DigitalBridge Group.

“Ben has been instrumental to our growth and success since the founding of DigitalBridge,” said Marc Ganzi, CEO of DigitalBridge. “As we complete our transformation and focus 100 percent on digital, we will increasingly benefit from Ben’s decades of expertise, proven track record of success and extensive knowledge of our company and capabilities.”

Jenkins has served as chief investment officer at DigitalBridge Investment Management since 2019, the company said. It said that Jenkins is also the cofounder of Digital Bridge Holdings and the former chairman of Global Tower Partners.

“Prior to forming Digital Bridge Holdings, Jenkins was a senior managing director and head of the Hong Kong office for The Blackstone Group,” DigitalBridge Group said. “During his 12 years at Blackstone, Jenkins led over a dozen private equity investments, including Global Tower Partners, across a range of industries and geographies, including telecommunications deals in developed and emerging markets. Prior to joining Blackstone, Jenkins was an associate at Saunders, Karp and Megrue and a financial analyst at Morgan Stanley.

March 31, 2022

Capital Telecom Services Names Steve Yapsuga Partner-COO

Steve Yapsuga has exited Comba Telecom as director of sales to join telecom infrastructure, engineering and construction company Capital Telecom Services (CTS) as partner and chief operating officer, according to CTS.

The company said that Yapsuga is a tenured business technologist leader in the Infrastructure industry with deep knowledge and experience in telecommunications, in-building wireless, mergers and acquisitions, and software-as-a-service. CTS said that Yapsuga serves as acting board member of the Maryland-DC Wireless Association and that he is a founding member and co-chairman of the board for NEDAS, formally the Northeast DAS and Small Cell Association, where he also co-hosts “NEDAS Live!”, a digital infrastructure podcast in New York.

“Capital Telecom Services is one of Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing private companies in America for the past two years,” a statement from CTS reads. “Capital Telecom Services delivers professional engineering and construction services to large wireless providers, wireless support organizations, general contractors and enterprises nationwide.”

According to the company, some of Yapsuga’s strategic initiatives include expanding new technology market revenue streams, overseeing daily operations and growth of the company, and the work of the executive team and its employees.

“The global 5G market is expected to grow to $76 billion with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 64 percent in less than five years, with the driving adoption of 5G infrastructures, IoT and smart grid automation the demand for faster more reliable connectivity is popping,” Yapsuga said.

A statement from CTS added that the company was founded in September 2016 by Kevin Turrisi and that it is a leader in the telecommunications engineering and construction infrastructure marketplace.

“[CTS] is building out the nationwide 5G network, one of the fastest growing segments in the world,” the company said. “CTS has successfully completed projects with service providers, carriers, government agencies and commercial entities throughout the United States.”

March 31, 2022

MasTec Chooses Ava L. Parker for Board of Directors

Ava L. Parker has become a member of MasTec’s board of directors, according to the company. She joined the board as a Class III director in MasTec’s staggered board structure, MasTec said.

“Parker serves as president of Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach County, one of Florida’s largest higher education institutions,” MasTec said. “Parker is the first female president in the history of the institution, which opened in 1933 as Florida’s first public community college. The college serves 40,000 students annually and has earned national distinction as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College. Under Parker’s stewardship, the college has reached its highest enrollment in the institution’s history.”

Prior to joining Palm Beach State College, Parker was executive vice president and chief operating officer at Florida Polytechnic University from 2012 to 2015; served on the board of governors for the State University System from 2002 to 2012, where she served as chairwoman from 2010 to 2012; and was a partner with the law firm, Lawrence & Parker, in Jacksonville, Florida, from 2001 to 2015, MasTec said.

“Parker also sits on the board of directors of Orchid Island Capital, a publicly traded specialty finance company; the board of directors of Professional Holding, the holding company for a community bank specializing in construction, residential and commercial real estate financing, as well as business loans; the business development board of Palm Beach County and the Economic Council of Palm Beach County,” MasTec said. “Parker also served as the inaugural executive director of the Emerging Issues Policy Forum, a regulatory think tank and research organization focusing on emerging trends and issues in the regulated utility industry.”

Jorge Mas, MasTec’s chairman, said that Parker’s “extensive background in education and technical training will provide valuable insight to MasTec as we work to expand our labor resources, capacity and training programs to fulfill significant demand growth from our customers for the services we provide.”

MasTec said its primary activities include wireless, wireline and fiber, and customer fulfillment activities; the engineering, building, installation, maintenance and upgrade of communications, energy and utility and other infrastructure, such as: power delivery services, including transmission and distribution; power generation, primarily from clean energy and renewable sources; pipeline infrastructure, including natural gas pipeline and distribution infrastructure; heavy civil; and industrial infrastructure.

March 31, 2022

CFO Ran Vered to Exit Ceragon Networks

A provider of 5G wireless communications transport products and services, Ceragon Networks, said that its chief financial officer, Ran Vered, will exit the company in May, after spending three years in that role. Vered has decided to pursue other business interests outside the telecom industry, the company said.

Ceragon said that the company already has started a search for a successor. In case a new chief financial officer is not nominated by the time Vered leaves, the company’s CEO, Doron Arazi, will then act as the interim chief financial officer, in addition to his CEO role,, the company said.

“Ran has been an integral member of our executive management team,” Arazi said. “We have worked closely together since I came back to the company as CEO. I have a high regard and deep appreciation for Ran’s leadership in strengthening and expanding the financial foundations of Ceragon and leading us through one of the most challenging times in our industry.”

The company indicated that Vered had helped it to transform into a 5G-era leader.

“I have tremendous confidence in the company’s executive and wider team, in its strategy and its prospects, as it continues to expand its portfolio of leading 5G technologies, introduces new solutions that augment the OpenRAN architecture and the open networks concept, and strengthens its managed services offering,” Vered said.

A statement from Ceragon said that the company helps help operators and other service providers worldwide increase operational efficiency and enhance end customers’ quality of experience with innovative wireless backhaul and fronthaul solutions.

“Our customers include service providers, public safety organizations, government agencies and utility companies, which use our solutions to deliver 5G and 4G broadband wireless connectivity, mission-critical multimedia services, stabilized communications and other applications at high reliability and speed,” the statement reads.

“Ceragon’s unique multicore technology and disaggregated approach to wireless transport provides highly reliable, fast to deploy, high-capacity wireless transport for 5G and 4G networks with minimal use of spectrum, power, real estate and labor resources,” Ceragon said. “It enables increased productivity, as well as simple and quick network modernization, positioning Ceragon as a leading solutions provider for the 5G era. We deliver a complete portfolio of turnkey end-to-end AI-based managed and professional services that ensure efficient network rollout and optimization to achieve the highest value for our customers. Our solutions are deployed by more than 400 service providers, as well as more than 800 private network owners, in more than 150 countries.”

March 1, 2022

Y-Com Selects David Schoenberger as Chief Financial Officer

Florida-based Young’s Communications (Y-Com) has selected David Schoenberger, a previous chief financial officer of BTS Towers, to take the same position at Y-Com, the company said. Y-Com provides construction services for telecommunications, utility and power infrastructure customers in Florida and the southeast United States, it said. Y-Com said it is a portfolio company of Grain Management, a Washington, D.C.-based investment firm that focuses on the global communications sector. It said BTS Towers builds and operates telecommunications infrastructure in Latin America.

“David’s impressive set of financial management skills and extensive experience in the telecommunications industry check every box we were looking for in our top financial executive,” said Chad Rasmussen, CEO of Y-Com.

Schoenberger said that Y-Ccom is well-positioned to grow in a sector that is experiencing a dramatic period of expansion. He said he looks forward to helping strengthen Y-Com’s ability to build U.S. infrastructure.

“Before Y-Com, Schoenberger served in various C-suite level financial management roles, including as chief financial officer at Florida-based tower development and acquisition company Torres Unidas (now Andean Tower Partners) and as executive managing director-Mexico and chief financial officer-Latin America at technology and supply chain solutions provider Ingram Micro,” a statement from Y-Com reads. “Schoenberger was also a top financial executive at Verizon, serving as group chief financial officer and vice president of finance of Verizon Information Services and group chief financial officer and vice president of finance at CanTV, Verizon’s telecommunications business in Venezuela.”

Y-Com was founded in 1972, the company said. It said Y-Com offers capabilities including underground, aerial, and emergency services.

February 24, 2022

Shentel Names Victor Barnes to Board of Directors

Macro cell tower and fiber network owner Shenandoah Telecommunications (Shentel) has named Victor C. Barnes to its board of directors and its audit committee, the company said. It said Barnes is chief of connected planning for Anaplan, a business planning software company.

Shentel owns more than 220 macro cell towers and 7,000 route miles of fiber, and it provides broadband services through its high-speed cable, fiber-optic and fixed wireless networks to customers in the Mid-Atlantic region. The company’s services include tower collocation leasing; broadband internet, video, and voice; and fiber-optic Ethernet, wavelength and leasing.

Prior to joining Anaplan in February 2021, Barnes served the Coca-Cola Company since 1994, first as an auditor and then in executive financial roles, last serving as the global chief financial officer of its McDonald’s Division, Shentel said. The company said that Barnes received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University and an executive masters of business administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

“We are very fortunate to have the benefit of Victor’s extensive finance leadership and coaching experience and in-depth knowledge of critical accounting, tax and treasury issues, along with a deep appreciation for the technology sector,” said Christopher E. French, chairman and CEO of Shentel. “In addition, his qualification as an audit committee financial expert will enhance the depth and strength of our board.”

February 23, 2022

NATE Presents 14 With Awards

NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association today gave recognition to a group of leaders for contributions to the organization and to the industries it represents. Its member companies include tower construction firms, general contractors, vertical real estate companies, wireless carriers, engineering firms, technology companies, public safety entities, non-profit organizations, licensed design professionals, manufacturers, distributors and training companies.

Jim Tracy, CEO of Legacy Telecommunications, received the Bill Carlson Lifetime Service Award, given to recognize someone who has contributed to the success of the NATE mission and who has served the association continually for a minimum of 15 years.

Tracy served on the NATE board of directors from 2011 to 2019 and as chairman from 2016 to 2019, the association said. It said that during his tenure of leadership, Tracy also served on the Member Services Committee, Legislative & Regulatory Committee and UAS Committee. Additionally, Tracy serves as president of the non-profit Tower Family Foundation, NATE said. In 2021, the Wireless History Foundation inducted Tracy into its Wireless Hall of Fame.

Aaron Pitts of P&D Antenna and Kathy Stieler, NATE’s director of safety, health and compliance, received the Distinguished Service Award. NATE said the award recognizes past or present standing committee members who have demonstrated direct and individual contributions to the mission of NATE and whose performance has proven so exceptional that it profoundly affects the success of the association.

To recognize individuals who have provided dedication and service to the mission of NATE and to encourage continued involvement, NATE said, the organization gives Chairman’s Coin Awards. Stephanie Brewer of USA Telecom Insurance Services; Rick Jones, who retired from SkyJack Communications; and Craig Lekutis of Wireless Estimator received Chairman’s Coin Awards today, NATE said.

NATE gives Outstanding Heights Awards to individuals who have worked in the communications infrastructure industry for a minimum of 20 years, according to the association. It said retired individuals are eligible, and nominees must exhibit long-term commitment and dedication to their work in the industry that has proven to be truly outstanding.

Tim Brown of Tower Systems South, Cliff Barbieri of Advanced Tower Services, John Teague of Tower King II, Dave Brinker of Rohn Products and Jay Jenkins Sr. of CommTech received Outstanding Heights Awards, NATE said.

NATE also said it gave the Legislative Champion of the Year Award to U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss,), the Regulatory Champion of the Year Award to Jim Goldwater of Goldtouch Consulting, and the Women of NATE Leadership Award to Andy Lee of Lee Antenna & Line Service. The organization said it gave the Departing NATE Board of Directors Member Award to John Paul “JP” Jones of Tower & Turbine Technologies.

“On behalf of NATE’s 1,103 member companies, we offer our heartfelt congratulations to all of today’s worthy award winners,” said NATE Chairman Jimmy Miller. “NATE has a rich tradition, and it is important to utilize occasions like today to take the time to celebrate the tireless contributions of leaders who have helped shape NATE into the dynamic organization it is today.”

February 18, 2022

Vertical Bridge Elevates Johnny Crawford, Bob Paige to Executive Vice President

Communications infrastructure owner and operator Vertical Bridge REIT said it has promoted two of its leaders to executive vice president. Johnny Crawford was named executive vice president of development, and Bob Paige was appointed executive vice president of mergers, acquisitions and corporate development.

“Bob and Johnny have been leaders at Vertical Bridge since our founding and have each played critical roles in our strong growth,” said Alex Gellman, the company’s cofounder and CEO. “Without Bob and Johnny, it is very hard to envision Vertical Bridge achieving its position as the largest private tower company and largest tower builder in the United States.”

Paige oversees the company’s acquisitions, joint ventures and other strategic initiatives. Before joining Vertical Bridge, he was senior vice president at Brown Brothers Harriman, where he advised wireless and wireline companies on mergers and acquisitions, and before that, he was a was a managing director at Falkenberg Capital.

“I have very much enjoyed helping Vertical Bridge grow from a startup to becoming the only private tower company at scale in the United States,” said Paige. “I’m proud of our significant transactions to date and look forward to continuing to work with a great group of partners within management and our investor base.”

Crawford oversees sales and delivery of build-to-suit opportunities. Before joining Vertical Bridge, he was a partner in Optima Towers, a site development company in the Southeast. Prior to that, he was vice president of business development at SBA Network Services where he was responsible for sales to SBA’s national customers. Earlier in his career, he served as vice president of engineering and operations for Airgate PCS, a Sprint PCS affiliate, and as director of engineering and operations for Sprint, where he launched one of the first PCS markets in the United States.

“It’s been fun assembling and guiding the team that has now built more than 2,000 towers and counting,” Crawford said. “Our pipeline of opportunities is large and growing.”

February 15, 2022

Anastasia Kats of Transit Wireless Joins WIA’s W.O.M.E.N. In America

The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) W.O.M.E.N. In America leadership program has accepted Anastasia Kats, assistant controller of 5G wireless infrastructure company Transit Wireless into its newest class of mentored participants, the company said.

Based in New York, the 18-month leadership program is molding the next generation of professional women leaders by advancing their careers through mentorship, education and networking opportunities, the company said. It said senior executives at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit founded the program in 2009. According to Transit Wireless, the mentoring organization aims to enable women to fulfill their maximum potential in the boardroom, the C-suite, as entrepreneurs and as leading-edge professionals.

“We are proud of Anastasia for taking this step to further her career” said Jeff Garte, chief financial officer at Transit Wireless. “Career development and diversity are priorities at Transit Wireless and core to our culture.”

Kats is a certified public accountant with nearly 10 years of corporate accounting and financial reporting experience, the company said. She is a member of the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA) and volunteers for the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free professional tax preparation for low-income workers, according to Transit Wireless.

“When I met the women in my cohort last week, I was in complete awe,” Kats said, reflecting on her WIA orientation session. “I felt stunned and energized. It’s exciting to gather with other women who have similar goals and aspirations, hand-selected by leaders we admire to help each other succeed. I look forward to learning as much as I can from this program and helping others by sharing my own experiences.”

W.O.M.E.N. In America — which stands for Women Optimizing Mentoring, Education and Networking — welcomes, for a premier professional development opportunity, young women with high potential early in their careers who have demonstrated leadership ability, a statement from Transit Wireless reads. It said the leadership program seeks to empower and equip women with the skills and development necessary to advance their careers.

“We welcome Anastasia,” said Meghan McRae, executive director of the program. “Like many of the women who thrive in our program, she is eager to meet new people and engage in new opportunities with openness and curiosity.”

Transit Wireless said that through small-group cluster mentoring, educational programming and various networking mixers and pop-up events, WIA delivers an enriching environment to build leadership skills.

“Every mentee who enters our network has already demonstrated great potential to lead,” said McRae. “Our goal is to help strengthen that foundation and uplift them so that they may rise more confidently to positions of prominence.”

The CEO of Transit Wireless, Melinda White, said that W.O.M.E.N. In America includes some of the most impressive and insightful thinkers in their industries. She said the company has high expectations for Kats’ future as a leading woman in business.

February 3, 2022

FCC’s Rosenworcel Makes Appointments

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has appointed WIA’s CTO Rikin Thakker, Ph.D., to the FCC’s Technological Advisory Council. Thakker will work alongside other technology experts to aid the Commission in identifying areas of innovation and developing informed technology policies, according to the agency.

“Ensuring the United States has up-to-date technology policies that encourage innovation and resiliency in advancing wireless networks is crucial for our future economic competitiveness,” Thakker said.

Thakker leads WIA activities related to emerging technologies, advising members on 5G strategies, spectrum allocation and broadband infrastructure deployment strategies, and planning for technology trends, including 6G. He previously served on the FCC’s Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee and co-chaired the Job Skills and Training Opportunity Working Group. He has more than 20 years of experience in the field of cellular wireless communications, according to WIA.

Rosenworcel also appointed chiefs of the FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, the Media Bureau, the Public Safety Bureau and the Enforcement Bureau, and she appointed a general counsel.

Alejandro Roark will serve as chief of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau. Debra Jordan will become chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Holly Saurer takes the post of chief of the Media Bureau. Loyaan Egal will serve as the acting chief of the Enforcement Bureau. Michele Ellison will serve as general counsel.

“Ensuring modern communications reach every corner of the country isn’t possible without the leadership of incredible, capable experts throughout the Commission,” said Rosenworcel. “I am confident in the talent at the FCC and honored this team will help lead the Commission. I look forward to working with them to meet our shared goal of connecting everyone, everywhere.”

Rosenworcel said she extended her thanks to Michelle Carey, Lisa Fowlkes, Rosemary Harold and Patrick Webre for their public service. She said they would transition to new roles in the agency.”

January 11, 2022

Kevin Hetrick Leaves AT&T for Strategic Venue Partners to Become Chief Operating Officer

Kevin Hetrick, previously AT&T’s vice president of radio access network engineering and construction, has joined Strategic Venue Partners as chief operating officer, the company said. Strategic Venue Partners said it provides in-building wireless-connectivity-as-a-service. It said Hetrick would help Strategic Venue Partners accomplish its mission of transforming America’s enterprise and venue landscape with fast, secure and customized wireless network solutions. During Hetrick’s 25 years with AT&T, he served in a variety of management positions and was responsible for the planning, design, build and performance of AT&T’s wireless network, including 5G and FirstNET, Strategic Venue Partners said.

“Throughout his career, Hetrick has done significant work for AT&T on their national radio access network, with a strong in-building and venue space component,” said Justin Marron, founder and CEO of Strategic Venue Partners. “When it comes to wireless infrastructure, there is very little he has not touched or been a part of over his tenure. While he brings impeccable technical depth, Hetrick also possesses strong operational capabilities, which will bolster and streamline our ability to meet the fast-growing, mission critical enterprise demand for wireless-connectivity-as-a-service solutions.”

Hetrick said that he believes the in-building and enterprise wireless infrastructure market is ripe with opportunity for growth.

“With an entrepreneurial feel, Strategic Venue Partners’s culture and value proposition are particularly compelling,” he said. “Demand for wireless connectivity is growing, but implementing wireless solutions traditionally involves making high capital expenditures that come with uncertain future costs. With its unique wireless-connectivity-as-a-service offering, Strategic Venue Partners removes the uncertainty of future technological changes as well as the financial burden and converts it to a highly affordable, stable operating expense that can even lead to new revenue streams for its customers.”

Strategic Venue Partners said that it provides in-building wireless infrastructure services for enterprises, including healthcare facilities, hospitality, gaming, class A office space, mixed-use properties, high-end residential, retail complexes, sports and entertainment venues, airports, universities and public-private venues. It said it manages and coordinates relationships with stakeholders at the venue, wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers, integrators and technical service providers. According to Strategic Venue Partners, the company’s business model allows venue owners to free up human and financial capital so that the enterprise can deploy both into other parts of their business.

Among the technologies that Strategic Venue Partners said it offers are in-building wireless systems, such as distributed antenna systems, Wi-Fi, public safety systems, fiber assets, internet protocol television and citizens broadband radio service OnGo private LTE.

January 10, 2022

NYSWA Board Elects Paul Fettucia President

The NYSWA (New York State Wireless Association) Board has elected Paul Fettuccia president, succeeding Tom Marciano.

Fettuccia has served on the NYSWA Board since the association’s inception 14 years ago. Over a 30-year career, Fettuccia has risen through the ranks from Time Warner Cable Field Technician to Intermedia Communications Engineering Manager to his current position of president and CEO of ANS Advanced Network Services, a Charge Enterprises Company.

The 2022 NYSWA executive committee also includes the reelection of Robert Gaudioso as vice president, regulatory; the election of Paul Eisenberg as vice president, events; the election of Aaron Friedman as vice president, social media/strategic partnerships; the election of Denise Reed as treasurer; and the election of Lucia Chiocchio as secretary.

A partner at Snyder & Snyder since 2000, Robert Gaudioso has successfully litigated wireless telecommunications and public utility cases in Federal District Courts and State Courts in New York, New Jersey, California, Massachusetts, Arizona and New Hampshire.

Paul Eisenberg is co-president at RCG Tower Group, and brings hands-on experience as a second-generation developer, operator and investor in telecommunications real estate and networks.

Aaron Friedman has more than 10 years of experience in the wireless industry. In his current role, he is the wireless business manager at Wesco, with responsibilities for all in-building wireless solutions and strategies for the Northeast region

In her 20-plus years of experience in sales operations, administration and marketing, Denise M. Reed has served on and contributed to executive teams, managed successful service expansion and implemented department-wide solutions to improve outcomes.

Lucia Chiocchio is a partner and vice-chair of Cuddy & Feder’s Telecommunications Practice group. She concentrates her practice in zoning and energy law, with an emphasis on telecommunications.

January 6, 2022

5G Americas Names T-Mobile’s Neville Ray 2022 Chairman; Ericsson’s Barbara Baffer Continues as Treasurer

Wireless cellular industry trade association 5G Americas has chosen Neville Ray to serve as chairman of its board of governors for 2022, the association said. Ray is president of technology at T-Mobile US. Barbara Baffer, vice president of government and industry relations for Ericsson, has been re-elected as treasurer, the association said.

“As a dynamic leader in the wireless industry, Neville reprises his role as chairman of our trade association, and we look forward to his experienced stewardship,” said Chris Pearson, president of 5G Americas.

As T-Mobile’s president of technology, Ray is responsible for the management and development of T-Mobile’s wireless network, the company’s information technology services, and technology operations, 5G Americas said. It said that with more than 30 years of experience building and operating wireless networks in the United States and around the world, Ray is widely recognized for his leadership in the telecommunications industry. Ray has been a member of the 5G Americas Board for more than 11 years and previously served two multiyear terms as chairman, the association said.

“With three years of global commercial 5G network deployments behind us, the industry looks ahead to even more growth powering new experiences for consumers and transforming industries,” Ray said. “5G Americas will continue to play a strategic role, addressing key opportunities in technology innovation, spectrum and new use cases for 5G.”

5G Americas said that Barbara Baffer has been with Ericsson for 30 years working in a number of different roles and as the vice president of government and industry relations, she focuses on Ericsson’s regulatory and legislative advocacy efforts as well as leading the government and industry relations team and activities in Washington, D.C.

“It’s an honor to be named as treasurer once again by my peers in the wireless industry, as we continue to navigate through challenging times in the world economy, Baffer said. 5G Americas remains committed to progressing mobile communications for the benefit of people throughout the Americas.”

Composed of telecommunications service providers and manufacturers, 5G Americas’ mission is to facilitate and advocate for the advancement and transformation of LTE, 5G and beyond in North and South America, the association said. It said its board of governors members include include Airspan Networks, Antel, AT&T, Ciena, Cisco, Crown Castle, Ericsson, Intel, Liberty Latin America, Mavenir, Nokia, Qualcomm, Samsung, Shaw Communications, T-Mobile US, Telefónica, VMware and WOM.

January 6, 2022

CoreSite Names Senior Leadership Following Acquisition by American Tower

Following its acquisition by American Tower, CoreSite has restructured its management, naming 10 individuals to executive positions, the company said. The hybrid IT solutions provider and subsidiary of American Tower said the management structure is designed to position the company for accelerated growth, while continuing to provide the native digital supply chain that it said its enterprise, network, cloud and service integrator customers have come to depend on.

With the changes, CoreSite is led by Juan Font, president of CoreSite and senior vice president of American Tower, reporting to Steve Vondran, an American Tower executive vice president and president of the tower company’s U.S. Tower Division of American Tower. CoreSite said Font is responsible for leading its strategy, innovation and growth while delivering value to the customers, partners, shareholders and communities where CoreSite and American Tower operate.

“The acquisition of CoreSite by American Tower enables us to create a differentiated, comprehensive, and interconnected communications real estate platform optimally positioned to benefit from the convergence of wireline and wireless networks amid accelerating global 5G deployments,” Font said. “This will allow us to continue to deliver on our commitment to future-proof our customers’ digital transformation strategies, now and well into the future.”

CoreSite said Font has held positions of increasing responsibility within the organization since 2010 and brings more than 20 years of experience in general management, direct sales, business operations and finance in the data center and telecommunications industries. It said Font will operate CoreSite as a standalone entity within the U.S. Tower division.

“In the short time that I’ve gotten to know Juan, I’ve been impressed by his passion for the CoreSite team and business, as well as the depth and breadth of his experience,” Vondran said.

Other CoreSite executives include Anthony Hatzenbuehler, senior vice president of data center operations; Maile Kaiser, senior vice president of sales and marketing; Aleks Krusko, senior vice president of IT and digitization; Leslie McIntosh, senior vice president of human resources; Brian Warren, senior vice president of development and product engineering; Matt Gleason, vice president of general management; Mark Jones, vice president and chief accounting officer; Adam Post, vice president of finance and acquisitions; and Janae Walker, vice president of legal.

Post and Jones are new to the leadership team and will take on leadership oversight for several functions, including acquisitions, investor relations, procurement and internal audit, CoreSite said..

Walker already was a member of the American Tower legal team, according to CoreSite. The company said Walker joins CoreSite’s senior leadership team with responsibility for the CoreSite legal function. She served as the lead attorney on the CoreSite transaction and brings experience with American Tower to the CoreSite team, the company said.

CoreSite said Matt Gleason is newly appointed to the leadership team and is responsible for the general management function as well as providing oversight for sales engineering and capacity inventory management functions.

Maile Kaiser broadens her responsibility on the leadership team with oversight of marketing, sales operations and the solutions architects in addition to maintaining responsibility for the CoreSite sales organization, the company said.

September 16, 2021

Sasha Galbreath, Marshall Miller Join WIA as Public Affairs Managers

The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) has hired Sasha Galbreath and Marshall Miller to join its public affairs team, according to a statement from the association. WIA said that Galbreath and Miller, who have the title of public affairs manager, would manage the association’s external communications and promote its workforce development programs.

“Prior to joining WIA, Galbreath worked for Clyde Group’s public affairs practice, where she focused on several strategic communications efforts in a variety of industries,” the statement reads. “Galbreath started her career working in the U.S. House of Representatives, later serving as deputy director of communications for a congressional campaign in Maryland, operating crisis management and media outreach. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in government and politics and sustainability studies.”

WIA said that Miller previously worked for DDC Public Affairs, executing advocacy and issue campaigns for clients across multiple sectors, including technology. “Before DDC, he worked as a rapid response and research analyst for national campaigns and political parties,” the statement reads. “Miller graduated from Bridgewater College with a degree in political science and English.”

Matt Mandel, WIA’s vice president of government and public affairs, said that, working together, Galbreath and Miller would further cement WIA as a leader in wireless policy and workforce development. “Sasha and Marshall’s extensive experience will carry the wireless infrastructure industry’s message to the media, Congress and stakeholders on behalf of WIA members,” he said.

September 2, 2021

CBNG Vice President to Lead North America Strategy

Cambridge Broadband Networks Group (CBNG), Cambridge, United Kingdom, has appointed Charles Loverso vice president to lead the company’s sales and business development in North America.

With spectrum availability, 5G roll outs and a political push for enhanced infrastructure dominating the industry, Loverso will promote CBNG’s offering to help meet the challenges caused by modern connectivity demands. According to CBNG, despite the deployment of 5G, the roll out is slow, with about 80 percent of the United States lacking access to 5G networks.

Loverso said that this is a critical time in North America for 5G networks and fixed wireless access. He said that without infinite spectrum availability, operators must maximize solutions,that allow them to take advantage of underused frequency spectrum bands.

CBNG said that Loverso has 30 years of technical and sales experience, and he has launched new markets and has built new business lines for communications equipment businesses, such as Redline Communications and DragonWave. Loverso previously co-founded NSA Communications, an integrated data and voice communication solutions company, and was responsible for building the organization from the ground up, CBNG said.

Nigel Hall, CBNG’s CEO, said that CBNG has key strategic relationships with operators and service providers within the United States.

According to CBNG, more than 150 customers in more than 50 countries use the company’s VectaStar product for enterprise access, mobile backhaul, small cell backhaul and ISP networks, including seven of the world’s top 10 mobile operators.

September 2, 2021

Jonas Bengtsson Joins Polarium

Polarium, a Swedish company with international sales of lithium-ion energy storage products and services, has hired Jonas Bengtsson as part of its management team, the company disclosed. Polarium said he will assume the role of head of corporate affairs later in the year.

“With his broad experience and expertise in navigating complex markets and helping global companies scale operations, Jonas Bengtsson will be a key asset to Polarium’s continued growth journey,” a statement from the company reads.

Bengtsson has 20 years of experience of working in global organizations with complex issues related to compliance, capital markets, shifting business models, regulation changes and strategic stakeholder management on all levels, Polarium said. It said his experience includes leading several legal teams delivering sufficient and efficient corporate governance at Tele2 and Telenor.

Bengtsson previously was head of corporate affairs and general counsel at Telia, where he was responsible for legal and regulatory teams, according to Polarium. In addition, he has been in charge of the mergers and acquisitions department at Telia, overseeing transactions, Polarium said.

August 26, 2021

Crown Castle Appoints Catherine Piche COO for Towers

Crown Castle International has appointed Catherine Piche to succeed Robert C. Ackerman as executive vice president and chief operating officer for towers, effective Sept. 1, the company disclosed.

Ackerman plans to retire, the company said, following a 50-year career that included 23 years in various senior leadership roles at Crown Castle, and he has agreed to remain with Crown Castle in an advisory capacity until February 2022 to assist with various matters, including the transition of his successor.

“I want to thank Bob for his significant contributions and steady leadership that helped us generate significant growth and create value for our shareholders during the last 23 years, and I want to wish him the best in his retirement,” said Jay Brown, Crown Castle’s chief executive officer. Brown said that he welcomed Piche to the executive management team, and that “her proven leadership capabilities and extensive operational experience will be invaluable as we support our customers’ nationwide 5G deployments.”

Piche joined Crown Castle in 2011 and has served in a variety of leadership roles, including most recently as senior vice president of project delivery, design and construction for Crown Castle’s fiber business, according to a statement from the company. Previously, Piche served as vice president of project delivery and led multiple regions within Crown Castle’s tower organization as area president, the statement said.

According to Crown Castle, prior to joining the company, Piche had leadership positions at American Tower and served in site development roles at Sprint and AT&T Wireless. Piche has a bachelor of arts degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in science in urban planning and Architecture from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Crown Castle said.

August 26, 2021

Bluebird Network Names Trent Anderson Chief Revenue Officer

Communications infrastructure provider Bluebird Network has named Trent Anderson as chief revenue officer. In his new position, Anderson oversees revenue-generating activities including sales, sales engineering, product development and marketing, along with Bluebird’s data center sales in Springfield, St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri.

Anderson brings decades of telecommunications experience with a record for producing sales and revenue as vice president of sales with LS Networks in the Pacific Northwest, according to Bluebird. Previously, Anderson focused on government, medical and strategic accounts at Wave Business and operated as vice president at Frontier Communications.

“Anderson is an active member of his community, serving on the boards of the American Heart Association, American Stroke Association and Youth Athletics,” a statement from Bluebird reads. “He graduated from Oregon State University’s Austin School of Business.”

August 20, 2021

Greg Spraetz Joins Network Connex as Chief Revenue Officer

Network Connex has named Greg Spraetz its chief revenue officer, a role that includes leading sales and marketing for Network Connex and companies it owns, including National Technologies, Verticom, CCSI Networks, Fairhaven Integration Services and Advantage Engineers. The Network Connex family of companies employs more than 700 people.

According to a statement from Network Connex, Spraetz brings to the company 25 years of sales, marketing, and operational leadership experience across the enterprise, wholesale, data center, fiber services, cable and wireless service providers.

“Most recently, Greg was employed by ExteNet Systems where he was the senior vice president and general manager, with overall responsibility for the indoor and real estate business unit operations,” the statement reads. “Prior to ExteNet Systems, he was the executive vice president of sales and marketing at Conterra Broadband Services. In addition, he held various management positions at Level 3 Communications and Global Crossing.”

Spraetz has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management with a concentration in systems analysis from Miami University of Ohio, Network Connex said.

“Through my extensive experience, leadership and career focus on strategy, I look forward to taking Network Connex to new heights and transforming the growing culture of our company,” Spraetz said.

Jim Estes, CEO of Network Connex, said that Spraetz’s experience in leadership and innovation aligns with the company’s vision to be a communications infrastructure services company “with unmatched capabilities, market presence and a geographical footprint to meet the needs of networking operators and to build for tomorrow.”

The company has a presence in 50 states, Canada and 10 European countries, the Network Connex statement reads. In addition to 29 office locations, it said, Network Connex has traveling teams that cover North America and Europe. Clients include wireless service providers, network service providers, cable multiple system operators, data center operators, hyperscale cloud companies and Fortune 500 enterprises, Network Connex said.

“Network Connex, through our operating companies, provides network design and implementation services for some of the world’s most sophisticated networking and data infrastructure companies,” the statement reads. “Through our operating companies, we self-perform a variety of engineering, design, deployment and maintenance services in the communications infrastructure space. Our experienced employees perform the most technically demanding work on schedule to the highest quality, safety and data security standards. Whether it’s a single service request, large project, or national program, Network Connex has the capabilities to provide superior results through rapid response, quality, knowledge and innovation. In 2018, Network Connex partnered with Orix Capital Partners to continue building the company through growth initiatives and complementary acquisitions.”

Iris Troiano New Advantage Engineers VP

Bringing more than 20 years of experience deploying telecommunications infrastructure, Iris Troiano has become Advantage Engineers’ vice president of telecom for the company’s East Region. A Network Connex company, Advantage Engineers supports macro tower, distributed antenna system (DAS) networks and small cell deployments, along with fiber-optic and broadband network designs.

“It’s an exciting time to be in the telecom professional services sector as networks are evolving and changing,” Troiano said. “I’m looking forward to supporting our customers with solutions that expand and shape the future of connectivity.”

Troiano previously worked for CommScope, where she held multiple positions that grew the company in size, scope and complexity, according to information from Advantage Engineers. The company said Troiano also filled roles including director of product line management and director of strategy and technology.

Troiano has a B.S. in chemistry, and she completed the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, executive MBA program. After spending many years in northern Virginia, she resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. Advantage Engineers said she will work remotely from her home office and will frequently travel to East Coast locations and offices.

John McGrath, CEO of Advantage Engineers, said that Troiano’s experience in telecommunications and her track record combine well with the company’s growth trajectory goals.

Comcast Hires Dave Mandapat to Lead Business Marketing In Washington

Comcast has hired Dave Mandapat as the new director of marketing for Comcast Business in Washington. In this role, he will be responsible for the overall marketing and sales efforts for Comcast Business across the state.

Mandapat brings more than 20 years of expertise to the role. He previously worked at Seattle’s iconic Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Microsoft. His experience in leadership roles spans program management, intellectual property, sponsorships, marketing and public relations.

At Microsoft Mandapat worked as the Senior Program Manager for the Microsoft Aspire Experience. In this position, he worked with senior leaders to develop communication strategies to drive greater awareness, participation, and positive sentiment for the program.

Mandapat has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations, and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Washington in Seattle. His expertise and background will infuse Comcast Business’ marketing department with creativity and innovation to drive key growth goals for the organization in Washington state.

“I’m honored to join a national company that has a strong Washington state presence and is passionate about supporting the local community and its customers,” said Mandapat.

Source: Comcast Business

August 12, 2021

NATE Taps Sam McGuire to Chair UAS Committee

“I’m honored to join a national company that has a strong Washington state presence and is passionate about supporting the local community and its customers,” said Mandapat.

Source: Comcast Business

July 12, 2021

NATE Welcomes Todd Washam As Director Of Government Relations And Wireless Industry Network

NATE announces the hiring of Todd Washam as Director of Government Relations and Wireless Industry Network, a new Washington, D.C.-based staff position established by the Association. Washam officially begins his duties with NATE on Friday, July 16.

Todd Washam comes to NATE with an extensive background that includes serving as a congressional staffer for approximately 10 years, working in the executive branch at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and working for the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Association. Washam, an Ohio native, possesses a deep network of contacts on Capitol Hill, has a keen understanding of issues important to small business contractors, and has considerable experience advocating for workforce development issues and the important role that the skilled trades play in our communities and economy.

As the NATE Director of Government Relations and Wireless Industry Network, Washam will serve as the primary leader and representative on behalf of the Association in Washington, D.C. The position is responsible for taking the lead in cultivating key stakeholder relationships, attending Congressional hearings and agency meetings, coordinating meetings for NATE representatives, analyzing legislative and regulatory proposals, formulating policy positions, and developing commentary on legislative and regulatory matters that affect NATE member companies and the wireless infrastructure industry.

As the leader of NATE’s Wireless Industry Network program, Washam will be tasked with communicating regularly with the WIN Regional Ambassadors and State Liaisons, identifying state-level legislative and regulatory advocacy opportunities to leverage the WIN leaders in grassroots engagement and interfacing with State Wireless Association (SWAPs) leaders.

July 8, 2021

Raine Group Adds Michel Combes, Milo Medin to Advisory Board

Michel Combes and Milo Medin have joined The Raine Group’s newly established Next-Gen Communications Advisory Board. Combes and Medin bring decades of experience in communications management, strategy, and innovation, and will help expand and enhance Raine’s expertise and capabilities in the sector.

Both men are considered luminaries in the field of telecommunications. Combes is currently president of SoftBank International and previously held CEO roles at Sprint, Altice, Alcatel-Lucent and Vodafone Europe. Medin is currently vice president, Wireless Services, at Alphabet and previously both founded and held CTO roles at M2Z Networks and Excite@Home. Together, they bring more than five decades of experience working at the forefront of communications innovation and connectivity development.

The additions coincide with the extension of Raine’s Next-Gen Communications strategy of investing in public companies to include private, growth-stage opportunities, leveraging Raine’s unique merchant banking model. The private strategy will be co-led by Next-Gen Communications Managing Partner Kevin Linker and Managing Director Christopher Donini, and the Advisory Board will be a valuable resource in identifying and evaluating these opportunities, as well as catalyzing their continued growth. The first of these investments, the firm’s participation in Robin.io’s Series C alongside Rakuten, was announced on June 16.

July 1, 2021

Mark Crosby to be Inducted into the EWA Hall of Fame

Mark E. Crosby, chief executive officer of Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA), will be inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame during the Wireless History Foundation (WHF) Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C., on November 11, 2021.

Induction into the Wireless Hall of Fame is one of the industry’s highest honors, acknowledging the leadership, innovation, and achievement of each honoree. Eligibility for the Wireless Hall of Fame is based on an individual’s contributions to the advancement of wireless services, products, and programs.

Under Crosby’s leadership, EWA has become a fierce defender of EWA-member spectrum rights, a strong advocate for responsible regulatory policy, and a trusted Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-certified frequency advisory committee.

Throughout Crosby’s nearly 50-year career, he has been a passionate advocate for private wireless which includes business enterprises, network operators, sales and service providers, and manufacturers, and his leadership has helped shape the industry. He has focused on increasing the efficient use of spectrum, expanding opportunities for business/industrial licensee access to spectrum, encouraging vendors to develop and users to embrace more efficient digital technology, and automating the processes of frequency coordination and licensing. Crosby is known as a visionary, whose ability over the years to bring the industry to consensus has resulted in numerous achievements for private wireless stakeholders.

June 17, 21021

NATE Appoints Kathy Stieler as Director of Safety, Health & Compliance

NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association has hired Kathy Stieler as director of safety, health & compliance, a new staff position established by the association. Stieler officially began her duties with NATE yesterday.

A longtime industry compliance and safety expert, Stieler joins NATE after serving as director of installations and safety at Electronics Research Institute (ERI), Evansville, Indiana, since 2012. During her tenure at ERI, her leadership was instrumental in managing the company’s tower crews through a safe and successful broadcast repack transition.

As the NATE director of safety, health & compliance, Stieler will be tasked with directing, developing and overseeing the general health and safety policies and procedures of the association to ensure its safety materials and best practices documents are in compliance with OSHA and other applicable state and local regulations and standards. In her new role, Stieler will also be available to provide technical subject matter expertise to the Association’s member companies, as well as helping these businesses navigate the oftentimes onerous compliance onboarding process.

“Today, I get to embark on an amazing journey that will allow me to work alongside the NATE staff and to work for the association’s member companies whom I respect so much,” said Stieler. “I am excited and honored to have this opportunity to assist the NATE membership as we work toward our common goals to ensure the continued well-being of tower and communications infrastructure personnel, and to progress toward safer standards and practices within the industry. My passion for safety is well known by all who know me. I hope to pass that passion along to everyone as we work side by side.”

“NATE is elated to welcome Kathy Stieler to the team,” said Chairman Jimmy Miller, from Gulfport, Mississippi. “Through the establishment of this director of safety, health & compliance position, NATE is doubling down on safety and investing directly into our growing membership of companies. Kathy will be a tremendous asset and I encourage member companies to leverage her expertise to enhance their respective safety cultures,” said Miller.

Visit www.natehome.com to learn more about NATE.

June 10, 2021

Infinite Electronics Names Emily Campbell Chief Marketing Officer

Emily Campbell takes up the position of chief marketing officer at Infinite Electronics, moving over from Berlin Packaging where, as chief marketing officer, she headed global marketing and digital innovation for the Arrow Electronics Enterprise Computing Division and led Arrow’s ecommerce business as general manager of global ecommerce. At Infinite Electronics, Campbell will lead global marketing strategy and execution, including brand strategy; direct and digital marketing; ecommerce; customer experience, acquisition and retention; internal and external communications; public relations; analytics; and marketing operations.

“Emily’s education, leadership background and vast experience in this space position her exceptionally well to lead our talented marketing teams to great success,” said Penny Cotner, Infinite Electronics’ president and CEO. “We are confident that Emily will be an outstanding addition to Infinite’s executive team, and we look forward to her contributions and leadership.”

June 10, 2021

WIA Elects New Board Chairman, Officers, and Director

The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) is pleased to announce Jeffrey Stoops, President and Chief Executive Officer of SBA was elected to serve as Chairman of the WIA’s Board of Directors. A new slate of officers was also elected.

The new Chairman and officers include:
Chairman: Jeffrey A. Stoops; President and Chief Executive Officer; SBA Communications Corporation
Vice-Chairman: Alex Gellman, Chief Executive Officer, Vertical Bridge Holdings
Secretary: Jay A. Brown, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Crown Castle International
Treasurer: Steven O. Vondran, Executive Vice President and President, U.S. Tower Division American Tower

In addition to the new slate of officers, Tom Kane, CEO of NB&C, was elected as a director.

“I am honored to be elected as Chairman of WIA’s Board of Directors. WIA does a tremendous job representing our dynamic and growing industry. As the U.S. begins to move past the pandemic, the year ahead will be the busiest yet as policymakers at every level of government look to ensure that all communities benefit from wireless broadband. Our industry will help drive this broadband build-out. I look forward to coordinating with the WIA Board members, the broader membership, and the entire industry as we work toward our common goals,” said Chairman Stoops. “We are in a time like no other with rapid and incredible innovation and a growing and changing business and regulatory environment. I am happy to play a part in leading the industry toward continued success.”

“WIA’s thoughtful and experienced Board has constantly supported WIA to ensure we remain a first-class organization that represents industry priorities, including federal, state, and local advocacy.”

Source: WIA

June 8, 2021

Abid Kahn Exits AT&T for Dish Network

AT&T’s longtime wireless engineering manager for edge cloud and mobility networks, Abid Kahn, has moved over to Dish Network as its director of inbuilding systems. As a wireless engineering manager for AT&T, Kahn had been responsible for planning, designing and delivering mobility while managing cross-functional and technical teams, according to his LinkedIn page. At Dish, Kahn is leading teams supporting business and enterprise customers, according to CEO W. Erik Carlson.

June 8, 2021

Nitin Khakee Joins Melody Investment Advisors as General Counsel

After eight years as executive director and general counsel at Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, Nitin Khakee has joined Melody Investment Advisors as its general counsel. Khakee brings to Melody 23 years of legal and M&A (mergers and acquisitions) experience across multiple sectors including infrastructure, energy, real estate and private equity.

“His expertise will be extremely additive as Melody Investment Advisors continues to grow as a premier alternative investor in communications infrastructure,” said Omar Jaffrey, founder and managing partner.

“Communications infrastructure is rapidly evolving ,” said Melody COO and CFO Chester Dawes, “and Nitin brings deep experience in both M&A and private funds as well as a deep understanding of legal and regulatory issues.”

As general counsel at Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, Khakee led acquisitions and dispositions and helped to raise multiple Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and targeted infrastructure funds and co-investment initiatives.

From 2008 to 2013, Khakee was vice president and counsel at Credit Suisse Asset Management, where he led a number of Credit Suisse’s strategic initiatives and divestitures of investing platforms. Earlier in his career, he was a corporate attorney with Greenberg Traurig and with LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene and MacRae.

Khakee has a JD degree from Fordham University School of Law and a bachelor of arts degree in international studies from Johns Hopkins University.

Source: Melody Investment Advisors

June 8, 2021

Robin Cohen Advances to President of Enterprise Wireless Alliance

Robin J. Cohen has been promoted from her position as senior vice president of strategic
initiatives to become president of the Enterprise Wireless Alliance. Mark E. Crosby, who had
been both president and CEO, continues as CEO.

“Cohen brings a deep understanding of the issues facing the wireless communications industry,”
a statement from EWA reads. “Prior to joining EWA in 2016, Cohen spent more than 19 years at
Sprint (now T-Mobile) and the last 11 years as senior manager of regulatory affairs. She was
twice awarded Sprint’s Circle of Excellence Award for outstanding achievement.”

On Cohen’s appointment, Crosby said, “Robin’s promotion to president enhances her
participatory role within the EWA organization and industry following her demonstrated
leadership on key spectrum access and implementation projects.”

EWA is an FCC-certified frequency advisory committee and advocate for business enterprises,
private carrier operators, wireless sales and service organizations and private wireless equipment
vendors. The membership organization provides spectrum acquisition strategies, frequency
coordination, license preparation, license management and associated reporting services.
Membership is open to users of wireless communications systems, vendors, system operators and
service organizations.

Source: Enterprise Wireless Alliance

June 8, 2021

Six Advance at Utilities Technology Council

Promotions at the Utilities Technology Council include:

Brett Kilbourne to senior vice president of policy. As part of this role, Kilbourne will continue to serve as UTC’s general counsel. He will also provide oversight of UTC’s Public Policy Team and continue as a member of the association’s senior executive team.
Joann Howell  moves up from senior director of spectrum services to become vice president of UTC’s Spectrum Services. Howell is UTC’s longest-serving staff member, having joined the organization in 1990.
Rob Thormeyer advances from senior director of communications and advocacy to become vice president of communications and advocacy. In his new role, Thormeyer will manage UTC’s messaging and public-facing communications with policy stakeholders, including federal and state policymakers and the media.
Daniel Thrasher, formerly UTC’s senior director of finance and operations, advances to vice president of finance and operations. Thrasher oversees UTC’s Finance and Operations Department, which is responsible for managing UTC’s budget and ensuring the association is in compliance with fiscal audit regulations.
Kevin Lynch moves up from manager of accounting and administration to become director of finance and operations. Lynch oversees UTC’s IT department in addition to his accounting responsibilities.

Source: Utilities Technology Council

June 8, 2021

Visible Taps Verizon Veteran as New CEO

Verizon-owned Visible announced industry veteran and Verizon executive, Angie Klein, has been appointed as the company’s new CEO. In her new role, she will lead Visible through its next stages of growth and innovation as the Verizon brand portfolio continues to expand.

Klein is a 20-year veteran of Verizon who has held numerous leadership roles in product development, new services, brand and creative strategy, call center and retail operations, and customer experience design. She has been recognized as an Alumni Master by the University of Nebraska, was selected as a David Rockefeller Fellow, and serves on the boards of the Lower East Side Girls Club in New York City and the Buckle (NYSE: BKE).

Klein succeeds former Visible CEO, Miguel Quiroga. Quiroga has been appointed SVP, Platforms & Ecosystems, for the Verizon Consumer Group, reporting to Dunne. He will lead the newly formed Platforms & Ecosystems team, which will amplify the Verizon Consumer Group’s growth agenda and accelerate its platform-driven strategy.

About Visible

Visible is the first all-digital wireless service in the US, offering unlimited data, messages, minutes, and hotspot, powered by Verizon, 5G included. On a mission to dramatically change the wireless service experience, Visible has been named to Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list and was named “Best Telecom Brand” in Adweek’s 2021 Challenger Brand Awards.

SOURCE Visible

June 3, 2021

Westell Technologies Introduces In-building Wireless Team

A company that provides network infrastructure solutions, Westell Technologies, has introduced its in-building wireless (IBW) team.

“With a combined experience of over 100 years, Westell’s IBW team is an organization of talented individuals with one goal in mind: meet and exceed our customer’s expectations while focusing on innovation at the edge of communication networks by offering a comprehensive set of products and solutions,” a company statement reads. “With millions of products successfully deployed worldwide, we are a trusted partner for transforming networks into high-quality, reliable systems.”

The team members are:

Bill Dow: Dow has 38 years of experience in the RF market sector and manages the northwest regional territory. Before Westell, Dow worked in the Service Delivery Division of Motorola Solutions and owned a Motorola dealership and authorized service center. Dow was executive director of USMSS, the national trade association of Motorola servicers, for five years.
Rick Rausch: Rausch is a telecom industry veteran of 25 years working as an RF and DAS engineer for wireless carriers and DAS integrators and in sales for DAS/public safety equipment OEMs and integration. He has an electrical engineering degree and two years of graduate studies in digital communications. Rausch provides training classes for first responders.
Gilbert Martinez: Martinez is the western region sales director. Before Westell, he spent nearly 16 years as a regional sales director for one of the largest wireless integrators in the country – helping customers solve complex wireless problems for safety, productivity, and innovation.
Chris Nolte: Nolte is a senior sales engineer based in Southern California. He has over 19 years of experience in the RF design, engineering, commissioning and optimization of DAS/public safety systems. Before Westell, Nolte worked for multiple integrators in Southern California. Before getting into the wireless arena, he was a member of the United States Air Force. He worked as a tactical aircraft mechanic on A-10 Warthogs and the RQ-4A Global Hawk during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Kevin Kurz: Kurz is a senior sales engineer based in Asheville, North Carolina. During his career, Kevin has been awarded Presidents Club, spoke at numerous industry trade conferences and served as the first Safer Buildings Coalition Advancement Committee chairman.
Mike Brownson: Brownson is an industry veteran with over 45 years in the wireless industry, including two-way radio, cellular, microwave and unlicensed broadband wireless. He has invested 20 years dedicated to distributed antenna systems for public safety and cellular enhancement. As Westell’s director of business development, Brownson leads the company’s efforts to innovate, promote, educate and inform on all aspects of in-building wireless solutions. He also works with the Electronics Technicians Association in their in-building wireless education and certification program. He holds numerous industry certifications and serves on the Standards Technical Committee for UL-2524.
Gabriel Guevara: Guevara has been working in the wireless telecom field for the past 25 years. He worked as an application engineer in the early days of cellular technology, deploying and commissioning multiple base station radios. He also has extensive experience in the RF field of commercial wireless repeaters F1-F1 & F1-F2 and channels translating repeaters for digital standards. In his role as vice president of channels and IBW sales, he leads the sales and strategy efforts for IBW public safety products and solutions.

Source: Westell Technologies

May 27, 2021

Toni Beck Named Vice President of External Affairs for Comcast in Houston

Comcast has appointed Toni Beck as  vice president of external affairs for the company’s Houston region. In this role, Beck will be responsible for managing government affairs; communications; and community, media and public relations.

Beck has more than 25 years of senior-level experience and has held numerous communications roles, most recently as vice president of communications and community relations at NextDecade. Prior to that, Beck was vice president of communications and community relations at Waste Management.

Beck received a bachelor of social science degree in political studies from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

May 27, 2021

Scott Crisler Named Chief Operating Officer at CTI Towers

CTI Towers has expanded its executive team with the addition of Scott Crisler as the company’s chief operating officer, with responsibility for overseeing sales, tower operations, lease administration and business development. CTI operates 1,200 wireless communications towers in 47 states.

“Scott has experience in every aspect of the tower business ranging from the infrastructure side to site acquisitions,” said Tony Peduto, CEO of CTI. “He will be invaluable to us as we continue to expand the company.”

Most recently, Crisler led engineering development for T-Mobile in Southern California. Earlier in his career he held senior wireless infrastructure management roles at American Tower and Crown Castle.  Crisler also worked with Black and Veatch in site acquisitions.

“CTI has developed a very successful platform over the past decade,” said David Bacino, operating partner at Melody Investment Advisors, a communications infrastructure investor that acquired CTI Towers in 2020. ”Scott’s addition expands the company’s management team and enables the company to work more effectively with its customers and pursue CTI’s growth plans.”

Crisler said, “My goal is to enhance operational excellence at CTI by focusing on the people and the company’s processes, along with enhancing its customer relationships.”

Source: CTI Towers

May 25, 2021

Airwavz Solutions Adds Advisory Board Member

Earl Webb, founder and managing partner of 9th Green Advisors, has joined Airwavz Solutions’ Market Advisory Board of commercial real estate executives. Webb brings to the provider of in-building wireless solutions his experience of three decades in the commercial real estate industry.

“Earl will play a key role in ensuring Airwavz is making investments in technology infrastructure that align with the success metrics of the commercial real estate investment community,” said Brad Davis, the company CEO, in a prepared statement.

May 11, 2021

Peppertree Capital Hires Arnoud Krijt to Focus on Fiber Investments

Peppertree Capital Management has hired Arnoud Krijt as a managing director to focus on investments in, and the acquisition of, fiber networks. Prior to joining Peppertree, Krijt was senior vice President of corporate development at Uniti Group, where he led Uniti’s fiber acquisition efforts.

Howard Mandel, co-president of Peppertree Capital, said that Arnoud is recognized throughout the fiber industry as a top investment professional. “While we have made more than 100 communication infrastructure investments, including in the fiber space, adding Arnoud’s expertise and deal access is a game-changer.”

Krijt said that he looks forward to this new chapter in his career. “I am proud to join the Peppertree team,” he said. “With their strong track record, access to capital, and investment flexibility, I am highly confident we can capitalize on the growing demand for fiber connectivity.”

A private equity firm, Peppertree focuses on making investments in growing communication infrastructure companies in the United States and abroad. Peppertree was formed in 2004 and is investing out of its eighth private equity fund and an evergreen debt fund. Peppertree has more than $2 billion under management. Areas of focus include towers, fiber, DAS, spectrum, small cells and related real estate.

April 27, 2021

Wilkinson Barker Knauer Attorneys Named 2021 Super Lawyers

A dozen Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP attorneys have been named to the 2021 Super Lawyers list in both Washington, DC, and Denver, CO. Additionally, this marks the 10th year on the Super Lawyers list for WBK Managing Partner Bryan Tramont and David Oxenford.

The WBK attorneys named 2021 Super Lawyers are: Jonathan Cohen (Washington, DC; Communications), Christine Crowe (Washington, DC; Communications), Ray Gifford (Colorado; Utilities, Communications, Administrative Law, Environmental), Erin Griffith (Washington, DC; Rising Stars – Communications), Russ Hanser (Washington, DC; Communications), Matthew Larson (Colorado; Rising Stars – Energy & Natural Resources, Utilities), Howard Liberman (Washington, DC; Communications), David Oxenford (Washington, DC; Communications), David Solomon (Washington, DC; Communications), Bryan Tramont (Washington, DC; Communications), Mark Wiranowski (Colorado; Rising Stars – Utilities, Business/Corporate) and Rachel Wolkowitz (Washington, DC; Rising Stars – Administrative Law).

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations with up to 5 percent of the lawyers in each state named Super Lawyers and no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state named Rising Stars.

April 22, 2021

Phillips Lytle Partner Doug Dimitroff Named to Law360 Editorial Advisory Board

Phillips Lytle LLP Partners Douglas W. Dimitroff has been selected for the 2021 Law360 Editorial Advisory Board Telecommunications Editorial Advisory Board.

The purpose of the editorial advisory board is to provide insight to Law360 on trends in legal developments. Hundreds of lawyers contribute thought leadership to Law360, but only a limited number are chosen for editorial advisory boards.

Doug will participate in the Telecommunications Editorial Advisory Board for the second consecutive year. Focusing in the areas of telecommunications law and commercial real estate, he has over 25 years of experience in telecommunications matters, representing leading telecommunications carriers, infrastructure providers and numerous other clients involved in the telecommunications industry. His representation has included transactional and litigation matters – such as permitting for wireless telecommunication carriers, tower owners and developers – and site leasing work, site development, and asset sales and purchases throughout the United States. He has particular expertise in DAS and other small cell networks, where he is involved with both business and regulatory aspects. Doug is a board member and founder of the New York State Wireless Association.

Phillips Lytle is a regional law firm that is recognized nationally. With offices across New York State and in Washington, D.C. and Canada, our attorneys serve a multinational client base, including FORTUNE 1000 companies, global and regional financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, middle-market companies, startups, entrepreneurs and individuals on important matters affecting their businesses and personal wealth. For more information, visit www.phillipslytle.com.

April 5, 2021

Karen Milne Joins Wilkinson Barker Knauer as Partner in DC Office

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP (WBK) is pleased to announce that Karen Milne is joining the firm as a Partner in the Washington, DC, office. Karen joins WBK with extensive experience in advising clients in the media, satellite, telecommunications, wireless and high-technology industries.

Prior to joining WBK, Karen worked in the communications and information technology section of an AmLaw 100 firm. She regularly represents clients before the FCC on a wide range of regulatory and transactional matters, such as mergers and acquisitions, licensing and compliance, spectrum policies, the broadcast incentive auction, foreign ownership, broadcast ownership, and rulemaking proceedings. Karen assists clients with structuring transactions to comply with applicable regulations and managing the FCC and PUC regulatory approval process. She also works with clients to negotiate and draft retransmission consent agreements and commercial transaction and licensing agreements. Karen’s clients have included television and radio station group owners, satellite operators, private equity and hedge fund, and providers of new technologies and services.

Karen received her J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law
and a B.S. in English from Manhattanville College.

Karen will be located in the firm’s Washington, DC, office and can be reached at 202.383. 3357 and KMilne@wbklaw.com. Additional information about Karen can be found at https://www.wbklaw.com/our-team/karen-l-milne/.

March 9, 2021

Motive Infrastructure Solutions Adds Robert Strickland to Board

Motive Infrastructure Solutions, the self-performing engineering, procurement construction (EPC) provider, has added Robert Strickland, founder and CEO of M37 Ventures, to its board of advisors.

Strickland founded M37 Ventures, a next-generation management and technology consulting company that helps businesses implement digital and technology strategy at the executive level. Prior to M37 Ventures, Strickland served as CTO of Leap Wireless / Cricket Communications, CIO and senior vice president of T-Mobile, and CIO of EchoStar – all leaders in wireless and satellite communications.

Motive Infrastructure Solutions combines the entrepreneurial spirit of a small firm with the experience and financial strength of a premier EPC solutions provider. Last year, Motive Infrastructure Solutions acquired DS Energy Solutions (July 2020) and AWS Communications (November 2020), respectively. As the company grows and its operations scale, the addition of Strickland reinforces Istwan’s commitment to invest in leadership that will keep the company ahead of the competition and at the forefront of the industry.

March 2, 2021

BAI Communications Appoints Former FCC Commissioner Abernathy to Board

Kathleen Abernathy has been appointed as a non-executive director on the BAI Communications board of directors, chaired by Joan Gillman.

Abernathy’s career highlights include appointment as a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission in 2001, after being nominated by President George W. Bush, followed by a board of directors position with Frontier Communications where she subsequently served as chief legal officer and executive vice president regulatory and government affairs. Kathleen also chairs the ISO New England Board of Directors and is a director of DISH Network and Somos in addition to her new appointment to the board of BAI.

Abernathy is delighted to accept this position alongside her esteemed colleagues on the board: “I am excited to be part of a team that is investing in the long-term growth opportunities being driven by 5G deployment, which will change how we live, work and play. 5G will impact lives and livelihoods in ways we have yet to fully comprehend. My experience in the wireline and wireless sectors of the telecommunications industry positions me to provide strategic advice on external advocacy that will support and help ensure the success of BAI’s growth and expansion strategies as the company focuses on 5G opportunities.”

Chair Joan Gillman has welcomed Abernathy to the board saying, “Kathleen has a unique understanding of how to manage and leverage regulatory complexities to further business objectives. I am delighted that she has joined our board at the start of a new growth trajectory for the company. Her extensive experience will be a great benefit to our business.”

BAI’s Group CEO Igor Leprince added, “Kathleen will bring a fresh perspective to our growth strategy and its supporting investment plans with her unique experience and expertise in the public and private sectors. Kathleen is well placed to advise us as we cement our position at the forefront of creating value for transit agencies, municipalities, government, and mobile network operators. The combination of her skill sets will add immediate value to an already distinctive board of directors and is another positive move for BAI.”

Other achievements include Kathleen’s position as senior industry and innovation fellow at the Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy, McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University and being a member of the leadership team that saw Frontier grow into a Fortune 250 company.

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), BAI’s majority shareholder and trusted long-term investor, welcomed this announcement.

February 18, 2021

Tracy, Drouin and Lekutis Appointed to Serve on Tower Family Foundation Executive Board

The Tower Family Foundation announced today that Board of Directors’ members Jim Tracy, Victor Drouin and Craig Lekutis were appointed by their peers to serve on the non-profit organization’s Executive Committee for the 2021-2022 term.

Jim Tracy, founder and CEO of Legacy Telecommunications, in Gig Harbor, Washington, was appointed to serve as the President of the Board of Directors. Tracy has previously served in leadership roles for organizations including NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, the National Wireless Safety Alliance and Pilots for Christ.

Victor Drouin, president of Green Mountain Communications in Pembroke, New Hampshire, was appointed to serve as Vice President of the Board of Directors. Drouin is beginning his third year serving on the Tower Family Foundation Board of Directors, which includes a year serving in the role of President. Drouin also currently maintains leadership positions on the Board of Directors at NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association and the National Wireless Safety Alliance.

Craig Lekutis, president of WirelessEstimator.com in Margate, Florida, was appointed to serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Directors. Lekutis is beginning his fourth year serving on the organization’s Board of Directors. During his tenure of service, Lekutis has been instrumental in his role as Board oversight and a key advisor to the Foundation’s Advisory Committee.

January 21, 2021

Aero Wireless Group Appoints John Kearney as Chief Commercial Officer

Aero Wireless Group has appointed John Kearney as chief commercial officer, responsible for managing strategic customer accounts and sales and marketing. The Aero Wireless Group includes Comptek Technologies, Aero Smart Communities and Aero Solutions.

“We are excited to welcome John to the Aero Wireless Group. John’s experience in growing revenue and managing strategic relationships in the telecom industry will be crucial as we continue to scale. His experience will enable us to better serve our valued customers and strategic partners in providing wireless infrastructure needed to connect communities,” said Jim Lockwood, CEO of Aero Wireless Group.

Kearney’s experience in growing revenue and managing strategic relationships in the telecom industry is crucial. During his career, Kearney has held commercial leadership positions in the wireless industry. He joins the Aero Wireless Group from Intrado, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Carrier Services as part of the company’s Life and Safety Division. Previously, John served as Vice President of Operations for Intrado’s Mobility Division and held several roles in the Telecom industry.

“I am extremely excited to join the Aero Wireless Group and help further its mission of connecting people and communities with smart infrastructure to improve public safety and quality of life,” said Kearney. “The company is the leader in developing innovative solutions in this market, consistently delivering on its commitment to customers and strategic partners with a limitless potential for future growth.”

January 19, 2021

Motive Infrastructure Solutions Appoints Phillip Ackerman as Business Development Executive

Motive Infrastructure Solutions, a provider of turnkey design and construction services would like to announce the appointment of Phillip Ackerman as a Business Development Executive with the company. Ackerman’s primary focus will be to establish Motive’s national footprint as well as develop telecommunication and energy infrastructure that will be owned and operated by Motive.

Ackerman joins Motive from Black Dot Capital and Real Estate Group, where he served on the executive team, most recently as its president since 2004. In this role he designed and implemented cutting edge expense reduction programs that helped his clients realize over $10 billion in cost savings on thousands of telecommunications facilities across North America.

Ackerman added, “I am excited to be joining MOTIVE and working closely with its leadership team to continue the tradition of providing timely, productive, and cost-efficient services. MOTIVE provides its customers with a unique self-performance model and I look forward to sharing the MOTIVE story throughout the telecommunications industry.

Ackerman is a 25-year telecommunications real estate expert and a founding member of nationally recognized companies such as Black Dot and Wireless Capital Partners. During his career, Mr. Ackerman has developed, negotiated, and acquired over 60,000 telecommunications facilities for wireless carriers, tower companies, and fiber providers.

January 12, 2021

CTIA Announces Three Senior Promotions

CTIA has announced three executive promotions, bolstering the association’s leadership across its legal and state and federal regulatory affairs teams.

Benjamin Aron has been promoted to the position of assistant vice president, state regulatory affairs; Jen Oberhausen to assistant vice president, regulatory affairs; and Melanie Tiano to assistant vice president, cybersecurity and privacy.

“I am so proud of the exceptional talent in our organization,” said Meredith Attwell Baker, CTIA president and CEO. “Ben, Jen and Melanie exemplify our dedication to serving our industry, representing our members and working to fulfilling our mission of making sure every American benefits from the power of mobile broadband.”

November 17, 2020

Transit Wireless Hires Jeff Garte as Chief Financial Officer

Transit Wireless, a 5G wireless infrastructure company, has announced that Jeff Garte has joined the company as chief financial officer. In his senior leadership role, Garte will drive financial strategy to facilitate the company’s growing 5G infrastructure buildouts and support its expanding public-private partnerships. Garte is based in New York City and will report directly to Melinda White, chief executive officer of Transit Wireless.

In his new role, Garte will be responsible for overseeing the financial strategy and leadership of the company, including FP&A, accounting and IT.

Garte comes to Transit Wireless with more than 20 years of financial and operational experience in public and private companies. He previously served as CFO of Globecomm Systems and has held executive level financial roles at CSC Service Works, Hibernia Networks and AboveNet.

Garte earned his MBA from Columbia University in New York City and also holds a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College located in Clinton, NY

November 10, 2020

Crown Castle Appoints Chief Operating Officer

Crown Castle International has appointed Chris Levendos to lead its small cells and fiber solutions activities as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Fiber. Levendos joined Crown Castle in 2018 and is currently Vice President of Network Engineering and Operations, responsible for the oversight of the company’s national fiber and small cell infrastructure network. As previously announced, James D. Young, Crown Castle’s current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Fiber, is retiring from Crown Castle and will remain with the company through February 2021 in order to assist with various matters, including the transition of Mr. Levendos as his successor.

Levendos has more than 30 years of experience operating and leading large fiber network organizations, previously serving as Executive Vice President of Field Operations for Frontier Communications Corporation as well as leading network deployment and operations as an executive of Google Fiber Inc., a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. Prior to his time with Google Fiber Inc., Mr. Levendos spent most of his career at Verizon Communications Inc. in a variety of operating roles within the company’s wireline division. Mr. Levendos holds a B.A. in History from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, a Master of Urban Planning degree from New York University and a Master of Telecommunications Management degree from Stevens Institute of Technology.

October 29, 2020

Crown Castle Appoints Tammy Jones and Matthew Thornton, III to its Board of Directors

Crown Castle International has appointed Tammy Jones and Matthew Thornton, III as directors, effective November 6, 2020. Upon joining the Board, Jones and Thornton will be independent directors pursuant to New York Stock Exchange listing standards. Jones has more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate investments, capital markets and finance. Thornton brings over 40 years of leadership and operating experience, most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of FedEx Freight.

“We are very pleased to welcome Tammy and Matthew to the Board and look forward to the contributions they will make as members of our Board,” said J. Landis Martin, Chairman of the Crown Castle Board of Directors. “Crown Castle will benefit greatly from Tammy’s extensive experience in real estate investing and her focus on the efficient allocation of capital as we continue to invest in assets that will help deliver a nationwide 5G network. In addition, we will rely on Matthew’s substantial expertise in operating large and complex businesses as we continue to expand and scale our small cell business.”

Ari Fitzgerald, chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committee, said, “With the additions of Tammy and Matthew, the Board is confident we are advancing the first phase of our Board transition process with two high caliber individuals who possess the right mix of skills, diversity, backgrounds and experience to help drive continued value creation for all shareholders. We also intend to add a third director with previous experience in the fiber industry.”

October 27, 2020

WIA Adds Baumann to TIRAP Advisory Board

Brad Baumann, vice president, wireless solutions for Gabe’s Construction, has joined the Wireless Infrastructure Association’s Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP) Advisory Board.

Baumann has 37 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. He has held several senior executive roles with CCI Systems, Advanced Communications, Inc., and Charter Communications. He has been a committed partner to Monroe County Community College (MCCC) and its expansion of curriculum related to the telecommunications industry. Baumann attended MCCC himself, previously served on the SCTE Lake Michigan Chapter Board, and currently serves on PCCA’s Education Committee.

October 15, 2020

Infinite Electronics Appoints Jason Koshy to Global Vice President of Sales

Infinite Electronics has promoted Jason Koshy to global vice president of sales. In this role, Koshy will lead all Infinite sales teams.

Koshy has been with Infinite Electronics for 22 years, starting as an applications engineer with LEA International (later acquired by Smiths Microwave Telecom, or SMT, as part of Transtector). During his tenure, Koshy has held roles of increasing responsibility, including quality and manufacturing engineer, regional sales manager, director of sales for north america, and most recently as VP of sales for the Americas and ROW.

In addition to his roles in sales, Koshy supported Infinite’s integration of Integra Optics and SMT (Kaelus, Radiowaves, PolyPhaser and Transtector). He successfully led the sales team through a transition to work-from-home through the COVID-19 crisis. Mr. Koshy holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida.

“Jason has been an outstanding member of our revenue leadership team and is the ideal candidate to lead our sales teams into the future to meet our vision for global growth. We look forward to his ongoing contributions to Infinite’s continued success in this new role,” explained Penny Cotner, Infinite Electronics’ President & CEO.

October 6, 2020

Transit Wireless Promotes Louise Butler Golding to a Combined People and Business Operations Leadership Role

Recognizing the exponentially increasing value of human capital in driving operational performance and growth, wireless infrastructure company Transit Wireless has promoted Louise Butler Golding to Senior Vice President of People and Business Operations. Golding is based in New York City and reports directly to Melinda White, chief executive officer of Transit Wireless.

“Today the most successful, world-class companies understand the critical role of their people in delivering operational outcomes,” said White. “What Louise brings to her new position is an invaluable understanding of organizational effectiveness and how it drives operational effectiveness. Combining the staff function and line function under Louise’s lead will help advance our growth in 5G by leveraging her value as a seasoned business executive, trusted advisor, and member of our senior leadership team.”

Transit Wireless recently partnered with the MTA in New York City and AT&T to bring voice and data connections to the East River’s Canarsie Tunnel, making the L Line the first under-river subway tunnel with full connectivity. “The Canarsie project – requiring so much collaboration and dedication of our people, who were working in a challenging under-river site amid the equally daunting challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic – underscored how important it is to place people at the center of what we do and what we can bring that is so invaluable to our work and partnerships,” said White.

Golding’s new role expands her oversight of human resources and company strategy in 5G and Data and Advertising at Transit Wireless to include leading the company’s strategy around project delivery and operational effectiveness, particularly in its 5G and data offerings. As municipalities struggle with funding for much-needed infrastructure projects – a situation even more dire since the onset of COVID-19 – Transit Wireless’s successful public-private partnership cost model takes the burden off the taxpayers to fund high-quality connectivity.

“Public-private partnerships are a lifeline for cities and states in the current economic climate, and we need to move in an agile and effective way to help create these partnerships,” said Golding. “The way to optimize performance and productivity is with our people, and having HR work strategically with the business lines will help us expand our exceptional value to all of our partners, public and private.”

In her new role, Golding will continue to oversee human resources and operational delivery for Transit Wireless, including talent management, compensation, and HR operations. She will also continue to lead the company strategy in 5G and Data and Advertising. As a business line leader, she will tap into her proven skills in change management and transformation as she focuses on building operational excellence across strategic parts of the Transit Wireless business, including project delivery.

“The way that people work is directly related to business outcomes,” Golding said. “With the disruption around work and the workplace in the post-COVID world, organizations have recognized how essential their people are to business operations, and of the importance of employee engagement and development to driving scalable, sustainable growth.”

Golding started her career at RBS as a private banker, where she worked for over 15 years developing her career in M&A and global transformation, from both London and New York. She has worked in several industries including telecommunications, smart IoT, broadcast and media, consulting, and education. She has a degree in business management from the University of Hull.

September 22, 2020

Valmont Appoints Two New Board Members

Valmont Industries has announced that its Board of Directors has elected Ritu Favre and Joan Robinson-Berry as independent directors, effective September 18, 2020. The two appointments further enhance the Board’s skills, experience and diversity, while increasing its size to 12 members.

Commenting on the appointments, Mogens C. Bay, Valmont Chairman of the Board, said, “Ritu and Joan are both highly experienced, and we are excited to welcome leaders of their caliber to our Board. Each brings depth of knowledge, relevant capabilities and experience that will help advance the execution of our strategic imperatives, including market expansion, technology-enabled growth and operational excellence. Joan’s strategic mindset and strong track record of leading global operations, engineering and procurement for a world-class industrial company will help advance Valmont’s future growth strategies. Ritu’s extensive background and passion for technology, innovation, IoT and operational expertise will be invaluable as we increase digital solutions across our businesses. I look forward to their perspective and input as we execute on our global growth strategies to maximize value for our stakeholders.”

Favre is a seasoned high-tech industry leader with experience across general management and executive leadership roles in the radio frequency and semiconductor industries. She currently is Senior Vice President and General Manager of the semiconductor business at National Instruments Corporation (NI), a multi-national, leading producer of automated test equipment and virtual instrumentation software. Most recently, she served as the chief executive officer of NEXT Biometrics, and has held senior management positions with Motorola, Freescale Semiconductor, and Synaptics. She is a member of the Global Semiconductor Association’s Women’s Leadership Council and an advisory board member to Microfacturing Institutes.

Robinson-Berry recently retired from a 35-year career at The Boeing Company, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Engineer for Boeing Global Services, responsible for product and services safety, technical integrity and engineering. Her career path at Boeing includes leadership responsibilities for global engineering, maintenance and modifications for all Boeing government and commercial product lines. Prior roles include VP and GM for Commercial airplanes with responsibilities for 787 Airplane Production Operations, Engineering Design Center, IT Centers, Interiors, Propulsion, and Technology, and Chief Procurement Officer. She has received extensive recognition for her work in STEM, is a Technical Fellow and serves on the Cal Poly University Pomona Foundation Board and Unaka Company Inc. Board of Directors.

Favre said, “I’m honored to join Valmont’s Board and excited about the opportunity to bring my 30+ years of technology experience and perspective to the Company in support of furthering its growth strategy. Additionally, Valmont’s tagline of Conserving Resources, Improving Life®, provides a solid foundation for ESG principles. I look forward to working closely with fellow directors to advance these efforts and technology-focused initiatives across the organization.”

Robinson-Berry said, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the Valmont Board at a very exciting time in the Company’s history. Valmont has an impressive strategy and vision around global market expansion and a culture supported by strong core values. I look forward to actively contributing toward the achievement of our vision.”

September 17, 2020

Shylesh Moras and Andy Haldane to Help Grow Foundation Through Service to Endowment Committee

Shylesh Moras, senior VP, operations, development and IT at Phoenix Tower International and Andy Haldane, so-founder and CEO at Tower Engineering Professionals have been appointed to serve on the Tower Family Foundation Endowment Committee.

In their roles as members of the Endowment Committee, Moras and Haldane will assist in facilitating fundraising opportunities for the Tower Family Foundation and serve as ambassadors by helping enhance the organization’s visibility and mission in the wireless marketplace and at various industry events held throughout the country.

“We are excited to add the talents of Shylesh and Andy to the Tower Family Foundation’s leadership team,” said Board of Directors member and Endowment Committee Chairman Bernard Borghei, Executive Vice President of Operations & Co-Founder at Vertical Bridge. “Shylesh and Andy represent companies with an outstanding culture of philanthropy and community service and both gentlemen will play an instrumental role in helping the foundation provide for more industry workers and families who need financial support,” Borghei added.

The Tower Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial assistance and scholarships to family members of a severely injured, permanently disabled, or deceased tower worker injured or killed in an accident stemming from working at heights on communication structures or other on-the-job related activities that tower workers are involved in on a daily basis.

Since its inception in 2014, the Tower Family Foundation has awarded $933,500 in donations and scholarships to eligible tower workers and their families. VRS P.C., an independent certified public accounting firm, has calculated that over 97 cents of every dollar donated to the Tower Family Foundation goes directly to eligible benefactors.

Interested stakeholders are encouraged to visit the Tower Family Foundation’s website at www.towerfamilyfoundation.org, to learn more about the organization and make an online contribution.

Shylesh Moras, is a Senior Vice President with Phoenix Tower International based in Boca Raton, Florida. As Senior Vice President, Shylesh oversees three departments for the company: Operations, Development, and Information Technology. Phoenix Tower International owns and operates in excess of 9,000 towers, 986 km of fiber and over 80,000 other wireless infrastructure and related sites throughout the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, and Peru.

Shylesh has been with Phoenix Tower since 2014 through a period of tremendous growth and was instrumental in helping take the company from a startup operation to an established global tower company, expanding into 15 markets, bringing on 9,000+ tower assets and over 300 employees located around the world.

Shylesh has been in the telecommunications industry for 20 years, with his first job being with Morrison Hershfield’s telecommunications division based in their Atlanta, GA offices.

Shylesh attended McGill University in Montreal, Canada where he received both a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a Master’s degree in structural engineering.

Andy Haldane has been in the telecommunications industry for over 20 years and he co-founded Tower Engineering Professionals. After he graduated from Clarkson University in 1995, Andy began his career working in various roles which included completing tower mappings, structural analysis, structural modification designs, civil site designs, and post-construction inspections.

He is a licensed Professional Engineer in all 50 states and all U.S. territories (DC, PR, Guam, the Marianas Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Trinidad and Tobago, Australia, Queensland, Ireland, and Jamaica. Also, he holds a General Contractor license in North Carolina and California.

In addition to being one of TEP’s most senior level engineers, he is an ENSA Certified Instructor trained in Tower Climbing Safety & Rescue, an AWS QC1 Certified Weld Inspector, and a Grade I ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician and maintains his OSHA 10 Hour Certification along with his American Heart Association CPR and First Aid Certifications.

Even in his current role as the CEO, Andy reviews geotechnical, structural, civil and inspection reports and he continues to train the company’s tower climbers. His love of climbing has fueled his passion for training and safety within TEP and the industry and Andy continues to take an active role in the company’s safety program. Andy’s reputation, experience and leadership has driven TEP to be well known and respected for our quality of work throughout the industry. When he’s not in the office or at home, you can find Andy on a tower, coaching his kid’s hockey games, or in the TEP gym, located at our headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina.

August 18, 2020

Jon Eastman Promoted to President at VIKOR

VIKOR, formerly Sioux Falls Tower & Communications, has promoted Jon Eastman to the position of President of VIKOR. Jon has been a member of the VIKOR team and has taken on various responsibilities to assist in the continual development of the organization. His role as President will further those responsibilities.

Craig Snyder, VIKOR CEO, said of this change, “VIKOR is once again on the move. The great thing about VIKOR is there is always opportunity. As we continue to grow, change will be a part of who we are. We will work to meet the needs of our people and customers. Jon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in leadership to the helm in helping us do that. Throughout his career as an athlete, coach, and executive, he has helped take his teams to the next level. Now we’re excited to have him help lead VIKOR to even greater heights!”

The promotion to President recognizes the contributions Jon has made to VIKOR during his time here with the organization and the overall growth strategy of the company. Concerning this promotion, Jon says, “As we stand at this junction between past and present, I am humbled as I look backwards to what has been built by all of the amazing people that have been here before. I am also extremely excited as I look forward to the future and what will be! Most importantly, I am filled with confidence as I look around me and see the extremely talented and capable team of people standing here today at VIKOR ready to throw themselves into the work.”

As president, Jon will continue to carry out most of his responsibilities in providing oversight of organizational development. Additionally, Jon will direct day to day operations, company culture, financial success, and strategic planning. Jon will report directly to VIKOR CEO, Craig Snyder. They will coordinate efforts and responsibilities in leading the company along with the executive team. This promotion is effective on Monday, August 17, 2020. Please join us in congratulating Jon Eastman as he takes on these new responsibilities.

July 31, 2020

Fritzsche Leaves Wells Fargo for Canopy Spectrum

Jennifer Fritzsche has joined Canopy Spectrum, which is a fund set up to bid in the C-band auction scheduled for December of this year. She will be working with partners raising money and designing strategy for bidding on the spectrum. Most recently she was senior analyst/managing director in the Equity Research department at Wells Fargo Securities, where she focused on the Telecommunications Services sector since 1999. She began in telecom equity research in 1996 with EVEREN Securities, where she was promoted to senior analyst. In 2006, Forbes magazine recognized Jennifer as one of the top ten stock pickers from a universe of 4,500 sell-side analysts across all industry sectors. Most recently, in May 2011, she was recognized as the No. 1 earnings estimator for Wireless Telecommunication Services by Financial Times/StarMine, a leading provider of objective ratings of equity securities analysts. She has a BA in history from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts and an MBA from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts where she graduated summa cum laude.

July 9, 2020

Fiberone Adds Andy Arden to Lead Sales Team

Fiberone, a provider of critical fiber optic product solutions for telecommunication networks, has expanded its sales team with the addition of Andy Arden as its new director of sales.

Arden will be responsible leading all sales and business development activities and will develop sales team objectives to ensure attainment of new sales/revenue and margin growth goals. He will also assume responsibility for hiring and supervising the sales team.

To respond to demand by service providers for more virtual home offices, distance learning, expanded bandwidth, as well as the move to 5G cellular, Fiberone will continue to expand its salesforce while enhancing product development to meet client’s new demands.

Arden has been recognized as a top producer in the communications industry and has worked for Large Multi-National Global companies to highly innovative smaller companies. He has held Sales Management and Director of Sales & Business Development positions for such industry esteem companies as Ciena, MRV Communications (ADVA), SOLiD, Charles Industries (Amphenol) and Siecor/Corning, where he has been a trusted resource for clients within the industry. He has been awarded Circle of Excellence and other company achievement awards including customer service awards at previous companies. Arden is a team player, who prides himself on his customer service skills and relationships.

July 2, 2020

Ganzi Assumes Role of President, CEO of Colony Capital

Marc Ganzi assumed the role of Colony Capital’s CEO, July 1, succeeding Thomas Barrack, Jr., who will continue in his role as executive chairman. In connection with Ganzi’s appointment, the company’s board of directors appointed Ganzi as a member of the board and as president of the company. In addition, Jacky Wu has assumed the role of chief financial officer and treasurer.

“Three years ago we embarked on a pivot to the digital frontier and its incredible potential of growth and opportunity,” said Barrack. “The final piece we needed to complete this critical transition is the exact right CEO to lead Colony in its transformation and build on Colony’s strong global legacy. I am confident that under Marc’s leadership, Colony Capital will be positioned as the premier investment partner for companies enabling the next generation of mobile and internet connectivity.”

“I want to thank Tom for his visionary leadership in building Colony Capital into a best-in-class real estate investment platform over the past three decades,” said Ganzi. “In today’s uncertain environment, global communications infrastructure and the digital ecosystem it comprises have never been more essential in bridging the digital divide and connecting communities, businesses and individuals around the world. Colony is poised to capitalize on a wide variety of attractive investment opportunities to provide greater connectivity and services for our customers and superior value for our shareholders. I look forward to working closely with the Board, Jacky, and the rest of our executive management team to execute on our shared vision.”

In connection with Ganzi’s appointment to the board, Charles Schoenherr has resigned from the company’s board of directors.

May 14, 2020

B+T Group Hires New Chief Financial Officer

B+T Group, a full-service engineering, construction, and technical services firm specializing in the wireless industry, announces the hire of a new Chief Financial Officer.

John McDermott, CPA, came to B+T Group as CFO in the first quarter of 2020, where he is responsible for the finances of all seven regional locations. Prior to joining the company, McDermott served as Chief Financial Officer for Zeeco, Inc., a privately owned multinational corporation specializing in engineered-to-order equipment for the energy industry, where he was responsible for the Accounting, Treasury, Information Technology, and Human Resource departments for more than 1,000 employees across ten countries.

“We are thrilled to have John at B+T Group,” said Chad Tuttle, CEO. “His experience with complex financial reporting models, contract review and negotiation, and advanced forecasting and budgeting will take us to a new level organizationally.” McDermott’s accounting experience also includes public accounting work locally for SF + Co. and internationally for Pricewaterhouse Coopers. McDermott earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Accountant through Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

McDermott was born in Liverpool, England, and was raised and educated primarily in New Zealand. McDermott has made his home in Tulsa for 22 years and lives here with his wife and children.

B+T Group was co-founded in 2000 by its CEO, Chad Tuttle, and Dinesh Bhat. The company has grown from a two-man structural engineering firm into a full-service wireless engineering, construction, and technical services firm, including Tower Modifications, Structural Analysis, A&E Services, Site Acquisition, DAS/Small Cell Services, and Tower Construction. B+T Group has also developed Site360, a proprietary process that delivers detailed, centimeter-accurate, comprehensive tower and compound audit information quickly, directly and securely to its customers. The firm is licensed and certified to provide engineering services in all 50 states, supported by more than 200 employees operating within nine regional offices across the United States.

May 12, 2020

SQUAN Appoints Amanda Cahill as National Business Development Director

SQUAN has appointed Amanda Cahill as its new national business development director. Although her primary focus will be to lead business development efforts, Cahill will be charged with ensuring excellence in SQUAN’s client engagements, creative marketing strategies, proposal delivery, and execution. She will also lead SQUAN’s growth and expansion efforts as fiber and wireless carriers continue to strengthen and converge.

“Well versed in telecommunications infrastructure, as well as, successfully supporting business expansion efforts by building long-standing business relationships throughout her career, Cahill’s prior professional experience makes her the perfect fit for this role,” said SQUAN’s CSO, Keith Pennachio. “Her abilities to lead teams and acclimate to our evolving industry have all attributed to her professional successes.”

Prior to joining SQUAN, Cahill was the business development manager at Flash Technology, where she was responsible for prospecting potential customers, managing client relations, contract negotiations, defining long-term organizational goals and establishing sales account strategies for wireless telecommunications carriers, wind energy companies, utility oil and gas providers and communication tower owners. She also has experience as a sales executive for Smartlink and a marketing coordinator for VERTICOM.

In addition to her role with SQUAN, Cahill will continue to serve as the executive director of ways and means and co-director of membership for the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF). There, she will continue to foster industry relationships to drive fundraising and sponsorship efforts for the organization. She is also actively involved in several state wireless associations, as well as an active member in NATE, The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association’s non-profit trade association dedicated to providing a unified voice for companies

March 3, 2020

Adrian Berezowsky, president and founder of BirchCo, has joined Dynamic Environmental Associates (DEA) as Vice President

Adrian Berezowsky, president and founder of BirchCo, has joined Dynamic Environmental Associates (DEA) as Vice President, merging BirchCo’s environmental and regulatory practice under the DEA name.

Adrian has over 13 years of experience in the wireless infrastructure industry and was a founding member of IVI Telecom Services, Inc., a nationwide environmental consulting firm which also specialized in environmental and regulatory due diligence for wireless infrastructure development. When IVI was acquired by CBRE in late 2014, Adrian continued to manage CBRE’s telecom due diligence practice as well as managing CBRE’s internal resources related to wireless infrastructure at, on or within CBRE managed and/or owned properties.

Adrian attended The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science & Art (Bachelor of Architecture) and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and is Vice President and events chair for the New York State Wireless Association. Adrian previously co-chaired WIA’s Environmental Engineering and Consultants Working Group with DEA President David Jermakian.

Adrian can be reached at ABerezowsky@DynamicEnvironmental.com David can be reached at DJermakian@DynamicEnvironmental.com

February 4, 2020

Hardwick Promoted to VP, GM at SQUAN

SQUAN, which provides design/build services for telecom network infrastructure, has promoted Carolyn Hardwick to the role of vice president & general manager, engineering, in an effort to ensure this division’s continued development and growth.

The company also expanded the role of wireless VP Dave Rundella to cover the south region, an area where SQUAN’s broader wireless group is experiencing increased expansion.

December 5, 2019

MVP Capital Adds Wiebe as Telecom Managing Director

Chuck Wiebe has joined the MVP Capital’s telecom, media, and technology (TMT) practice as a Managing Director in its Boston office.

Wiebe is a seasoned investment banker and investor with over 25 years of experience in the telecom, media and technology sectors. Prior to MVP, he co-founded and was Managing Director of BIA Capital Strategies, an independent investment bank, and co-founded and was a member of the General Partner of BIA Digital Partners, a mezzanine-focused investment firm that raised two funds and deployed approximately $350 million in companies in the TMT sectors.

He has known MVP and most of its senior leadership team for more thank 20 years and has successfully collaborated with the firm on a variety of telecom projects.

Jason Hill, MVP’s Managing Partner, said “MVP is completing a record year and has continued momentum heading into 2020. Chuck’s deal execution and business development experience will be an ideal and timely fit as we address keen client demand for our services. That demand is being driven by the ongoing digital transformation of their businesses and the relentless evolution of next generation communication networks.”

“MVP Capital has built a great team that is able to deliver outstanding results for its clients,” Wiebe added. “The firm has developed an excellent foundation for continued growth and has maintained a great culture. I’m excited to join the MVP team and help forward MVP’s industry leadership in TMT investment banking.”

November 7, 2019

Dish Network Gears Up for 5G Run, Hiring Stephen Bye From Connectivity Wireless

Dish Network has named wireless industry veteran Stephen Bye to its executive wireless leadership team. Bye will serve as chief commercial officer. He will join Dish as executive vice presidents and report to Dish co-founder and chairman Charlie Ergen.

“Dish is positioned to fundamentally redefine how we think about wireless at all levels, from the retail consumer to the largest enterprise and governmental use cases,” said Bye. “This greenfield network, the first in a generation, will be an engine of innovation for our economy.”

Bye, most recently CEO of Connectivity Wireless, is a 28-year veteran of telecommunications and wireless who served as President of C-Spire and CTO of Sprint. He will lead the Dish wireless enterprise development team. The team’s mission is to define, develop and market commercial applications, as well as establish strategic enterprise partnerships that are able to harness the unique architecture of DISH’s software-defined 5G broadband network.

“Stephen shares our vision for the transformative power our 5G network will deliver to consumers and enterprises of all types,” said Ergen. “He will play a critical role in developing and commercializing innovative and disruptive applications built around our unique capabilities like network slicing, flexible capacity management and massive connectivity.”

Marc Rouanne was also named to the executive wireless leadership team. Rouanne will serve as chief network officer and will also report to Ergen.

“There isn’t a pattern for the kind of network we are building in the United States and we need the best people in the world to make our vision of a virtualized standalone 5G broadband network a reality,” said Ergen. “Marc and Stephen will help lead our work to redefine the American wireless landscape to the benefit of consumers.”

As CNO, Rouanne will oversee the strategy and architecture of the network, its core, and its cloud and edge strategies.

He brings more than 20 years of international management experience in the telecommunications industry, having held executive positions including president of Mobile Networks and chief innovation and operating officer of Nokia and chairman of the board of Alcatel-Lucent. He is an advocate of opening the traditionally closed systems in wireless networks. Under his leadership, Nokia was the first large telecommunications vendor to join groups such as the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), xRAN Forum and the O-RAN Alliance.

Rouanne and Bye are expected to join DISH in December.

October 31, 2019

Wireless Supply Appoints Patrick Strickland Director of Marketing

Wireless Supply has named Patrick Strickland, a veteran business-to-business marketing and communications specialist, as its new Director of Marketing. Strickland will plan and implement marketing, advertising, and public relations activities for Wireless Supply.

He will work closely with General Manager Jeff Hall, as part of Wireless Supply’s leadership team.

Strickland’s duties will include marketing strategy, media management and budgeting, print and interactive advertising development, print collateral production, product publicity, web site management, and trade show management.

Patrick Strickland comes to Wireless Supply from Phase Two Consulting, a business-to-business marketing communications firm in Charlotte, NC where he was a designer and account executive. He was formerly an account executive for The High Country Explorer, a visitors guide in Western North Carolina, and a freelance print and website designer for more than 10 years. His resume also includes 15 years as a Paramedic giving him first-hand knowledge of Public Safety communications. Strickland is a graduate of Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, with a B.S. In Electronic Media/Broadcasting and Advertising.

October 15, 2019

WIA’s Matt Mandel Named VP of Government and Public Affairs

The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) announced that Matt Mandel has been named Vice President of Government and Public Affairs.

“Matt has led WIA and the wireless industry to numerous legislative victories, including saving the industry $250 million in winning a key provision in the Federal Aviation reauthorization bill in 2018,” said WIA President and CEO Jonathan Adelstein. “Matt began at WIA focused on federal legislative advocacy on Capitol Hill, a strong suit of his, which has brought much success to the wireless industry. He has grown to oversee all of Government Affairs and Public Affairs. In his new position, where he’ll remain as chief federal lobbyist for WIA, he will also lead the regulatory, state, and public affairs teams with his balanced ability to pivot between them all. Matt is the prototype for a leader who gets things done and who moves the agenda forward for the wireless industry.”

Matt holds over 20 years of legislative and advocacy experience and has been at WIA since April 2015. He is also an adjunct professor at American University.

October 1, 2019

Tectonic Adds Charles Williams to Wireless Team

Charles Williams, Jr has joined Tectonic’s Telecommunications Division. In his new position, Williams will be overseeing Tectonic’s Site Acquisition and Construction Services in the Western Region.

Prior to Tectonic, Williams has worked for multiple carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile) and OEMs (Nortel, Alcatel-Lucent, Nokia) as a RF Engineer and Project Manager, eventually starting his own company Virtus Communications which provided quality auditing, project management, and construction management services over the past seven years. He brings 20+ years of wireless telecom experience having worked and managed all aspects of the Telecom Project Cycle from RF Engineering, Site Acquisition, A&E, Transport, Construction, Installation and Integration, and Video Quality Auditing.

September 26, 2019

Maltais-Boisvert Joins Digital Bridge

Digital Bridge has named Geneviève Maltais-Boisvert to its executive team. Maltais-Boisvert brings nearly 15 years of experience in global infrastructure funds management and investment banking across North America, Europe, Turkey and Australia to Digital Bridge. She joins a growing team of more than 50 employees, including an executive investment team with diverse operating and financial backgrounds and an unrivaled understanding of the digital infrastructure market.

Previously, Maltais-Boisvert served as Director of Infrastructure Investments at PSP Investments where she helped deploy nearly $1.5 billion across the infrastructure and energy sectors, with a focus on digital infrastructure.

Maltais-Boisvert will focus on sourcing and managing investments for the Digital Colony Partners fund, which is managed by Digital Bridge. The fund closed in May with $4.05 billion in commitments and is the world’s first fund dedicated to digital infrastructure.

September 12, 2019

Carolyn Hardwick Joins SQUAN as National Director, Business Development

SQUAN has appointed Carolyn Hardwick as national director, business development. While her primary responsibility is to lead business development efforts in engineering and expansion as wireline, fiber and wireless carriers continue to converge and intensify pressure on operational excellence.

An experienced wireless communications professional, Hardwick has garnered a wealth of industry knowledge from her past professional experiences that she will leverage in this new role and has a proven record of successfully supporting business expansion efforts throughout her career.

Prior to joining SQUAN, Hardwick served as National Account Director at KGPCo, managing Multiple System Operators (MSOs) in the cable telecommunications sector.

She has held director level positions at both Bluestream Professional Services and SBA Communications Corporation managing client relations, contract negotiation, business strategy, marketing and identification of new revenue opportunities.

Additionally, throughout Hardwick’s decades in the telecom/wireless industry she has worked in roles, includingproject manager / business development manager at Infinigy Engineering, business development / outside sales at Graybar Electric Company, site development manager at Southeast Towers, LLC, and Property and construction manager at AIRGATE PCS / ALAMOSA PCS / SPRINT-NEXTEL.

Hardwick currently serves as president of the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF). She is also a member of the global organization, Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT), as well as ten State Wireless Association Programs.

While SQUAN has embraced diversity since its inception, the company will leverage Hardwick’s leadership status in WWLF to improve upon the organization’s efforts to encourage and support women’s ability to take on leadership roles at SQUAN and throughout the wireless/telecom industries.

August 29, 2019

TESSCO Names Telecom Vet Sandip Mukerjee President, CEO

TESSCO Technologies has named Sandip Mukerjee as president and CEO to replace Murray Wright, who will retire after a transition period. Mukerjee also has replaced Wright on the Board of Directors.

Mukerjee, 56, was most recently president, Global Professional & Consulting Services Business, Nokia Software, where he led the 5G portfolio and positioning strategy as well as its 5G commercialization initiatives. Prior to joining Nokia in 2016, he held several executive positions with Alcatel-Lucent, including president of IP Platforms for the Americas Region, and president of Alcatel-Lucent’s Advanced Communications Products business. Mukerjee started his career with AT&T Bell Laboratories and has held several leadership positions in R&D, Product Management, Strategy and Marketing.

Mukerjee said, “With 5G emerging, we will execute on our strategy to maximize the value of our end-to-end solutions for our customers and drive profitable growth.”

July 11, 2019

Tony Sabatino has been appointed InSite’s President and CSO

Tony Sabatino has been appointed InSite’s President and CSO in 2019, and is responsible for new tower development, broadband services and engineering solutions. Before joining InSite, as president of Sabre, he was responsible for deploying 4G wireless networks across the United States for all major carriers. He previously led the deployment of over 3,000 3G and LTE sites across North America. He worked on the FirstNet white paper for the US Government as an Advisor/Fellow under the CTO to the President of the United States. He joined Sprint PCS in 1995 and was a founding member of the SPCS corporate launch team. During his tenure at SPCS, he submitted several patents on behalf of the company and oversaw the deployment of interference calculations for the PCS industry.

June 18, 2019

Townsend Promoted to President, COO of WANRack

Lenexa, Kansas-based WANRack has promoted George Townsend to President & COO. He will oversee day-to-day leadership and future direction of the company. He will continue to work closely with our CEO, Rob Oyler on development of overall strategic planning through organic and inorganic growth strategies.

George joined the company in October of 2018, bringing 23 years of experience in the carrier and enterprise side of the telecom industry. Throughout his time with WANRack, he has exceeded expectations and gone above and beyond to assist the team in growing into their currently geography covering 21 states.

WANRack provides high-bandwidth, fiber-based communications networks and related services to schools throughout the United States. Service offerings include E-Rate- compliant lit fiber, dark fiber, and special construction solutions. Headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, WANRack’s executive management team has been providing Fiber Optic WANs to school districts since 2005.

June 13, 2019

Compton Joins Hellman Electric in Wireless Implementation

Hellman Electric, a datacom services contractor, has named Sam Compton as director of wireless implementation. With 15 years of experience in wireless construction management, as well as proven expertise in the New York City market, Compton will oversee wireless projects for Hellman Electric as part of the growing Datacom Division.

Throughout a long career in telecom and construction, Compton has managed DAS / C-RAN projects for all major telecom carriers. He has demonstrated his expertise in planning and coordinating complex projects, forecasting cost estimates, and executing speed-to-market strategies to complete initiatives on time and within budget. Most recently, he served as NYC Director of Engineering and Implementation for Extenet Systems, managing over $180 million in budgets. He has also held positions with Airosmith Development, Metro PCS, BCI Communications, Aeon Technologies and Clearlinx, and worked as a contract employee for AT&T Wireless.

Hellman Electric’s Datacom Division offers design-build projects for collocation facility build-outs, data center design and construction, and the build and maintenance of carrier backbone and local loop fiber networks. The company’s primary service area is New York Metro, with strategic partnerships that allow the team to cover the entire East Coast. Hellman has also provided services to Chicago and can mobilize to other locations for select assignments.

May 06, 2019

ExteNet Systems Appoints Garth Williams as Chief Financial Officer

ExteNet Systems has appointed Garth Williams as executive VP and chief financial officer. Williams brings deep expertise in finance and accounting as well as management of finance departments to ExteNet. For the past six years, he served as the chief financial officer and chief administrative officer for Kroll, a global cyber security, risk management and information services company. Previously, he served at American Tower in various senior finance roles including Investor Relations, International Reporting and Treasury. He began his career as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley and worked in their Melbourne, Hong Kong and New York offices. Mr. Williams has degrees in accounting and finance from the University of Auckland and a law degree from Melbourne University.

Garth Williams succeeds Dan Timm, who has been with the company for nearly nine years. Dan will stay with ExteNet for an interim period to ensure a smooth transition.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome Garth Williams to our executive team,” said Jim Hyde, President and CEO, ExteNet Systems. “Garth’s wide-ranging experience in managing high-impact financial activities as well as his industry knowledge will help us continue to accelerate growth and profitability. I also want to thank Dan Timm for his leadership at ExteNet as he’s been critical to our success and growth over the years and is leaving us with a strong foundation on which to build. We are grateful for his service and wish him the very best.”

April 23, 2019

Grant Seiffert to Lead WIA Workforce Development Team

The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) has named Grant Seiffert Vice President of Workforce Development and Executive Director of Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP).

“We are excited that Grant has joined the WIA team to help implement our vision of developing a stronger wireless workforce to build and maintain 5G networks,” said WIA President and CEO Jonathan Adelstein. “Grant’s executive experience and extensive leadership in the telecommunications sector will help strengthen and grow training and apprenticeship programs for the entire wireless industry to get us ready for 5G.”

“For the United States to lead the world in 5G, and to build on President Trump’s recent remarks, it is imperative to have a workforce properly trained in deploying next-generation networks. As an industry leader for workforce training and apprenticeships, the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP) looks forward to Grant building on the successes of the program and on diversity and inclusion initiatives,” said TIRAP Chairperson David Sams.

“With extensive experience in program development, Grant will bolster WIA’s efforts to equip the workforce with the skills and training necessary to connect a 5G world,” said WIA Executive Vice President Tim House. “WIA initiatives to expand workforce development, specifically through the Telecommunications Education Center (TEC), are now more critical than ever as the industry faces a shortage of skilled workers just as 5G deployments are picking up steam.”

Prior to WIA, Grant served as President and CEO of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) for nine nears. He also currently serves on the Board of Directors for Connected Nation and on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Advisory Council (NAC).

April 09, 2019

Airwavz Solutions Appoints Chris Zack as Chief Revenue Officer

Airwavz Solutions, a provider of in-building wireless infrastructure, today announced the appointment of Chris Zack to the role of Chief Revenue Officer. In this capacity, Zack is responsible for strategic development and execution of initiatives that support Airwavz’s continued explosive growth and expansion into new markets in the commercial real estate sector.

During his more than 20-year career in technology infrastructure, Zack has held various sales and development roles with some of the most recognizable brands, including Verizon, AT&T, SBA Communications, ExteNet Systems and Mobilitie, where he has a proven track record of scaling business development organizations and securing investment rights for wireless infrastructure.

Over the past decade, Zack has focused on the contractual and financial modeling to support both the needs of commercial real estate owners and investors and the wireless carriers. Zack has negotiated numerous master agreements with REITs and portfolio owners for both cellular and Wi-Fi network investments as well national technology upgrades by the carriers.

“The addition of Chris in the role of Chief Revenue Officer is an asset to Airwavz and we welcome his insights and leadership,” said Brad Davis, CEO of Airwavz. “His achievements as a leader in results-focused organizations will be invaluable to Airwavz’s continued growth as we deepen and expand our relationships in current markets and look towards future opportunities.”

“I am excited for the opportunity to join the seasoned executive team at Airwavz,” said Chris Zack, CRO of Airwavz. “Our approach to addressing in-building wireless coverage and capacity is unique in terms of how we productize the investment for both the wireless carriers and commercial real estate owners. Our model translates into value creation for the commercial real estate industry by enhancing the competitiveness of their building assets, attracting and retaining tenants, and enabling increased building rents.”

April 02, 2019

Brierly Promoted to VP at Legacy Telecom

Industry veteran JM Brierly has been promoted to Vice President of Legacy Telecommunications. Brierly has served as the branch manager of eastern Washington for the wireless infrastructure, RF solutions, standby power and remote services firm for the past five years.

Brierly has been a leader within Legacy Telecommunications for the past 14 years. He has developed a well-known troubleshooting mindset and customer service unparalleled in the wireless industry. He is known throughout the pacific northwest as an expert in comprehensive wireless telecommunications logistics and operations.

“JM is a seasoned trail blazer who ascended through the wireless ecosystem from the ground up. His boots on the ground management experience has earned the respect of our people and clients alike”, said Bob Irving president of Legacy.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead team Legacy as we further enhance our position as the wireless service firm of choice across the Rocky Mountains. In the short-term, we will continue to provide the highest quality in the marketplace and continue the long tradition of safety that is the hallmark of Legacy.” stated Brierly. “For over 14 years I have been a part of this team who created the best reputation available for building robust wireless infrastructure.”

“JM’s knowledge across this diverse and challenging industry will augment Legacy’s ability to sustain growth without sacrificing our quality or client centered emphasis.” added Jim Tracy who is a founder and CEO of Legacy. “He has proven to be an extension of Legacy’s entrepreneurial spirit. His business savvy, industry experience and strong contacts within the wireless industry are outstanding.”

March 14, 2019

ADRF Appoints Andrew Jun as Chief Technology Officer

Advanced RF Technologies (ADRF) has appointed Andrew Jun as the chief technology officer. In this role, Jun will drive tech advancement within the company, leading product strategy and R&D. He brings over 25 years of experience in telecommunications, including previous work at CS Corp, Korea Telecom, and RF Window.

Jun joins ADRF from CS Corp, where he served as the head of business operations. Prior to that, he was the Senior Vice President (SVP) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at RF Window and VP of Mobile Network Strategy for Korea Telecom. He has been involved in a diverse spectrum of telecommunication and wireless technologies including 5G, distributed antenna systems (DAS), small cells, CRAN, V2X, Wi-Fi, and LTE-FDD/TDD systems.

February 28, 2019

Boingo Names Finley New CEO

Boingo Wireless has elected Mike Finley as chief executive officer. Finley will continue as a member of the board, where he has served since August 2013. Finley succeeds Boingo’s current CEO and chairman of the board Dave Hagan, who announced retirement after 17 years of service to the company. Hagan will continue to serve as a member of the board, while Lance Rosenzweig, Boingo’s lead independent director, will become chairman of the board. All changes will take effect March 18, 2019.

February 15, 2019

WBK Promotes Four Attorneys to Partner

Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP (WBK) has announced that Josh Bercu, Sean Conway, Mark Wiranowski and Rachel Wolkowitz have been elevated to partners at the firm.

“No press release is more personally fulfilling than one announcing the promotions of members of Team WBK,” said WBK Managing Partner Bryan Tramont. “These four rising stars of the bar typify the legal excellence, client service first and character that the Firm stands for. Our future is brighter because of the role they will play in it.”

Playing a leading role in the Firm’s burgeoning privacy and cybersecurity practice, Josh advises clients on a variety of legal and policy issues related to data privacy, security and consumer protection. His work includes developing and executing advocacy strategies on behalf of industry trade associations and companies before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), including on emerging topics like the Internet of Things and enduring ones like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Josh joined WBK in March 2011.

Sean advises clients on strategic, policy and legal matters before the FCC and related Executive Branch agencies. Prior to joining the firm, Sean served at the FCC as the Deputy Director of the Commission’s Office of Legislative Affairs. This capped a two-and-a-half year period during which he also served as a Legal Advisor to the Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and as an Attorney Advisor in the Wireline Competition Bureau. While in the Wireline Competition Bureau, he was part of the team that modernized the E-rate program, the government’s largest educational technology program. Sean joined WBK in March 2017.

Mark represents emerging and established companies in corporate and commercial transactions in the energy, communications and information technology industries. Among utilities, developers, power marketers, commercial and industrial companies, and investors, Mark has quickly earned a reputation as an expert legal advisor on power purchase agreements and the development and acquisition of energy infrastructure, including wind, solar, battery and microgrid projects. Mark also represents carriers, infrastructure companies and emerging ventures in communications infrastructure and cutting-edge technology transactions. In 2017, Mark was named to the Colorado 2017 Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list. Mark joined WBK in April 2015.

Rachel helps clients understand and shape the regulatory process as they introduce new technologies into their businesses and onto the market. She helps technology and media companies, carriers and manufacturers comply with and develop FCC regulations related toaccessibility, hearing aid compatibility, equipment authorization and marketing. She also guides clients with emerging legal and policy issues before the FTC, FAA and other agencies related to the Internet of Things, drones, privacy and consumer protection. Having been a client when in-house at a Microsoft and the Technology Association of America, Rachel appreciates the pressures in-house counsel face and leverages her experience into exceptional client service. Rachel joined WBK in May 2014.

Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP, one of the largest law firms in the nation dedicated primarily to the practice of communications and energy law, is ranked as a “First Tier” firm by Chambers USA (Telecom, Broadcast, and Satellite: Regulatory), and Legal 500 (Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory), and is the only firm to be named “Law Firm of the Year” in communications law four times by U.S. News – Best Lawyers (2012, 2014, 2018 and 2019). The firm, with offices in Washington, DC, and Denver, Colorado, advises clients ranging from global Fortune 100 companies to small start-ups in regulatory, transactional, privacy, consumer protection, intellectual property, corporate and litigation matters involving all aspects of communications and energy law, at both the state and federal levels.

January 31, 2019

Cable Industry Veteran Joins SQUAN

Jeff Eiseman has joined SQUAN to oversee management and growth of SQUAN’s nationwide fiber splicing and construction initiatives.

A highly experienced telecommunications professional, Eiseman has more than 25 years of experience across many facets of the CATV industry. Eiseman’s executive position at SQUAN includes oversight of and responsibility for growing SQUAN’s fiber splicing and construction business. He will be based out of the Company’s Fishkill, NY location and will oversee SQUAN’s expansion throughout the United States.

January 29, 2019

Zinwave Appoints Brad Kitterman CEO, Dennis Burke COO

Zinwave has announced two new executive appointments: Brad Kitterman as CEO and Dennis Burke as COO. With both executives bringing decades of leadership experience from prior roles, Kitterman and Burke now join Zinwave from divisions of its parent company, McWane Inc.

“The wealth of knowledge and experience Brad and Dennis bring to the company will help accelerate Zinwave along our path of growth and innovation,” said Key Foster, Senior Vice President of McWane Inc. “Zinwave continues to offer the highest-performing, most cost-effective and future-ready DAS solution on the market for in-building applications, which our blue-chip customer base demonstrates.”

As CEO of Nighthawk, a McWane Technology Group company, Kitterman achieved significant growth while enhancing the company’s product portfolio and improving customer service. He also brings substantial leadership experience from his previous roles as CEO of Aclara, Asahi Glass Company, Logica-CMG (North America Energy & Utilities Division) and Schlumberger (North America Utilities Division).

To reinforce the company’s commitment to growing its business and enhancing its technology, Kitterman will oversee Zinwave’s drive toward developing leading industry innovations while continuing to focus on providing comprehensive in-building cellular and public safety connectivity with its UNItivity 5000 DAS solution.

“With Zinwave’s patented technology and unique approach to solving in-building connectivity issues, the company is the leading provider of solutions to global Fortune 100 customers,” said Kitterman. “I am looking forward to helping build on this success, working closely with our customers and partners and continuing to take Zinwave to new heights as the industry evolves.”

Dennis Burke is also a seasoned telecom and technology business leader. As vice president at McWane, Burke worked closely with Zinwave over the last three years, during which time he developed a deep knowledge of the business. In prior roles, Burke held leadership positions with mobile and wireless companies such as Motorola and Asurion, where he distinguished himself in the areas of operations, strategy and product development.

“Since its inception, Zinwave has fulfilled its goal of providing an unrivaled indoor wireless solution,” Burke said. “I look forward to building on the trajectory the company is on and driving growth within the industry.”

Kitterman’s predecessor, Scott Willis, will assume a new role as strategic advisor to the McWane Technology Group, where he will focus on a variety of important alliances, partnerships and strategic initiatives related to the group’s portfolio of companies.

January 22, 2019

Vertical Limit Promotes Steve Roessler to President

Steve Roessler has been promote to president of Vertical Limit, after 18 months as executive vice president. His responsibility was expanded into several facets of the company, during that time. As the company continues to grow, his knowledge, experience and vision continue to help shape the path forward into a very bright future.

“Our industry changes constantly, and Steve is the perfect fit to help guide the organization through it all,” said Eric Bicknese, CEO. “This promotion is well deserved, he’s been nothing short of exceptional and Vertical Limit is fortunate to have him.”

“I love being part of the Vertical Limit family and am deeply honored to have the opportunity to help lead this amazing team. I knew I wanted to be part of an amazing organization that believes in its employees and has an unrelenting focus on quality, safety and integrity,” said Steve. “Vertical Limit has been all of that and more! I look forward to continuing to build on our solid foundation as we extend our industry leading position even further.”

Steve has led high performing operations and cultural change management programs in nationally recognized companies over the past 26 years.

January 17, 2019

Broadstaff Appoints Carrie Charles as CEO

BroadStaff, a staffing firm that specializes in the wireless telecommunications industry, today announces the appointment of Carrie Charles as Chief Executive Officer. Carrie has more than two decades of experience helping thousands of individuals grow personally and professionally and assisting large organizations in their efforts to attract, retain, and develop high-quality employees. In this role, Carrie will carry out a four-pronged plan for organizational advancement throughout 2019, focusing on growth, culture, recruitment, and philanthropy.

Growth: BroadStaff has an aggressive growth plan for 2019, including a move in February to a new, larger space. The organization plans to grow its team, adding recruiters, account managers, and business development executives to expand the business further into Western and Central U.S.

Culture: As companies face one of the most severe talent shortages in the history of the telecommunications industry, BroadStaff plans to develop a customer-focused culture, working as an advisor to clients to help them thrive in the current job market, stay ahead of industry trends, and adopt new strategies to attract and retain top talent.

Recruitment: BroadStaff will work to provide candidates with every opportunity to be successful in their career pursuits. The BroadStaff recruitment team will continue to have access to training, development, and daily inspiration that will fuel their desire to provide an outstanding candidate experience.

Philanthropy: Throughout 2019, BroadStaff plans to create initiatives that give to causes that employees support. The company will also support organizations that grow and develop the telecom workforce in the U.S.

Carrie is an entrepreneurial thought-leader, and a master certified life, business and career coach. Throughout her career, Carrie has worked with major organizations in their efforts to attract and retain talent, including General Dynamics, Hewlett Packard, and Eli Lilly. She is also a professional speaker and author and has been a featured expert on NBC, HSN, and Clear Channel networks. Carrie began her career serving her country as a Telecommunications Specialist in the United States Marine Corps.

“As CEO at BroadStaff, I look forward to furthering our mission to provide telecommunications organizations with the necessary resources to build and evolve the communications infrastructure needed for the technology of the future,” shares Carrie. “The tech and telecom skills gap is a rising epidemic, and we, as an industry, need to attract and train new talent while making retention a high priority. BroadStaff is 100 percent committed to helping managers, companies, and candidates thrive in this challenging talent landscape.”

December 20, 2018

5G Americas Board Elects T-Mobile’s Neville Ray as Chairman and Jim Nevelle, Kathrein USA, as Treasurer in 2019

5G Americas, the industry trade association and voice of 5G and LTE for the Americas, today announced that Neville Ray, Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President for T-Mobile U.S., Inc. has been elected to serve as the 2019 Chairman of the 5G Americas Board of Governors. 5G Americas Board has also elected Jim Nevelle, President and CEO of Kathrein USA, to serve as the organization’s Treasurer.

Neville Ray has more than 25 years of experience in the design, deployment and operational management of wireless networks in the United States and worldwide, and is recognized for his leadership in the telecommunications industry. His work comprises all aspects of wireless network deployment, including radio planning and optimization. Ray is responsible for the national management and ongoing development of T-Mobile’s wireless network, as well as the company’s technology innovations, IT services and operations. Ray has been a member of the 5G Americas Board for more than eight years including past terms as Chairperson.

Jim Nevelle has more than 20 years of experience in the mobile industry, and serves as the top executive at Kathrein USA. Nevelle is responsible for Kathrein’s strategy and development of wireless infrastructure including mobile communication antennas, broadcast solutions, connected car solutions, and radio frequency products for North America. He has been active with the 5G Americas Board of Governors for two years and is serving his first term as Treasurer.

December 11, 2018

Clearfield’s Kevin Morgan Elected Chairman of the Fiber Broadband Association

Clearfield has announced that Kevin Morgan, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, will serve as the 2019 Chairman of the Board for the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA). Morgan will focus his efforts on enabling the industry to manage the rapid increase in fiber deployments throughout the Americas as the market moves toward a fully connected, multi-Gigabit world.

Morgan served as the organization’s Vice Chairman in 2018. He was first elected to the Board in 2010 and has served as Chair of both the Government Affairs committee and Marketing committee for the FBA. Morgan began his career at BellSouth, now a part of AT&T, where he worked as the lead product evaluations resource of broadband technologies in the Science & Technology department. Over his 30-year career, he has gained extensive experience in advanced communications technology, fiber optic systems and business product marketing. Clearfield has been a member of the Association since 2002

December 06, 2018

Sitetracker Hires SaaS Veteran Shannon Cunningham

Sitetracker, project management software provider, has hired veteran software-as-a-service (SaaS) executive Shannon Cunningham. As a global education and client services leader, Cunningham will expand Sitetracker’s extensive education and adoption services for customers, partners, and employees.

Cunningham has a proven track record of program creation and team building in both the cloud software and critical infrastructure industries. She aims to create effective content that delivers measurable, sustainable, and progressive business results for the Sitetracker customer community.

“Education isn’t something we do at the end of a project, it’s something we do throughout the life of our relationship with a customer,” said Cunningham. My job is to get the equivalent of an MBA with every customer — to deeply understand their business so that we can help them reach their targets. We empower all of our customers to maximize their investment and accomplish their most important goals,” she continued.

To Cunningham, education means something different. She sees education and community building as a way to enable customers to strive to be their best and discover how they can best utilize the tools and resources available to them. She emphasizes that training isn’t just about learning to use an application. Rather, it’s results-oriented, teaching customers how to accomplish their own objectives with Sitetracker as a part of that strategy.

Education is at the core of being able to accomplish strategic objectives. Knowing how to use resources and tools effectively is what gets great results and separates industry leaders from laggards.

December 04, 2018

PCTEL Appoints Kevin McGowan as Chief Financial Officer

PCTEL has named Kevin McGowan as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In this role, McGowan will oversee all financial functions for the company, participate in business planning and strategy and play an active role in communications with shareholders and analysts. He will succeed John Schoen who served a 17-year tenure as CFO.

McGowan joined the company in 2005 and has served as Vice President, Finance and Corporate Controller since 2010. Prior to joining the company, he commenced his career as an auditor for Arthur Anderson for four years and served in various finance and controller roles for a manufacturer of communications network hardware for 12 years.

McGowan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Business Administration from University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. He is a registered CPA.

November 08, 2018

Allan Tantillo Joins Vertical Bridge as VP of New Technologies

Vertical Bridge Holdings has named Allan Tantillo as Vice President of New Technologies. In his new role, Tantillo will focus on identifying and creating opportunities that help clients deploy new wireless technologies utilizing Vertical Bridge’s wide range of assets.

“These are exciting times in the wireless industry as new technologies such as 5G, CBRS and edge computing become available, providing new opportunities for Vertical Bridge to support our clients and partners,” said Bernard Borghei, Executive Vice President of Operations and Co-Founder of Vertical Bridge. “We’re extremely excited to have Allan join our team. His understanding of carrier needs and network development will be invaluable as we continue to offer wireless operators new ways to build out faster, more robust networks.”

Tantillo comes to Vertical Bridge with nearly two decades of experience in the wireless industry. Most recently, he served as Senior Director for National Site Development at T-Mobile USA, the nation’s third largest telecommunications carrier. Tantillo has also held additional management roles at T-Mobile including Director for T-Mobile Towers, Senior Manager of National Development and Area Development Manager.

“Vertical Bridge is an innovator in its space and has a unique understanding of how the industry will be impacted by new technologies – in-building wireless networks and micro data centers are just two examples,” said Tantillo. “I am thrilled to join the company and look forward to helping our partners take advantage of the industry’s new technological advances.”

November 06, 2018

Infinite Electronics Names Penny Cotner to President, CEO

Infinite Electronics has announced the appointment of Penny Cotner as President and CEO. Current Chief Executive Officer Terry Jarnigan will be transitioning to the role of Executive Chairman. The changes are effective October 30, 2018.

As CEO Penny will now take full leadership responsibility for all aspects of the company. She has more than 25 years of experience in the electronics industry, holding engineering and leadership positions at Hughes Aircraft Company, Rockwell’s Space Station Program, and Arrow Electronics.

“Penny is uniquely qualified to continue Infinite’s journey. Her extensive background in engineering, sales and marketing combined with a deep knowledge of our customer base, business model and strategic direction, has positioned her and the company for great success. I am very excited for her to take Infinite to its next level, and for the opportunity to continue to work with Penny and the executive team in my new role,” said Jarnigan.

Penny joined Infinite in 2013 as vice president of sales and service for Pasternack, the original Infinite brand. She most recently served as chief revenue officer for the company and was responsible for all revenue generating processes within the organization, driving strategy and coordination across the key functions of product management, R&D engineering, marketing and sales. Under her leadership, the company has enjoyed consistently high revenue growth.

Under Jarnigan’s leadership, Infinite Electronics has experienced explosive growth driven by major expansion of product lines, deep investments in technical resources and multichannel marketing to communicate with engineers worldwide.

“Infinite has a unique and compelling customer value proposition and has maintained a solid business model to deliver it over many years. We’ve been fortunate to have a private equity partner like Genstar Capital who has fully supported our accelerated growth plans 100,” Jarnigan said.

The company has grown from a single brand and one location with less than 100 employees, to over 1,000 employees offering 12 highly recognized brands to more than 175,000 customers. With the recent additions of L-com, KP Antenna, Transtector, Polyphaser, Radiowaves, Kaelus, Integrated Network Cables and ShowMe Cables, the company has extended its range of service, capability and commitment to customers across the electronic components and assembly spectrum.

October 30, 2018

JACOBS MAKES 3 EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

Jacobs Engineering Group announced three key executive appointments to its professional services division, including Marietta Hannigan, chief strategy and communications officer; Darren Kraabel, chief technology and innovation officer; and Madhuri Andrews, chief information officer.

Marietta Hannigan has been promoted to the new position of chief strategy and communications officer to lead the development, articulation and execution of Jacobs’ brand leadership, corporate strategy and portfolio transformation to capitalize on attractive, non-traditional growth opportunities playing to Jacobs’ unique strengths, that ultimately expand the company’s capacity for superior value creation.

Darren Kraabel has been promoted to the new role of chief technology and innovation officer, leading a new corporate function driving the company’s transformation into an innovative, data-driven provider, building on the catalyst of Jacobs’ connected enterprise solutions strategy, which addresses clients’ highest-priority needs associated with urbanization, resource scarcity, security and widening workforce gaps. Capitalizing on Jacobs’ deep knowledge of client applications and broad-based experience delivering smart-enabled, sustainable management approaches, including analytics, networking and cybersecurity solutions, Kraabel will work across business lines to leverage investment, development and extension of the company’s unique thought leadership and deep client-domain experience in emergent technologies and broad-based applications to deliver mutual value creation.

Madhuri Andrews has joined Jacobs as chief information officer to lead the development of the company’s IT organization and systems as key enablers of efficiency and innovation. In this role, she will the optimize the company’s data architecture and platforms as a competitive advantage to enhance agility and operational excellence with seamless, mobile collaboration throughout Jacobs’ global supply chain.

About Marietta Hannigan
Since joining Jacobs in 1999 via the acquisition of Sverdrup Corporation, Hannigan has played a leading role on the company’s most significant mergers, acquisitions and integration efforts. She most recently served as senior vice president of growth and sales for Jacobs’ Buildings, Infrastructure and Advanced Facilities business, and before that, served as senior vice president of the Sales Center of Excellence; senior vice president of global outside sales; and vice president of global inside sales in the Americas, U.K., Europe, Middle East, India and Asia Pacific. She also was vice president of design operations for Jacobs’ U.S. Federal Civilian sector. Hannigan is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University.

About Darren Kraabel
Kraabel previously served as senior vice president and general manager of mission solutions for Jacobs’ Aerospace, Technology, Environment and Nuclear business, where he was responsible for delivering solutions focused on information technology, cybersecurity, and intelligence analysis for clients in defense and intelligence. He also provided business development leadership to grow Jacobs’ global portfolio of technology-driven solutions. Prior to joining Jacobs, Kraabel served a distinguished, 10-year career with the U.S. Air Force. He earned his Bachelor of Science in engineering mechanics, with both Academic and Military Distinction, from the United States Air Force Academy, and a Master of Science in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

About Madhuri Andrews
Andrews brings more than 20 years of experience leading IT transformation and global digital strategies at previous companies, including DynCorp International and Trinity Industries. A recent recipient of Dallas Business Journal’s Women in Technology Award, Andrews earned a BS in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from Northrop University in Los Angeles, and a BS in Mathematics from St. Stephens College, Delhi University, India. She also has completed the Management Challenge continuing education program at the University of Texas Graduate School of Business in Austin.

October 16, 2018

LINX Hires Shane Hague

Industry veteran Shane Hague has joined LINX and will be handling sales and business development for the LINX Wireless division. He brings 22 years of experience in the telecom and wireless industry, with 20 years in the in-building wireless market. Most recently, Shane helped build business for SOLiD as sales director for the Western United States, followed by channel management and business development activities for the third-party owner and neutral host customer segment. He can be reached at shague@teamlinx.com.

October 02, 2018

WIA Promotes Zac Champ and Don Andrew

Zac Champ has been promoted to Vice President of Government Affairs and Don Andrew is now Vice President of Spectrum Management at the Wireless Infrastructure Association.

“Zac has led the Government Affairs team for more than five years. He has effectively overseen its expansion to include dedicated Congressional lobbying and state affairs resources. The association has extended its reach and improved on its already excellent reputation under Zac’s leadership,” said WIA President and CEO Jonathan Adelstein. “He has forged a team that has become a valued and trusted juggernaut of advocacy for our members and industry, with an impressive track record of success in Washington and states around the country. I am grateful for Zac’s and his team’s many contributions and look forward to more successes to come.”

“Don has been a great leader for our association and is now a growing legend in the spectrum management and frequency coordination industry. We are lucky to have had Don’s skill, dedication and positive attitude as part of the association since he joined WIA in 1994,” said Adelstein. “Over 24 years, and despite significant changes, Don ensured that WIA remained well-positioned as a leader in market share and customer service and has also created a world-class team.”

September 25, 2018

ExteNet Systems Names Rich Coyle as CDO

ExteNet Systems has appointed Richard Coyle as Chief Development Officer. Coyle succeeds Eric Lekacz, who left the company to pursue new opportunities.

Coyle is an industry veteran with two decades of experience helping to grow and improve the operations, finances and market positions of businesses in the telecommunications sector. Most recently, he served as Operating Partner for Fiber at Digital Bridge Holdings, LLC where was responsible for executing the firm’s investments in global fiber networks and businesses. Prior to his work with Digital Bridge, Coyle was Senior Vice President of Network Operations at Wilcon, where he helped build the company into a leading fiber provider in Los Angeles. Previously, Coyle was Senior Vice President of Operations at Zayo Group and held management roles at American Fiber Systems, IDACOMM and Sierra Pacific Resources.

August 28, 2018

SQUAN Names John Ferrara New Chief Financial Officer

SQUAN has appointed John C. Ferrara as their new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Ferrara has 30 years of experience guiding top financial companies’ initiatives including as CFO for TheStreet and SPACE.com. Ferrara has held several other CFO positions including EDGAR Online, Inc.

Ferrara has significant experience in strategy, finance, and operations through his background at two Fortune 500 corporations and a Big Four public accounting firm. As an advisor to the CEO, partner to operating management and key contact to the financial community, he has developed and executed plans to improve operational efficiencies, increase profitability and build shareholder value. He also has served on the board of directors at four public companies.

August 9, 2018

Anna Gomez Named Vice Chair of FCC’s Diversity Advisory Committee

Anna M. Gomez, partner in Wiley Rein’s Telecom, Media & Technology Practice and co-chair of the firm’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Practice, has been named Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE) by the FCC.

Gomez previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. She advises clients in regulatory, policy, and transactional matters related to domestic and international telecommunications and unmanned aircraft systems. Gomez also serves as chair of Wiley Rein’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and was recently named Secretary of the Federal Communications Bar Association.

The ACDDE — first announced by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai in 2017 —provides advice and recommendations to the FCC regarding how to empower disadvantaged communities and accelerate the entry of small businesses, including those owned by women and minorities, into the media, digital news and information, and audio and video programming industries.

August 2, 2018

Steve Vondran Tapped to Lead American Tower U.S. Tower Division

Steve Vondran, who has been with American Tower for 18 years, has been named to head the U.S. Tower Division of American Tower.

Vondran joined American Tower in 2000 and was appointed senior vice president of its U.S. leasing operations, in August 2004, where he oversaw project management, operational finance and national sales teams. In August 2010, Vondran was named senior vice president, general counsel, U.S. tower division, where in addition to leading the legal function, he oversaw the integration of acquisitions and the negotiation of tenant master lease agreements.

July 26, 2018

Kris Rinne Joins Synchronoss Technologies Board of Directors

Rinne, who held a number of senior executive positions at AT&T’s family of companies over the course of almost four decades, most recently served as senior vice president, network and product planning, at AT&T Services, Inc. In this role, she was responsible for leading the team charged with planning the technology evolution of AT&T’s global IP backbone, the wireless network, wireless device requirements and certification, as well as the technical solutions for the company’s products and services.

Rinne, who retired from AT&T in 2014, brought early leadership in deploying GSM technology in the United States, setting the stage for the success of the 3GPP family of technologies. While with AT&T, she served many roles, including heading the company’s network technologies organization. A “Women in Technology” Hall-of-Famer, as well as a member of the “Wireless Hall of Fame,” Rinne formerly held the posts of vice president of technology strategy for SBC Wireless and managing director of operations at Southwestern Bell Mobile Services. Her contributions to the industry also include serving as chairperson of the Board of Governors at 3G Americas, LLC, and the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS).

July 10, 2018

Roshek Named B+T Group VP of Field Services

Sonya Roshek has joined B+T Group as vice president of field services. The Tulsa, Okla.-based company is continuing its push to grow nationally, providing services to major telecommunications carriers, tower owners and asset managers with a wide variety of engineering, construction and technical needs.

Roshek is a results-driven telecommunications and technology executive with 20+ years of experience in the industry, most recently serving as director of strategic national accounts in the telecom division at Black & Veatch in Kansas City

“I’m excited to join a team that has such a strong existing platform and great expertise. B+T Group’s strategic vision aligns with the type of work and momentum that I look forward to helping drive,” Roshek said. Roshek has also held executive positions at Mycom, Black & Veatch, Mastec, and Alcatel-Lucent, and she earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership and development from Chapman University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Drake University.

Chad Tuttle, CEO and president of B+T Group said, “Sonya makes a great addition to our team. She brings a unique combination of hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves drive with the ability to take a 30,000-foot look at an initiative.”

B+T Group was founded in 2000 as a home-based consulting company in Tulsa, Okla., and has grown to a full-service engineering, construction and technical services firm dedicated to building and maintaining the safest, most reliable wireless network infrastructure in the country.

June 12, 2018

Hans E. Vestberg to be CEO of Verizon Communications

Lowell C. McAdam will be succeeded as CEO of Verizon Communications by Hans E. Vestberg, currently EVP and president of Global Networks and Chief Technology Officer, effective Aug. 1. McAdam, 64, will serve as Executive Chairman of the Board through his retirement at the end of the year, at which time he will become Non-Executive Chairman.

Vestberg’s current responsibilities include further developing the architecture for Verizon’s fiber-centric networks, including a 4G LTE network, a 5G deployment, a residential fiber network, and a global internet backbone and undersea cable network carrying internet traffic.

May 10, 2018

SQUAN Names Don Henry General Manager of Engineering

SQUAN has appointed Don Henry as general manager of engineering. Henry, who has two decades of network infrastructure experience, will report to Duane Albro, CEO at SQUAN.

In this role, Don will be responsible for the management of SQUAN’s multi-office engineering division, including P&L, business development and all operations functions. He will oversee a staff of project managers, outside plant engineers, CAD drafters and support personnel as defined by customer needs.

Don has held several key leadership positions including director of dispatch operations and general manager at Frontier Communications and director of operations and director of construction titles at Verizon. Before joining Verizon, Henry was a combat arms officer in the Army, assigned in Germany and in the southwestern region of the United States. During this time period, he attained the rank of Captain.

Henry holds an MBA from the Simon Business School, University of Rochester and a BS in Systems Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He is on the Advisory Board to the Master’s in Telecommunications Management program at Canisius College. Don is also a trained facilitator through FranklinCovey and has conducted several workshops.

April 26, 2018

Michael Inverso, Mike Hoprich Join KP Performance

KP Performance Antennas, a manufacturer of wireless internet service provider (WISP) antennas, has appointed two industry veterans, Michael Inverso and Mike Hoprich, to lead the company’s sales initiatives throughout North America and abroad.

Mr. Michael (Mike) Inverso joins KP as the new Director of Sales. Mike brings over 20 years of experience in the RF/Microwave communications industry and the global WISP market. His experience includes sales engineering, sales management, customer service management, channel management and technical support, for brands including Trango Systems, Inc. and Z-Communications, Inc. Mr. Inverso has a unique mixture of technical expertise and customer facing skills that will allow him to expand KP Performance’s market share. Mike will oversee all of KP’s sales initiatives, including leading the KP sales personnel and driving the company’s reseller/distribution channel, both domestically and internationally.

Mr. Mike Hoprich joins the company as the Regional Sales Manager for the Eastern territory. Mike brings a decade of experience in the wireless industry, having worked in numerous roles from sales leadership, product management, technical support, field engineering and marketing at SWG Inc., based in Pennsylvania. Mr. Hoprich has extensive hands-on WISP industry knowledge having sold and licensed over 500+ links for various point-to-point and point-to-multi-point networks. Mike’s history working with key industry manufacturers such as Cambium, Ceragon, DragonWave, Mimosa, Radwin, RFS, SAF, Siklu, and Telrad, make him a very valuable asset to the KP sales team.

April 19, 2018

Transit Wireless Appoints New CEO for Transit Wireless

The Transit Wireless Members Committee has today announced the appointment of Melinda White as Chief Executive Officer of Transit Wireless, a BAI Communications majority-owned company, effective May 2018.

Ms. White’s most recent tenure at telecommunications company Frontier spanned over a decade from Vice President and General Manager of Electric Lightwave, Inc., a Frontier subsidiary, to Senior and Executive Vice President and ultimately Region President.

Prior to Frontier, Ms. White held senior leadership roles at Wink Communications, Cox Communications and Cellular One.

Reporting to the Chairman of Transit Wireless Members Committee, Jim Hassell, who is also Chief Executive Officer of BAI Communications, Ms. White will be responsible for driving and delivering strategic growth for the Transit Wireless business.

February 21, 2018

NATE Elects Executive Committee Members

NATE Board members Jim Tracy, Jim Miller and Kevin Dougherty have been elected to serve on the association’s executive committee for the upcoming year. The association made the announcement on the first day of the NATE UNITE 2018 Conference and Exposition in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jim Tracy, CEO of Legacy Telecommunications, Inc. in Burley, Washington, was re-elected to serve as NATE Chairman. Tracy has been a member of the NATE Board of Directors for seven years and has fulfilled a variety of other leadership roles during his tenure with NATE, including Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Board Oversight for the Member Services Committee, a member of the Legislative & Regulatory Committee and as a member of the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Committee.

Jim Miller, President and CEO of EasTex Tower, LLC in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was re-elected to serve as the NATE Vice Chairman. Miller has been a member of the NATE Board of Directors for nine years and been active in leadership roles as Board Oversight for the Safety & Education Committee and a member of the Legislative & Regulatory Committee.

Kevin Dougherty, CEO of MILLLENNIA CONTRACTING, INC. in New Castle, Delaware, was re-elected to serve in the position of Secretary/Treasurer on the Executive Committee. Dougherty has been a member of the NATE Board of Directors for two years and has fulfilled a variety of other leadership roles during his tenure with NATE, including service on the OSHA Relations Committee and STAR Initiative Ad-Hoc Committee.

“I would like to congratulate Jim, Kevin and Jim on being elected by their colleagues on the NATE Board of Directors to serve on the Executive Committee,” stated NATE Chief Operating Officer Paula Nurnberg. “NATE continues to grow and evolve as an organization and the Association’s leadership is doing a great job presiding over very exciting and innovative times in the industry,” added Nurnberg.

During the first day of the NATE UNITE 2018 event, NATE also formally recognized departing Board members Don Train and Ben Little for their leadership and dedication in serving the association.

December 5, 2017

DartPoints Adds Chief Development Officer

DartPoints, a provider in the micro edge data center market, has added Michael Ortiz, as chief development officer, which marks a new stage of growth andwill leverage its scale and tenure of delivering edge IT infrastructure custom solutions. The company’s purpose-built, fully-operational, carrier-neutral, and automated data centers, can be located near any commercial building, warehouse and cell tower.

Ortiz was previously VP of Site Selection and Acquisitions with DuPont Fabros Technology, a data center solutions provider that built a portfolio of data center facilities across five major markets, including Northern Virginia, Toronto, Chicago, Portland, and Silicon Valley, CA. Prior to DuPont, Ortiz helped architect and implement Digital Realty’s IT solutions strategy for the west region, managing approximately 2 million square feet of data center space.

For more than five years, DartPoints has been involved in discovering how critical infrastructure will support the rapid technological advance of mobile edge computing, 5G, interconnectivity and distributed enterprise data at the edge of the network.

November 21, 2017

Worthman Elevated to IEEE Senior Member

Applied Wireless Technology Executive Editor Ernest Worthman has been elevated to Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). His 20-plus years of editorial experience includes being the Editorial Director of Wireless Design and Development and Fiber Optic Technology, the Editor of RF Design, the Technical Editor of Communications Magazine, Cellular Business, Global Communications and a Contributing Technical Editor to Mobile Radio Technology, Satellite Communications, as well as computer-related periodicals such as Windows NT.

His technical writing practice client list includes RF Industries, GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Agilent Technologies, Advanced Linear Devices, Ceitec, SA, and others. Before becoming exclusive to publishing, he was a computer consultant and regularly taught courses and seminars in applications software, hardware technology, operating systems, and electronics. Ernest’s client list has included Lucent Technologies, Jones Intercable, Qwest, City and County of Denver, TCI, Sandia National Labs, Goldman Sachs, and other businesses.

His credentials include a BS, Electronic Engineering Technology; A.A.S, Electronic Digital Technology. He has held a Colorado Post-Secondary/Adult teaching credential, member of IBM’s Software Developers Assistance Program and Independent Vendor League, a Microsoft Solutions Provider Partner, and a life member of the IEEE. He has been certified as an IBM Certified OS2 consultant and trainer; WordPerfect Corporation Developer/Consultant and Lotus Development Corporation Developer/Consultant. He was also a first-class FCC technician.

November 09, 2017

HMI Technical Solutions, LLC Names Erin Hiney Program Manager, Small Cell

HMI Technical Solutions LLC has appointed of Erin Hiney to Program Manager, Small Cell. In this role, Erin is responsible for project implementation, coordination, and execution of small cell projects within HMITS.

Ms. Hiney comes to HMITS from Crown Castle, where she most recently managed site modifications of small cell networks in the western half of the United States, and previously managed new outdoor distributed antenna system (oDAS) implementation. Prior to her tenure with Crown Castle Erin worked in commercial construction and commercial real estate development. Erin brings with her to HMITS an advanced knowledge of small cell project management and has extensive experience working with wireless carriers on infrastructure projects in the communications market.

Erin holds a degree in construction management from Colorado State University.

Otcober 20, 2017

Megan Langley Joins Advantage Engineers as Director of Marketing

Advantage Engineers, LLC, a professional services company providing comprehensive consulting solutions in the highly specialized fields of telecommunications, geotechnical and environmental engineering, today announced that Megan Langley has joined the leadership team as the company’s director of marketing. Megan, known for bringing her data and business intelligence background into her marketing strategy, was previously the vice president of marketing at Tracx, an enterprise-grade social listening tool, where she led the demand generation efforts in a highly competitive software space. Before Tracx, Megan was instrumental in leading her team at StraighterLine, a technology startup disrupting the education space, in shifting the company’s go-to-market strategy to better diversify the company’s growth position. Previously, Megan also held senior marketing roles at Vocus, and following the Vocus acquisition, was on the leadership team that launched OutMarket, which spun out from the Vocus Marketing Software. At OutMarket as the director of marketing, Megan built an integrated marketing program from the ground up.

September 13, 2017

Sprint Names Rook to Head IoT

Sprint has named seasoned Internet of Things (IoT) executive Ivo Rook to the newly created position of senior vice president of IoT. Rook will lead and build Sprint’s IoT business and will be a strategic advisor to Sprint and Softbank. Rook has spent his last seven years at Vodafone, most recently chief executive officer for Vodafone’s IoT Business, which has $1B in revenue, 50m connections and 1,400 employees spanning 30 countries. In that role, he led Vodafone’s IoT strategy, driving its growth, products, operations and profit and loss globally. He also held positions at Vodafone Global Enterprise as director of Northern Europe and director of Germany and Central Europe. Rook will lead a group of world-class product specialists to develop and operationalize IoT solutions in a category that continues to grow exponentially. He will be responsible for driving B2B and B2B2C growth strategies, including funding, alliances and development of operationalized solutions.

September 07, 2017

Crown Castle Announces Appointments of Executive Officers

Crown Castle International announced today that James D. Young, Crown Castle’s previous Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has been designated to lead Crown Castle’s fiber solutions activities and appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Fiber. In addition, Robert C. Ackerman, who previously served as an Area President of Crown Castle’s operating subsidiaries, has been appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Towers and Small Cells.

Young joined Crown Castle in October 2005 and has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since 2009. Mr. Ackerman joined Crown Castle in August 1998 and has served as an Area President of its operating subsidiaries since 2002. Young and Ackerman have approximately 30 and 20 years of experience, respectively, in the telecom industry.

August 08, 2017

Kevin Dougherty Joins NATE Executive Committee

The National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) has elected Board of Directors member Kevin Dougherty to serve on the Association’s Executive Committee. NATE made the announcement at the organization’s 2017 Summer Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Kevin Dougherty, CEO of MILLENNIA CONTRACTING, INC. in New Castle, Delaware, was elected to serve in the position of Secretary/Treasurer on the Executive Committee. Dougherty has been a member of the NATE Board of Directors for two years and has fulfilled a variety of other leadership roles during his tenure with NATE, including service on the OSHA Relations Committee and STAR Initiative Ad-Hoc Committee.

June 29, 2017

Centerline Solutions Names Tom Prestwood as CEO

Centerline Solutions has named Tom Prestwood as the company’s new CEO. Mr. Prestwood brings over 30 years of experience in the wireless and broadband telecom industry, including a successful track record of scaling growing businesses and orchestrating collaborations among carriers, tower operators and infrastructure providers. Mr. Prestwood is taking on this role immediately, stepping into the CEO position where he will be responsible for day-to-day operations and overall direction of the company, as well as serve on the Board.

Prior to joining Centerline Solutions, Mr. Prestwood was the CEO of TrueNet Communications, which provided high-quality network design, planning, implementation and support to major cable/fiber service operators, wireless carriers and service providers. He has also held executive positions at Conterra Tower Group, Conterra Broadband, NSORO Telecom Services, Spectrasite Communications and Vanguard Cellular One/AT&T Wireless.

“Everyone with experience in the wireless industry knows the quality of work that Centerline Solutions provides. I am excited to join the Centerline team and work with such great people as we build on the company’s success,” said Prestwood. “With the push for new technologies such as 5G, LTE, small cells and IoT, Centerline has tremendous opportunity for growth. The company has earned every bit of its great reputation as a trusted partner in wireless and is top of mind in the industry when it comes to quality work, expert problem solving, tower safety leadership, and much more. Our goal is to be the most trusted provider of wireless infrastructure services and we have a great team to make that vision a reality. We will continue to create success for our clients and embrace the future of wireless together.”

June 20, 2017

TESSCO Hires Joe Cawley as VP/CIO

TESSCO Technologies has announced the hiring of Joe Cawley as Vice President/CIO. Cawley has 25 years of experience in the technology industry and IT. Prior to joining TESSCO Cawley was most recently Vice President/CIO of IT for Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Virginia. There, he led more than 80 IT employees to transform the Foundation’s assets and drive innovation in strategy, software development, cybersecurity, and service management for the hospitality, retail, admissions, research, and donors businesses. Cawley’s addition is part of TESSCO’s efforts to meet customer demand for a more streamlined online experience, where a growing number of customers are conducting their business.

June 13, 2017

Hodge Structural Engineers Hires Robinson

Hodge Structural Engineers (HSE) has appointed John W. Robinson, P.E. as Principal Structural Engineer, Tower Division, where he will supervise the engineering analysis, design and specialty services/structures for Broadcast and Communications clients.

Robinson joins HSE following a 23-year career as Senior Engineer, Structural Division at ERI – Electronics Research, Inc.

A Professional Engineer licensed in 18 states, Robinson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in both Civil and Mechanical Engineering, and Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, from the University of Evansville. He is a member of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) T.R. 14 Committee and contributing author of the current TIA-222 and 322 Design Standards.

April 27, 2017

Cuddy & Feder Names Christopher Fisher Managing Partner

Christopher Fisher is the new managing partner of Cuddy & Feder, succeeding Joshua Kimerling. Fisher joined Cuddy & Feder in 1994 and was named a Partner in 1999. During his tenure at Cuddy & Feder, he has held various positions of leadership within the firm. He is currently chairman of the Firm’s Telecommunications Group, a practice he founded and will continue to head up, and is former chairman of the firm’s land use, zoning & development group, two of the largest infrastructure practices in New York and Connecticut. Fisher also served as a member of the Firm’s Management Committee from 2003-2013.

Over the years, Fisher has demonstrated, through his professional and personal endeavors, his commitment to the growth and development of Westchester County. In October 2016, as Chair of Broadband Technology for the Westchester County Association, Fisher helped launch the WCA’s Smart Growth Compact with the county’s four major cities – Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, White Plains and Yonkers – to bring gigabit technology to the region. The mayors of the four cities hailed it as the most significant and ambitious undertaking in more than a generation to secure the region’s economic future. Fisher was instrumental in bringing the cities together and helping move the WCA plan forward.

Fisher is also president and a founding board member of the New York State Wireless Association, which brings together wireless telecommunications professionals, government officials and the public to create a platform for a unified voice among the wireless industry.

April 20, 2017

Henkels & McCoy Names Duke Horan Senior Director of Telecom, West Region

Henkels & McCoy (H&M) has appointed Duke Horan to Senior Director of Telecom for the West Region. In this role, Duke is responsible for identifying markets, budgeting projected sales and revenues, and managing projects and programs that support the communications business in the West Region.

Horan has spent more than 18 years in the telecom engineering and construction industry. He has worked across the United States on last mile, middle mile, long-haul fiber, and wireless networks. Prior to joining H&M, he held multiple positions at Adesta (now G4S Technology, LLC), MFS Network Technologies, and Ecklebe Building Co Inc.

Horan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Nebraska Wesleyan University and is an active member of the Nebraska Association of Student Councils.

April 13, 2017

John Foley Named VP of Operations by Safer Buildings Coalition

The Safer Buildings Coalition selected John Foley as Vice President, Operations. Foley also serves as Operating Executive for Priority RF, an in-building wireless developer-manager that guides businesses in developing, designing, financing and managing mobile and public safety wireless systems. And before that he was with Henkels & McCoy.

“We are delighted to have John serve as Vice President, Operations of the Safer Buildings Coalition,” said Board President Jeff Hipchen. “John brings a strong combination of sales, marketing, technical knowledge, and business planning experience to the Safer Buildings team. He will lead our efforts to serve the evolving needs of our members and the public, and to advance Safer Building’s mission.”

March 28, 2017

Bagheri Joins Telewave as Chairman, CEO

Telewave has named Robert Bagheri as chairman and chief executive officer. Bagheri has more than 35 years of experience in executive, management, and engineering positions within the electronics industry. Before joining Telewave, Bagheri was founder, investor, and chairman of a stealth start-up serving the wearables and mobile markets.

He was formerly chief operating officer of 3D additive printing pioneer EoPlex executive vice president of operations, quality, reliability, and software at media conversion company Zenverge senior vice president of central engineering and operations, quality, and reliability at Applied Micro Devices, and executive vice president of operations at Silicon Image and SiRF Technologies.

He earlier held product engineering and management positions at S3, Zoran Corp., Microchip Technology, IMP, and Monolithic Memories.

March 07, 2017

Legacy Names Mills as CFO

Legacy Telecommunications, a wireless services company, has appointed Adam Mills as chief financial officer. Mills joins Legacy from a regional hospitality firm where, since 2011, he has served as director of accounting over two brands with thirteen separate locations. He also has experience in the audit arena and as a staff accountant. Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Army after earning a degree in accounting from the University of Utah.

February 21, 2017

Ginsberg Joins Digital Bridge

Jeffrey Ginsberg has joined Digital Bridge as managing director and chief operating officer, bringing more than 30 years of entrepreneurial and executive experience in telecom infrastructure and services, real estate and private equity. For the last nine years, he served as managing director and operating partner at Mistral Equity Partners. Before that, Ginsberg was the executive chairman of InfoHighway Communications, CEO of Eureka Broadband, co-founder and executive chairman of Apex Site Management, and co-founder of Horizon Cellular Group.

December 20, 2016

Benjamin Afton Appointed to NWSA Board of Governors

Benjamin Afton, Safety & Health Manager for the Telecom Business Line with Black & Veatch, has joined The National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA) Board of Governors. Afton was appointed to fill one of the seats reserved for the Large General Contractor sector of the industry.

NWSA is a national non-profit assessment and certification organization that has been established to provide thorough, independent assessments of knowledge and skills and provide verifiable worker certification in order to enhance safety, reduce workplace risk, improve quality, encourage training, and recognize the skilled professionals who work on towers and other non-standard structures.

Since joining Black & Veatch, Benjamin Afton has worked in various B&V telecom markets on a variety of construction projects from wireless to wireline. He formerly managed the B&V West Coast markets as a Regional Safety Manager for the San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and Las Vegas markets before taking an assignment overseas for the Black & Veatch Energy Group in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Upon return from that project, Afton became Regional Manager for the Midwest, primarily working on the AT&T Turf Project. Afton has currently transitioned to a new role of Business Line Manager for Telecom Operations within Black & Veatch, which is based in Overland Park, Kansas.

December 13, 2016

Wireless Telecom Group Names Michael Kandell as CFO

Wireless Telecom Group has hired Michael Kandell as chief financial officer, effective January 2, 2017. Kandell has more than 18 years of financial management experience. He held various positions of increasing responsibility in finance at Avaya. Prior to Avaya, Kandell worked at Precision Partners, Inc. for 3 years and at Ernst & Young in New Jersey for 7 years. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in accounting from College of New Jersey. Kandell is a Certified Public Accountant. Kandell will succeed Robert Censullo, who has served as Wireless Telecom Group’s CFO for five years. Censullo will report directly to Kandell as Corporate Controller.

December 08, 2016

Zinwave Names Slavko Djukic Chief Technology Officer

Zinwave has named Slavko Djukic its chief technology officer (CTO) to lead the development and refinement of technologies to improve the cellular and wireless experience for Zinwave’s enterprise customers. He has 18 years’ experience in indoor wireless technology development. He most recently served as Ericsson’s head of strategy and solutions for small cells, DAS, and Wi-Fi. Prior to Ericsson, Djukic served in a global technical role for Corning. Djukic also held a leadership role with Powerwave, where he built and led the technical indoor and outdoor DAS solutions organizations for North, Central and South America.

November 29, 2016

Kristen Motel, Allison Sloto Join Cuddy & Feder

Cuddy & Feder has added to Kristen Motel and Allison Sloto its Real Estate, Land Use and Telecommunications practices in White Plains and Hudson Valley, New York. Kristen and Allison are new to private practice, and they both come with backgrounds in land use and environmental law.

Prior to law school, Kristen worked as an environmental consultant, where she helped clients with compliance issues on projects ranging from wastewater treatment, air quality permitting and hazardous materials management. Prior to law school Allison Sloto received a Masters in environmental management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, with a concentration in research and writing on local land use and environmental protection.

November 17, 2016

Mark Athearn Joins Black & Veatch

Mark Athearn has been named East Region Public Safety Director for Black & Veatch’s Telecommunications business. Athearn brings nearly 35 years of experience in public safety communications and technology implementation including land mobile radio (LMR), broadband/LTE, system design and optimization as well as program management and procurement support.

Athearn has served as Black & Veatch’s Regional Director throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions since 2013. He will continue to serve clients in these regions and provide business development, sales and service quality support in the Southeast and Northeast regions, such as Baltimore County and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. His expanded role will comprise the states east of the Mississippi River.

September 22, 2016

USA GROUPS Appoints Lance Craft to Executive Leadership

Lance Craft, former vice president of sales of Dali Wireless, will join USA Group as its Chief Operating Officer of the DAS and Small Cells Group. Craft will be based out of USA Group’s regional office in Houston, Texas, in addition to operating out of their headquarters in Sarasota, Florida. Lance Craft has more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership positions in wireless telecommunications infrastructure design, development and project management, including American Tower, Powerwave and Verizon Wireless.

August 30, 2016

Westell Technologies Appoints J.J. Swartwood SVP, Worldwide Sales

Westell Technologies has named J.J. Swartwood Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales. Swartwood joined Westell in 2005 and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the wireless industry to his new position. Prior to joining Westell, Swartwood served in a number sales roles at HyperEdge, including vice president of sales.

August 30, 2016

FDH Velocitel Adds MacLeod, Ruben to Its Board

Richard Ruben, chairman of Sandy Feet Advisors LLC, and Jake MacLeod, founder and president of Gray Beards Consulting, have been appointed to the board of FDH Velocitel. MacLeod is a communications industry veteran with over 35 years of experience in network design, deployment and operations. He is the former executive vice president of Powerwave and former principal vice president/chief technology officer of Bechtel. Ruben is the former vice chairman and CEO of PEG Bandwidth. Before that, he headed XOS Technologies, WireOne Communications and V-SPAN.

August 25, 2016

Rivada Networks Names Joseph Sanzo as Chief Network Officer

Herndon, Va. — Rivada Networks, a New York-based designer and operator of wireless interoperable communications networks, has named Joseph Sanzo as its chief network officer. Sanzo spent the past 10 years as the chief technology officer (CTO) of SAC Wireless. In his new role, he will oversee network deployment and operations for Rivada Networks, and also serve as the chief network officer of Rivada Mercury, a company formed by Rivada and its partners to bid for the contract to build and operate a nationwide public-safety broadband network for FirstNet.

August 18, 2016

Cayla Crisp Joins Wilkinson Barker Knauer

Cayla Crisp has joined Wilkinson Barker Knauer in the Denver office as an associate attorney! During law school at the University of Colorado, Ms. Crisp served as a research assistant to Professor Ahmed White and interned for Judge Nancy Lichtenstein at the Colorado Court of Appeals and Judge William D. Robbins in Colorado’s Second Judicial District. She also served as associate editor of the University of Colorado Law Review and participated in moot court. She has experience working for a wireless infrastructure company.

August 16, 2016

Geldmacher Joins Sprint

Sprint has appointed of Jan Geldmacher, a veteran of European telecom companies, as president of Enterprise. He will oversee business-to-business sales and business development, supporting enterprise customers with wireless communications solutions and services. Reporting to Marcelo Claure, Sprint president and CEO, Geldmacher joins Sprint from Vodafone where he led Vodafone Global Enterprise, a business unit responsible for defining the strategy and operational execution of the company’s relationship with multinational corporate customers. He also previously served as Vodafone’s director of the Enterprise Business Unit, CEO of British Telecom Germany.

July 26, 2016

Preethi Pillaipakkam Joins Black & Veatch

Preethi Pillaipakkam has been hired as Business Director – Public Safety Communications for Black & Veatch’s Telecommunications business. In this role, Pillaipakkam will lead sales and execution of all public safety engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects. She will utilize her experience managing large scale strategic sales initiatives and be based out of the company’s Dallas, office. Pillaipakkam has nearly 15 years of experience in public safety mission critical radio systems with specialized expertise in land mobile radio (LMR) industry, LTE and FirstNet.

July 21, 2016

Ranplan appoints Alastair Williamson as CEO

Alastair Williamson has been appointed as CEO of wireless network design specialist, Ranplan. Williamson brings over 25 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry working for companies such Cambridge Broadband Networks, Alcatel Lucent and Krone, most recently working as head of Global Sales at Ranplan, which is a UK-based developer of software tools for outdoor/indoor wireless network planning, design and optimization, using advanced 3D building modelling and radio propagation simulation

July 14, 2016

Thomas Dolislager Named VP

Thomas Dolislager has been named vice president of wireless for Communications Sales & Leasing (CS&L) in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is responsible for the acquisition, development and operation of wireless assets for CS&L, which is a REIT spun out of Windstream Communications in 2014 that owns nearly 4 million strand miles of fiber, 85 cell towers, and 1,100 fiber rich sites for new towers.

June 28, 2016

Flash Technologies Announces Personnel Changes

Amanda O’Connor was named Business Development Manager – Southwest at Flash Technologies. She joined business development team last November and is based in Dallas. Connor Costelllo was named Business Development Manager – Northwest. He came to Flash from Cargill, where he managed sales for their metals division. Octavius Price joined the Service Department as Tower Technician. Previously Price was a top hand tower technician at General Dynamics and has worked on Verizon LTE and ASW projects with Goodman Networks.

June 22, 2016

Jocko Vermillion Joins CITCA

Jocko Vermillion has joined CITCA, the safety training organization, as Vice-President of Safety Management Services. He will work with both CITCA clients and with clients of CITCA’s sister company, Sorensen, Wilder & Associates. Vermillion previously was the Vice-President of Safety Controls Technology in Ohio.

June 15, 2016

Sean O’Reilly Joins ICC Wireless

ICC Wireless welcomes Sean O’Reilly, RCDD/DCDC to the team as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Located in southern California, O’Reilly will be leading the company’s business development initiatives, leveraging its established presence in key western U.S. states. O’Reilly has been working in the telecom industry since 1999, and is currently one of fewer than 200, dual-certified, RCDD/DCDC designers globally.

June 01, 2016

Chuck Slagle Named Executive Director NWSA

Wireless Industry Veteran to Provide Leadership for Assessment and Certification Program Development Efforts

(Overland Park, Kansas) – The National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA) announced today the hiring of wireless industry veteran Chuck Slagle as the organization’s Executive Director. Slagle, who previously served NWSA in a consulting capacity, is a former Sprint Environmental Health & Safety Executive with over 38 years of experience in the industry. NWSA’s leadership announced the hiring at the 2016 Wireless Infrastructure Show in Dallas, Texas.

“NWSA is ecstatic to announce Chuck Slagle as the organization’s first official Executive Director,” said Board of Directors President Don Doty from FDH Velocitel, Inc. “Chuck has been instrumental to NWSA during the organization’s formative stages and in his enhanced role as Executive Director will be able to spearhead the initiatives necessary in getting NWSA’s ANSI Accredited assessment and certification programs to market,” added Doty.

NWSA is a non-profit assessment and certification organization that has been established to provide thorough, independent assessments of knowledge and skills and provide verifiable worker certification in order to enhance safety, reduce workplace risk, improve quality, encourage training, and recognize the skilled professionals who work on towers and other non-standard structures.

“I am honored to serve as the Executive Director of NWSA and look forward to working with the organization’s Board of Directors, Board of Governors, Committee Members and Subject Matter Experts,” declared Slagle. “I believe that the national assessment and certification program currently under development by Task Force members from across the Industry will have a positive, transformational impact on the industry long-term,” said Slagle.

Prior to his retirement from Sprint, Slagle held various positions within the Sprint EHS department, including Director of EHS. He holds certifications in Safety, Risk Management and Business Continuity. Slagle has also held leadership roles with the Environmental Health and Safety Communications Panel (EHSCP) and Wireless Industry Safety Task Force. He serves on the Crisis & Disaster Management Degree Advisory Board at the University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg, Missouri) and the Safety Degree Advisory Board at Purdue University (Calument, Indiana). He is a past member of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and served as a member of the NFPA 76 Standards Committee for Fire Protection of Telecommunication Facilities.

May 19, 2016

Sprint Taps New Sales Directors

Sprint recently announced three new sales directors reporting directly to Jim Mills, president of Illinois and Wisconsin region. Russell Heder will lead Sprint’s retail organization, Mike McCauley will lead the indirect distribution organization and Monty Sauder will lead the small-medium business organization for the Illinois and Wisconsin region.

Heder, McCauley and Sauder’s appointments follow Sprint’s announcement that it will restructure the company into four geographic areas – West, Central, Northeast and South – with targeted resources devoted to 17 top regions, including Chicago.

May 11, 2016

Connie Lewis Joins S&N Communications

Connie Lewis has joined Columbia, MD-based SCE, a subsidiary partner of S&N Communications, as construction project manager. In her new role, Lewis is responsible for bid walks, crew hiring and oversight, and ensuring projects complete on time and on budget. Lewis, whose father owned a construction company, has more than 20 years industry experience. Former positions include technical projects and construction project manager for Sprint, as well as project manager positions at Alcatel-Lucent and Nexlink Global Services.

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