Alumni Spotlight is pleased to announce The Top 50 University Alumni in the Telecommunications and Media Industries of 2022. Big trends shaping the industry, from more competitive broadband markets to cybersecurity in the 5G era, have given new opportunities and challenges within the field. This year’s awardees have thrived in their roles and have confronted those challenges head-on. Their dedication is shifting how their respective organizations operate all while undergoing digital transformations.
Among this year’s awardees are Tim Spillane, Senior Vice President of Univision Communications, who has developed and implemented strategies to secure distribution of networks across hundreds of millions of subscribers; Adam Ostrow, Chief Digital Officer of TEGNA, who is responsible for driving transformation and growth across digital consumer experiences for more than 100 million people each month; and Chris Levendos, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Crown Castle, who works alongside his teams to build and maintain the infrastructure behind the world’s most revolutionary technologies.
We acknowledge these individuals for their expertise and commitment to the complex and diverse field. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 University Alumni in the Telecommunications and Media Industries of 2022.
1. Conal Byrne
Chief Executive Officer, iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group
Georgetown University
Conal Byrne is the Chief Executive Officer of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. In his roles, Byrne leads the digital media segment for iHeartMedia, overseeing all digital products and properties for the largest audio company in the United States. Byrne first joined the company in 2018 when he served as the president of iHeartPodcast Network, overseeing all content, strategy, and operations for the biggest podcast network in the world.
Byrne first got his start in 2009 as a VP of digital media at Discovery Inc before eventually rising to become the president and CEO at HowStuffWorks, his most recent position prior to joining iHeartMedia. Byrne graduated from Columbia University in the City of New York with a master’s degree in literature and from Georgetown University with an undergraduate degree in English.
2. David Steinberg
Executive Vice President, Sony Pictures Entertainment
University of California, Los Angeles
David Steinberg is an Executive Vice President of Sony Pictures Entertainment. He first joined the company in 2009. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services, and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 130 countries.
Previously, Steinberg was a VP of business affairs and legal at Paramount Vantage and before that, a VP of legal affairs at Columbia Pictures. Earlier in his career he worked with Hill Wynne Troop and Meisinger as an associate. Steinberg earned a JD from Georgetown University Law Center and an undergraduate degree in economics and international studies from the University of California, Los Angeles.
3. Tim Spillane
Senior Vice President, Univision Communications
University of California, Santa Barbara
Tim Spillane is a Senior Vice President of Univision Communications. He first joined the company in 2000. Univision Communications is the leading Hispanic media company in the U.S. It entertains, informs, and empowers U.S. Hispanics with news, sports, and entertainment content across broadcast and cable television, audio, and digital platforms. The company’s top-rated media portfolio includes the Univision and UniMás broadcast networks, as well as 10 cable networks including Galavisión and TUDN, the No. 1 Spanish-language sports network in the country. Locally, Univision owns or operates 61 television stations in major Hispanic markets across the United States. The company’s prominent digital assets include Univision.com, streaming service Univision Now, the largest Hispanic influencer network and several top-rated apps. Spillane has nearly thirty years of experience in the television distribution business.
Previously, Spillane was a regional sales manager at Fox News Channel and before that, an account executive at Turner Network Sales Inc. He earned an undergraduate degree in communication and media studies from UC Santa Barbara.
4. John Dwyer
President, Cricket Wireless & AT&T Prepaid
University of Chicago
John Dwyer began his professional career 26 years ago. Today, he is the President of Cricket Wireless. Dwyer leads the nationwide prepaid business for AT&T consisting of the Cricket Wireless business as well as the AT&T Prepaid brand.
Dwyer has spent the past 22 years with AT&T in various roles including SVP of customer experience, VP of customer service, and GM of the Pacific Northwest. Dwyer first got his start in 1996 as a director of marketing and ED operations at Pacific Bell Mobile Services. He graduated from the University of Chicago with an MBA in finance and from Wisconsin School of Business with an undergraduate degree in marketing.
5. Ryan Hammer
VP & Chief Information Security Officer, Ciena
Northern Illinois University
Ryan Hammer is a Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer of Ciena, a networking systems, services, and software company that helps clients build more adaptive networks in response to the constantly changing demands of users, businesses, and consumers alike. Ciena does this by delivering best-in-class networking technology through high-touch consultative relationships, backed by 26 years of experience in building the world’s most complex networks. From its founding, Ciena has always been a pioneer in the networking industry. Coupled with innovation, its growth and success have been built on its ability to partner with clients delivering the solutions they require to evolve their networks. Hammer has 17 years of experience. He began his career in 2005.
Before joining Ciena, Hammer was a deputy CISO and senior director at Blackbaud and before that, a senior director of global security & risk at Asurion. Earlier in his career, he worked with BCC Financial Services as a network and systems administrator. In addition to his roles with Ciena, Hammer is an adjunct faculty for CISO Executive Education at Carnegie Mellon University. Hammer graduated from Towson University with an MS in integrated homeland security management, from Capitol Technology University with an MS in information assurance and from Northern Illinois University with an undergraduate degree in history and computer science.
6. Keith Jackson
Chief Human Resources Officer, AT&T International
Georgia Institute of Technology
Keith Jackson is the Chief Human Resources Officer of AT&T International. He first joined the company in 2018 as the CHRO for Latin America. AT&T uses their network, labs, products, services, and people to create a world where everything works together seamlessly, and life is better as a result. Jackson has over 25 years of experience with most recent focus on the fast-growing mobility marketplace.
Previously, Jackson was a VP of HR at BellSouth and a CHRO for DIRECTV Latin America. He earned an MBA from Nova Southeastern University and an undergraduate degree in management from Georgia Institute of Technology.
7. Meherwan Polad
Chief Commercial Officer of Global Mobility, Viasat
University of California, Davis
Meherwan Polad is the Chief Commercial Officer of Global Mobility for Viasat, a communications company that provides networking systems and satellite broadband services for the defense and aviation sectors. Viasat is building the ultimate communications network, to enable great, global connectivity to homes all over the world. Polad has 28 years of experience. He began his career in 1993.
Prior to his current role, Polad held various positions with Viasat including senior systems engineer, senior director of business development, and VP of global sales. Polad graduated from the University of California, Davis with an MS in electrical engineering and from Brown University with an undergraduate degree in engineering and economics.
8. Meredith Levien
Chief Executive Officer, The New York Times
University of Virginia
Meredith Levien is the Chief Executive Officer of The New York Times, a news and media agency that seeks the truth and helps people understand the world. It was first established in 1851 and is headquartered in New York, United States. Their mission is rooted in the belief that great journalism has the power to make each reader’s life richer and more fulfilling, and all of society stronger and more just. Levien has 29 years of experience. She began her career in 1993.
Before joining The New York Times, Levien was a CRO at Forbes Media LLC and before that, a publisher of 02138 magazine at Atlantic Media. Earlier in her career she worked with Advisory Board Company as a director of member services. Levien graduated from the University of Virginia with an undergraduate degree in rhetoric and communications.
9. Chris Levendos
EVP & Chief Operating Officer of Network, Crown Castle
New York University
Chris Levendos began his professional career 33 years ago. Today, he is an Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Network at Crown Castle. Since 1994, Crown Castle has worked around the country to build and maintain the infrastructure behind the world’s most revolutionary technologies. This comprehensive portfolio of towers, small cells, and fiber gives people and communities access to essential data, technology, and wireless service and opens the door to countless opportunities and possibilities. Crown Castle continues to work closely with wireless carriers, businesses, technology companies, governments, and communities to make sure these transformative ideas and innovations find their way to the people who rely on them.
Levendos first got his start in 1989 as a field technician at Verizon. From there, he went on to Google before eventually rising to become an EVP of field operations at Frontier Communications, his most recent position prior to joining Crown Castle. Levendos graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with an MS in telecommunications management, from New York University with an MS in urban planning, and from State University of New York College at Plattsburgh with an undergraduate degree in history.
10. Paul Choiseul
VP & CTO, American Tower
Paul Choiseul is a Vice President of Innovation, Transport and Networking, and Chief Technology Officer at American Tower. He first joined the company in 2014. American Tower is a Fortune 500, S&P 500 and Forbes Global 2000 company that provides the infrastructure for modern digital communications. Starting in 1995 with 2,700 towers, its global portfolio today includes over 220,000 owned or managed sites around the globe. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company has operations throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Previously, Choiseul was a CTO at Cima Telecom and before that, a technology manager at Digitas, LLC. Earlier in his career he worked with NEC America as a manager of information systems. Choiseul earned an MS in computer science from Boston University and an undergraduate degree in management information systems from Florida International University.
11. Jonathan Faulkner
EVP of Digital, iHeartMedia
University of Florida
Jonathan Faulkner began his professional career 23 years ago. Today, he is the Executive Vice President of Digital for iHeartMedia. iHeartMedia is the fastest growing digital audio service in the U.S., available on over 260 platforms and 2000+ devices. They offer users thousands of live radio stations, personalized custom artist stations created by just one song or seed artist, and the top podcasts and personalities. With over 1.7 billion downloads, iHeartRadio reached 110 million registered users faster than any other radio or digital music service.
Faulkner first got his start in 1999 as a promotions assistant at Clear Channel Communications. From there, he went on to Saga Communications as a director of interactive sales, his most recent position prior to joining iHeartMedia. Faulkner graduated from the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree in anthropology.
12. Laura Gentile
SVP of Marketing & Social Media, ESPN
Duke University
Laura Gentile is the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Social Media for ESPN. She first joined the company in 2003 as senior director of marketing. ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, is the leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets with over 50 business entities. Their sports media assets include ESPN on ABC, six domestic cable television networks, ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD, ESPN Regional Television, ESPN International, ESPN Radio, and ESPN.com.
Previously, Gentile was a partner and management supervisor at Ogilvy and Mather. Gentile earned an MBA in marketing and organizational behavior from Boston College Carroll School of Management and an undergraduate degree in English and political science from Duke University.
13. David Tennenbaum
Vice President, BBC Studios
Penn State University
David Tennenbaum is the Vice President of BBC Studios. Combining the strengths of the UK’s most-awarded production company with a world-class distributor, BBC Studios funds, creates, distributes, and commercializes world-class content for the BBC and other UK and international companies. Their aim is to inspire audiences around the globe with quality content that informs, educates, and entertains and to strengthen the BBC, their partners, and wider industry both creatively and financially. Tennenbaum has 20 years of experience. He began his career in 2002.
Before joining BBC Studios, Tennenbaum was an account executive at Comcast Cable Networks and before that, an associate sales representative at ABC Family. Earlier in his career he worked with OMD USA as a supervisor. In addition to his roles with BBC Studios, Tennenbaum is the VP of advertising sales with AMC Networks where he manages the sales across all linear and digital platforms. Tennenbaum graduated from Penn State University with an undergraduate degree in communication and media studies.
14. Phill Amaya
Vice President, Infinera
University of Colorado Boulder
Phill Amaya began his professional career 27 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President of Infinera, a global supplier of innovative networking solutions that enable enterprises, governments, carriers, and cloud operators to scale network bandwidth, accelerate service innovation, and automate network operations. The Infinera end-to-end packet optical portfolio delivers industry-leading economics and performance in long-haul, submarine, data center interconnect, and metro transport applications.
Amaya first got his start in 1995 as a VP and GM at SDL, Inc. From there, he went on to JDSU, before eventually rising to become the VP of global fab operations at Lumentum where he was responsible for the leadership and integrated performance of the company’s owned wafer fabs in Europe, Japan and the U.S. Amaya graduated from UC Irvine with an MBA and from the University of Colorado Boulder with an undergraduate degree in engineering physics.
15. Terri Burrier Natoli
Associate Bureau Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, Federal Communications Commission
George Washington University
Terri Burrier Natoli is the Associate Bureau Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) at the Federal Communications Commission. She rejoined the agency in 2016 as Deputy Chief of WCB’s Competition Policy Division and in 2018 was promoted to the Office of the Bureau Chief. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States government agency. The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable.
Natoli has over 43 years of experience in the communications regulatory and policy field, starting her career with Sprint’s predecessor company, SPCC, which was later acquired by GTE where she held regulatory positions for over fifteen years before leaving to enter private law practice and representing a diverse base of telecom, satellite, and wireless clients. She has held corporate vice president positions for Time Warner Cable, a major MSO that was subsequently acquired by Charter; Clearwire, a facilities-based wireless broadband provider; and Teligent, a fixed-wireless competitive LEC and ISP. She joined the FCC for the first time in 2002 spending more than three years in the Competition Policy Division, where she last served as Acting Division Chief. Natoli earned a JD with Distinction from George Mason University Law School, an Masters of Science in telecommunications from George Washington University, and an undergraduate degree in economics, summa cum laude, from Trinity College, Washington, DC. Natoli is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and a 2011 recipient of a Women in Cable & Telecommunications Touchstones of Leadership Award.
16. Adam Ostrow
Chief Digital Officer, TEGNA
University of Maryland
Adam Ostrow is the Chief Digital Officer at TEGNA, which operates a portfolio of broadcast television stations and digital properties in 51 local markets in the U.S. In his role, Ostrow leads an organization responsible for driving transformation and growth across TEGNA’s digital consumer experiences, which are accessed by more than 100 million people each month through the station's websites, mobile apps, and OTT channels. He oversees the company’s digital content, product development, and partnership teams, which are responsible for local/national storytelling, social media, web/app development and UX, and relationships with key platform partners including Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat. He also oversees the Locked On Podcast Network and VERIFY businesses within TEGNA, and is a member of the internal committee that makes investments and forms commercial relationships with emerging startups.
Prior to joining TEGNA, Ostrow was chief strategy officer at Mashable (acquired by Ziff Davis), where he led the development of the company's video offerings, branded content studio, international expansion, ecommerce business, and strategic partnerships. He also worked closely with the CEO and CFO in raising $46 million in capital and served on the company's board of directors. Ostrow joined Mashable as its second employee and editor in chief in 2007, a role in which he directed day-to-day news coverage, authored more than 2,500 articles, and built and managed the editorial team. Ostrow is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where he earned an undergraduate degree in journalism.
17. Dean Manson
EVP, General Counsel & Secretary, EchoStar
Princeton University
Dean Manson began his professional career 29 years ago. Today, he is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of EchoStar, a premier global provider of satellite communication solutions. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado and conducting business around the globe, EchoStar is a pioneer in secure communications technologies through its Hughes Network Systems and EchoStar Satellite Services business segments.
Manson first got his start in 1993 as an associate at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley and McCloy LLP. From there, he went on to Hughes Network Systems. Manson graduated from Columbia Law School with a JD and from Princeton University with an undergraduate degree in engineering.
18. Steven Herman
Chief National Correspondent, Voice of America
Thomas Edison State University
Steven Herman is a Chief National Correspondent of Voice of America, a multimedia international broadcasting service funded by the U.S. Government. A veteran broadcast journalist with a background as a media executive, he has been on staff with the Voice of America as part of its foreign service since 2007, having served in bureau chief positions in India, South Korea, and Thailand and now focusing on domestic politics and policy, climate change, and breaking news across the United States.
Herman first got his start in 1978 as a reporter and newscaster at KORK Radio. From there, he went on to Vegas PBS. Herman graduated from Mountain State University with an MA in interdisciplinary studies and public diplomacy and from Thomas Edison State University with an undergraduate degree in liberal arts-communications.
19. Mike Keegan
Chief Executive Officer, Transaction Network Services
University of Notre Dame
Mike Keegan is the Chief Executive Officer of Transaction Network Services. He first joined the company in 2012 as president and chief operating officer. Transaction Network Services (TNS) is a leading global provider of data communications and interoperability solutions. Its global network and innovative value-added services enable transactions and the exchange of information to many of the world’s leading retailers, banks, payment processors, financial institutions, and telecommunication firms. Founded in 1990 in the United States, TNS has grown steadily and now provides services to customers in over 60 countries across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region, with its reach extending to many more. TNS has designed and implemented a global data network which supports a variety of widely accepted communications protocols and is designed to be scalable and accessible by multiple methods.
Keegan earned a JD in corporate law from the University of Virginia School of Law and an undergraduate degree in English and economics from the University of Notre Dame.
20. Joel Daniels
Deputy Chief Information Officer, Universal Service Administrative Co.
Misericordia University
Joel Daniels is the Deputy Chief Information Officer of Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), a company that is dedicated to achieving universal service. The principle suggests that everyone in the United States deserves accessible, affordable, and pervasive high-speed connectivity. USAC helps communities across the country to stay connected, schools to better educate, libraries to better serve the public, and health care providers to reach more patients. With the guidance of policy created by the FCC, it collects and delivers funding through four programs focused on places where broadband and connectivity needs are critical. These programs serve people in rural, underserved, and difficult-to-reach areas. Daniels is responsible for enterprise architecture, application design, development, support, and delivery of software platforms across four major Universal Service Programs.
Before joining Universal Service Administrative Company, Daniels was a CIO and VP of information technology at UDP, Inc. and before that, a senior manager of information technology at KPMG Consulting. Earlier in his career he worked with ICG Communications as a VP of systems implementation, customer care and billing IT. Daniels graduated from Misericordia University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
21. Ashok Mehta
Senior Vice President, Hughes Network Systems
Loyola University Chicago
Ashok Mehta is a Senior Vice President with Hughes Network Systems, an innovator in satellite and multi-transport technologies and networks since 1971. The company provides broadband equipment and services; managed services featuring smart, software-defined networking; and end-to-end network operation for millions of consumers, businesses, governments, and communities worldwide. The Hughes flagship Internet service, HughesNet®, connects millions of people across the Americas, and the Hughes JUPITER™ System powers Internet access for tens of millions more worldwide. Hughes supplies more than half the global satellite terminal market to leading satellite operators, in-flight service providers, mobile network operators and military customers. Mehta has 40 years of experience. He began his career in 1982.
Mehta graduated from Loyola University Chicago with an MBA in marketing and finance and from Northwestern University with an MS and undergraduate degree in electronics and computer science.
22. Jessie Agostino
SVP & Chief Financial Officer, Schurz Communications
University of Notre Dame
Jessie Agostino began his professional career 33 years ago. Today, he is a Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Schurz Communications, a news and information company that consists of broadband, newspaper publishing and digital media operations. Reporting to the CEO, Agostino works closely with the board of directors and the management team to further Schurz' business strategies. He is responsible for the company's credit relations and overall financial structure, including accounting, treasury, finance, tax, internal controls, and related compliance. As CFO and a key member of the executive team, he partners with the CEO, Schurz executives, and the operating company executives to determine the company's strategic direction and also leads a broad scope of financial and operating activities.
Agostino first got his start in 1989 as a staff auditor of tax at Crowe Chizek. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with an MBA and an undergraduate degree in accounting.
23. Leo MacCourtney
President & CEO, Katz Television Group
University of Notre Dame
Leo MacCourtney is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Katz Television Group. Katz Media Group is the largest media representation company in the United States. With the on-air and digital assets of more than 3,000 radio stations and 700 television stations, Katz Media Group provides advertisers and agencies one point of access to over 200 million active consumers across the country. They specialize in providing locally relevant solutions for national marketers that resonate with consumers where they live.
Previously, MacCourtney was a president and CEO at Blair Television. He earned an undergraduate degree in business administration and management from the University of Notre Dame.
24. Thomas Fitzpatrick
Chief Financial Officer, Iridium
Villanova University
Thomas Fitzpatrick is the Chief Financial Officer of Iridium, the only mobile satellite service company offering pole-to-pole coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of low-Earth orbiting, cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of hundreds of partners, and provides services to the U.S. Department of Defense, and other U.S. and international government agencies.The company's worldwide customer base represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Fitzpatrick has 20 years of experience. He began his career in 2002.
Before joining Iridium, Fitzpatrick was an EVP and CFO at Centennial Communications. He graduated from Villanova University with an MBA in finance and from Penn State University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
25. Maura Mahoney
Chief Marketing Officer, FirstLight Fiber
Boston University
Maura Mahoney is the Chief Marketing Officer of FirstLight Fiber, a fiber-based company with networks and people all throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. It provides service to enterprise and carrier customers in six states using its high-capacity, low-latency fiber optic network, data centers, and full suite of managed security, cloud, and IT services. FirstLight Fiber prides itself on providing reliable, dedicated connectivity, along with a suite of comprehensive services to bring organization's IT strategy to life. Mahoney has over 20 years of experience developing and implementing successful strategies for companies in the communications industry.
Mahoney first got her start in 1989 as a marketing manager at NYNEX. From there, she went on to Priority Call Management/SEMA Group, before eventually rising to become a VP of marketing and business development at Sidera Networks, her most recent position prior to joining FirstLight Fiber. Mahoney graduated from Boston University with an MBA in business administration and management and from Bentley University with an undergraduate degree in finance.
26. Paul Elias
VP & Chief Technology Officer, ADVA
Cornell University
Paul Elias began his professional career 27 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of ADVA. ADVA is a company founded on innovation and focused on helping their customers succeed. Their technology forms the building blocks of a shared digital future and empowers networks across the globe. They’re continually developing breakthrough hardware and software that leads the networking industry and creates new business opportunities. It’s these open connectivity solutions that enable their customers to deliver the cloud and mobile services that are vital to today’s society and for imagining a new tomorrow.
Elias first got his start in 1995 as a senior director of R&D at Fujitsu Network Communications. From there, he went on to co-found Covaro Networks where he served as their CTO. Elias graduated from Cornell University with an MS in electrical engineering.
27. Amir Kashfi
Founder and CEO, Valor International
Penn State University
Amir Kashfi is the Founder and CEO of Valor International. He founded the company in 2010 and has been committed to its success ever since. Valor International is an innovative industry leader that provides a variety of services from manufacturing certified refurbished devices, to performing inventory management and product procurement for its customers. Partnering with Valor International enables businesses to increase profits and grow market share. A true entrepreneur at heart, Kashfi leverages technology to drive efficiency and productivity to its fullest.
As the Chief Executive Officer of Valor International, Kashfi is dedicated to keeping up with the ever-changing and developing wireless industry and committed to staying ahead of the curve. Prior to joining Valor International, Kashfi was the director of marketing and general manager for TDF Group. He graduated from Penn State University with an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering.
28. Todd Poremba
VP of Product Management & Chief Architect, Comtech Telecommunications
University of Washington
Todd Poremba is the Vice President of Product Management and Chief Architect of Comtech Telecommunications. He first joined the company in 2018. With a passion for customer success, Comtech is a leading provider of next-generation 911 emergency systems and critical wireless communication technologies to commercial and government customers around the world.
Previously, Poremba was a senior director of product management and development at TeleCommunication Systems and before that, an application specialist at XYPoint. Poremba earned an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington.
29. Skip Hines
Chief Technology Officer, TeleCommunication Systems
University of Washington
Skip Hines is the Chief Technology Officer of TeleCommunication Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Comtech Telecommunications Corp where they design, develop, produce, and market products, systems and services for communications solutions. The company offers communications solutions, including command and control technologies, safety and security technologies and enterprise technologies. Hines has 32 years of experience. He began his career in 1990.
Before joining TeleCommunication, Hines was a chief software architect at XYPOINT Corporation and before that a software developer at BEST Consulting. Earlier in his career he worked with Boeing Commercial Airplanes as a systems developer. Hines graduated from the University of Washington with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
30. John Sprovieri
Editor in Chief, BNP Media
Northwestern University
John Sprovieri began his professional career 35 years ago. Today, he is the Editor in Chief of BNP Media, helping people succeed in business. As a team of creative, motivated, accountable professionals, BNP Media creates and globally delivers targeted, timely, superior information via a wide variety of media that brings their customers closer to their customers.
Sprovieri first got his start in 1987 as a managing editor at American Osteopathic Association. He graduated from Northwestern University with an undergraduate degree in journalism.
31. Ahmadreza Rofougaran
Founder & Chief Technical Officer, Movandi
University of California, Los Angeles
Ahmadreza Rofougaran is the Founder and Chief Technical Officer of Movandi. He founded the company in 2016. Movandi is a leader in 5G millimeter wave technology. It designs and develops deep semiconductor technology powering 5G and beyond interconnecting their world and enabling AI applications across multiple industries. Movandi solves the difficult 5G technology, cost and operational issues with patented semiconductor, smart relays, intelligent software, and system architectures. Movandi is disrupting 5G by using a radically different approach that is yielding tremendous benefits over existing networks.
Previously, Rofougaran was an SVP of engineering at Broadcom Inc. and before that, he founded Innovent Systems where he served as the CTO. Earlier in his career he worked with TriQuint Semiconductor (now Qorvo, Inc.) as a senior engineer. Rofougaran earned a PhD, an MS, and an undergraduate degree in electrical and electronics engineering, all from the University of California, Los Angeles.
32. Justin Hansen
Chief Financial Officer, TAK Communications
Dartmouth College
Justin Hansen is the Chief Financial Officer of TAK Communications, a nationally recognized cable installation, construction, and infrastructure firm serving the cable, broadband and telecommunications industry. TAK Communications is headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and has over 2,500 team members and partners operating in 38 states. Hansen has 24 years of experience. He began his career in 1998.
Before joining TAK Communications, Hansen was a VP at Credit Suisse and before that, an associate at Sports Capital Partners Limited. Earlier in his career he worked with Shawmut Capital Partners as an analyst. Hansen graduated from Dartmouth College with an undergraduate degree in economics.
33. Bruce Crair
SVP & General Manager, Boingo Wireless
University of California, Berkeley
Bruce Crair began his professional career 38 years ago. Today, he is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Boingo Wireless, the world's leading Wi-Fi software and services provider, making it easy, convenient, and cost-effective for people to enjoy Wi-Fi access on their laptop or mobile device at more than 325,000 hotspots worldwide. With a single account, Boingo users can access the mobile Internet via Boingo Network locations that include the top airports around the world, major hotel chains, cafes, and coffee shops, restaurants, convention centers, and metropolitan hot zones.
In 1985 Crair served as the president of Sprint PCS. From there, he went on to eVoice before eventually rising to become president and COO at Local.com Corporation, his most recent position prior to joining Boingo Wireless. Crair graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with an MBA in corporate strategy and from United States Naval Academy with an undergraduate degree in physics.
34. Craig Collins
Chief Executive Officer, Logix Fiber
Penn State University
Craig Collins began his professional career 26 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Executive Officer of Logix Fiber, a well-established Texas-based provider of telecommunications services since 1983. The company focuses on providing highly secure fiber-based data and voice services to enterprise and carrier customers. Logix is known for its outstanding customer service and providing commercial services in a few days to a couple of weeks. They have developed and streamlined flexible processes to allow customers to focus on their business first.
Collins first got his start in 1996 as a director of enterprise market management and director of sales and business development at Verizon Enterprise Solutions (formally Bell Atlantic). From there, he went on to Intermedia Communications, before eventually rising to become an SVP of sales and business development at Transit Wireless, his most recent position prior to joining Logix Fiber. Collins graduated from Georgetown University McDonough School of Business with an MBA and from Penn State University with an undergraduate degree in business.
35. Edward Gillette
President & CEO, Scranton Gillette Communications
Northwestern University
Edward Gillette is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Scranton Gillette Communications. He first joined the company in 2003. Scranton Gillette Communications is a fourth-generation family-owned business-to-business communications company, named by Folio magazine as one of the 40 fastest-growing companies and an “All Star” in the magazine industry. With its depth of services and marketing expertise, supported by healthy investments in digital products, custom media opportunities and company-owned face-to-face events, SGC and its more than 100 employees continue to deliver award-winning products to its spectrum of audiences in addition to full-service marketing capabilities to clients.
Gillette earned an MBA from the University of Chicago and an undergraduate degree in mathematical statistics and probability from Northwestern University.
36. Art Fallon
President, Fallon Communications
The Ohio State University
Art Fallon is the President of Fallon Communications. Founded in 1981, Fallon Communications is a leading provider of call center services for emergency response, telephone receptionist, customer/employee hotline, automated voice, marketing support, customer service support, and telephone answering services. Fallon has over 41 years of experience. Fallon graduated from The Ohio State University with an undergraduate degree in computer and information science.
37. Bill Major
President, Everstream Solutions
The Ohio State University
Bill Major is the President of Everstream Solutions. He first joined the company in 2015 as chief revenue officer. Everstream has raised the bar for business connectivity, delivering a business-only fiber network with the speed, reliability, scale, and performance that today’s enterprises demand. With more than 25,000 route miles of fiber and speeds up to 100 Gbps, Everstream’s enterprise-grade network delivers robust business fiber services, including dedicated internet access, dark fiber, ethernet, and data center solutions. Everstream is a valued partner dedicated to the success of business customers.
Previously, Major was a regional director of sales at Fibertech Networks and before that a director of sales and AVP at Windstream Communications. Earlier in his career he worked with ICG Communications as a business account executive. Major earned an undergraduate degree in criminal justice from The Ohio State University.
38. Betsy Henderson
Chief Strategy Officer, Radio Free Asia
Stanford University
Betsy Henderson began her professional career 35 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Strategy Officer of Radio Free Asia, a private, nonprofit news corporation informing audiences living in places with few alternatives to state-controlled and -influenced media through uncensored, in-depth journalism. RFA broadcasts in nine Asian languages including Mandarin, Tibetan, Burmese, Vietnamese, Korean, Lao, Khmer, Cantonese, and Uyghur. RFA also operates websites carrying original news content in nine Asian languages, plus English, and several additional dialects.
Henderson first got her start in 1987 as a newswoman at The Associated Press. She graduated from Stanford University with a master’s degree in East Asian studies, from Columbia University with an MS in journalism, and from the University of Michigan with an undergraduate degree in political science.
39. Ariel Roblin
President & General Manager, KCRA 3 / My58 of Hearst Television
University of Miami
Ariel Roblin began as President and General Manager of KCRA 3 / My58, a Hearst Television Station, on July 1, 2020. Her and her team’s passion for community engagement and support for those in need is what drives the success of the television stations she leads. In 2020, KCRA and My58 held fundraisers generating over a million dollars to help survivors of the California Wildfires rebuild. The community focused work of KCRA / My58 was recognized internationally with a Communicator Award for documentary work (2021), nationally with 3 Promax gold awards for promotional work (2020 and 2021), and regionally with multiple Regional Emmy Awards, including Overall Excellence.
Prior to her move to Sacramento, she served as the president and GM of KETV for 10 years. During her tenure at KETV, they earned multiple awards, including two National Edward R. Murrow Awards, and several Regional Emmy Awards. Most notable was the Edward R Murrow Award for Overall Excellence. In 2015, Ariel and Hearst Television leadership led the charge to revitalize the 117-year-old Historic Burlington Train Station after 40 years of vacancy, transforming it into a new home for KETV NewsWatch 7. This project earned several national and local awards, including the 2016 Nebraska Preservation Award. With a strong emphasis on community improvement, Ariel has served as a board member for numerous projects and committees. Currently she serves on the California Broadcasters Board, California Chamber of Commerce, and The Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, and the Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition. She has experienced a well-rounded career that began in Miami, FL (WAMI-TV) and has taken her across the country to places like Dayton, OH (WRGT-WKEF), Honolulu, HI (KGBM), Chico-Redding, CA (KRCR) and Eureka, CA (KAEF.), Omaha, Nebraska (KETV) and Sacramento (KCRA/My58). Prior to becoming President and General Manager she held positions in legal, production, creative services, programming, and sales.
40. Reab Berry
Chief Information Officer, Morris Communications
Georgia Institute of Technology
Reab Berry is the Chief Information Officer of Morris Communications. He first joined the company in 2003 as an information technology director. Morris Communications is a privately held media company with diversified holdings that include newspaper and magazine publishing, outdoor advertising, radio broadcasting, book publishing and distribution, visitor publications and a variety of online services. With the business footprint rapidly changing at Morris following the sale of their newspaper division in 2017, Berry was asked to transition from leading business and digital strategy in one of our divisions into the role of CIO for the entire organization. In a very short timeframe, the team was able to transform the technology landscape to more closely align with a much smaller and more nimble organization.
Berry earned an MBA from Emory University - Goizueta Business School and an undergraduate degree in building construction from Georgia Institute of Technology.
41. Blaine Rominger
Executive Vice President, ION Media
University of Southern California
Blaine Rominger began his professional career 34 years ago. Today, he is the Executive Vice President of ION Media, an independent, privately held media company launched in 2007. ION Media’s flagship, ION Television, is the most widely distributed and watched independent broadcast network in the U.S., reaching 100 million homes with a popular lineup of TV series and movies, including original shows. ION is the nation’s largest operator of TV broadcast stations by national household reach, with 65 full power stations.
Rominger first got his start in 1988 as a general sales manager at KTLA-TV Tribune Broadcasting. From there, he went on to KMEX-TV Univision before eventually rising to become a general manager at Spectrum Reach, his most recent position prior to joining ION Media. Rominger graduated from the University of Southern California with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
42. Alan Morse
Chief Executive Officer, Ritter Communications
The Ohio State University
Alan Morse is the Chief Executive Officer of Ritter Communications. He first joined the company in 2014. At Ritter Communications, they have over a century-long tradition of providing quality residential and business communication services all across Arkansas. A pioneer in the telecommunications industry, Ritter is a leading provider of telephone service, but over the years they’ve worked to become a total local communications connection. Today they offer the latest communication innovations for both homes and businesses including local and long-distance telephone, customized business systems, internet, and even premium cable service.
Previously, Morse was a principal at Morse Consulting Group and before that, a president and CEO at Brand Support Partners LLC. Earlier in his career he worked with CellularOne as a VP of retail store operations. Morse earned an undergraduate degree in communication from The Ohio State University.
43. Todd Sperry
VP & Executive Editor, NFL Media
The University of Texas at Austin
Todd Sperry is a Vice President and Executive Editor of NFL Media. NFL Media's team of engineers produce creative content, overseeing the league's presence online and on mobile devices. NFL digital products see 100’s of millions of users worldwide and their mobile applications are installed on 10’s of millions of devices. Sperry has 30 years of experience. He began his career in 1992.
Before joining NFL Media, Sperry was a senior producer at CNN and before that a control room technical director and producer at Prime Sports Group. Earlier in his career he worked with CBS Radio as a field and studio producer. Sperry graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with an undergraduate degree in radio television film.
44. Neal Sabin
Executive Vice President, Weigel Broadcasting
Northwestern University
Neal Sabin is an Executive Vice President with Weigel Broadcasting, a family-owned media company based in Chicago, Illinois. The company owns and operates national television networks, as well as local broadcast stations throughout the country. Weigel is the leader in the multicast television network space with MeTV, Memorable Entertainment Television, the number-one rated and distributed multicast network. Their local stations include CBS, ABC, The CW, MyNet and Telemundo network affiliates. Weigel and its affiliate companies broadcast network and independent television stations serving New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Houston, Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, St. Louis, Nashville, Salt Lake City, Hartford, Milwaukee, Des Moines, Portland, South Bend, Evansville and Rockford. Weigel is the creator of the nationally syndicated music format MeTV FM. Sabin has 28 years of experience. He began his career in 1994. He graduated from Northwestern University.
45. Mark Walker
President, Kelly Telecom, GTA
Georgia Institute of Technology
Mark Walker began his professional career 28 years ago. Today, he is the President of Kelly Telecom of GTA. As part of Kelly’s science, engineering, technology, and telecom business unit, they are committed to providing state-of-the-art telecom engineering and deployment solutions for legacy, 5G, and private networks. They are a leading provider of comprehensive high-value engineering, technology, and business consulting solutions, and they deliver these through staffing, scope of work, and direct hire services. Their collective purpose is to connect people to work that inspires them so that, together, they can provide customer solutions while advancing their diverse workforce and the communities they serve.
Walker first got his start in 1994 as a manager of technical writing and publication at Kliklok-Woodman. From there, he went on to Motorola before eventually rising to become a VP of network at T-Mobile, his most recent position prior to joining GTA. Walker graduated from Kennesaw State University with an MBA and from Georgia Institute of Technology with an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering.
46. Calvin Harrison
President of Video Quality and Analytics, Telestream
The University of Texas at Austin
Calvin Harrison is the President of Video Quality and Analytics at Telestream. He first joined the company in 2017. For nearly 25 years, Telestream has been at the forefront of innovation in the digital video industry. The company develops products for media processing and workflow orchestration, live capture, streaming, production, video quality assurance, virtual events and video hosting, content management, and video and audio test solutions. Available on premises or in the cloud as well as in hybrid combinations, Telestream solutions make it possible to reliably get video content to any audience, regardless of how it is created, distributed or viewed.
Harrison is responsible for the integration of IneoQuest into a standalone business unit of Telestream Inc. He previously served as acting VP of sales and engineering for the business unit while managing synergy transition and delivering record earnings. He is currently responsible for the P&L, product strategy, and engineering development. Previously, Harrison was a president and CEO at IneoQuest Technologies and before that, an operations manager at Freescale Semiconductor. Earlier in his career he worked with Zilog as a director of strategic development. Harrison earned an MBA in business and an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin.
47. Dave Isenberg
Chief Executive Officer, Opensignal
Yale University
Dave Isenberg began his professional career 26 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Executive Officer of Opensignal, the leading global provider of independent insights and data integrating network experience and market performance across converged, wireless, and broadband operators. Its customer-centric holistic approach allows communication providers to improve their network and maximize commercial performance.
Isenberg first got his start in 1996 as a director of product development of high-speed internet at Continental Cablevision. From there, he went on to Engage before eventually rising to become a chief customer officer at Comlinkdata, his most recent position prior to joining Comlinkdata. Isenberg graduated from Harvard Business School with an MBA and from Yale University with an undergraduate degree in history.
48. Ron Reuss
SVP & Chief Strategy Officer, CableLabs
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Ron Reuss is an SVP and Chief Strategy Officer for CableLabs. CableLabs invents new ways to keep people connected by making broadband faster and more responsive, reliable, and secure, cementing the cable network as the platform of choice for enjoying incredible experiences in entertainment and connectivity. As the leading innovation and R&D lab for the cable industry, CableLabs creates global impact through its member companies around the world and its subsidiaries, Kyrio and UpRamp. Reuss has 36 years of experience. He began his career in 1986.
Before joining CableLabs, Reuss was a VP of product management at Envysion and before that, a director of wholesale voice product management at Level 3 Communications. Earlier in his career he worked with Bellcore as a technical staff member. Reuss graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with an MBA, from the University of Pennsylvania with an MS in computer science, and from Massachusetts Institute of Technology with an undergraduate degree in computer science and humanities.
49. Clark Palmer
Chief Technology Officer, Meteorcomm Wireless
University of Washington
Clark Palmer is the Chief Technology Officer of Meteorcomm Wireless. Meteorcomm is the rail industry’s trusted choice for wireless communications technology that reliably transports mission-critical information. With a robust data backbone that is integrated into the railroads’ IT infrastructure, Meteorcomm delivers innovative solutions that enable Positive Train Control (PTC) compliance and improve operational efficiencies. Palmer has 29 years of experience. He began his career in 1993.
Before joining Meteorcomm Wireless, Palmer was an electronic service division commander, CIO, and information technology division commander at Washington State Patrol. He graduated from the University of Washington with an undergraduate degree in physics.
50. William Rubio
Chief Revenue Officer, CallTower
University of Miami
William Rubio is the Chief Revenue Officer of CallTower. He first joined the company in 2013. CallTower has evolved into a global cloud-based, enterprise-class unified communications, contact center and collaboration solutions provider for growing organizations worldwide. CallTower enhances its clients’ strategic and operational capabilities by integrating VoIP service, mobile applications, email hosting, unified messaging, instant messaging, audio, web and video conferencing, collaboration tools, contact center, cloud services and global networks solutions into one reliable platform.
Previously, Rubio was a national director at Earthlink Business and before that, a senior director of sales at Cleartel Communications. Earlier in his career he worked with AT&T as a procurement and contract manager. Rubio earned an MBA in international business from Kennesaw State University and an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering from the University of Miami.