Session Speakers: WISPAPALOOZA 2022

Full Name	Company	Job Title	Speaking At	Attendee Bio
Eric Slee	Wireless Internet Service Providers Association	Vice President of Government Affairs	The Importance Of Grassroots Advocacy To Growing Your Business	Eric Slee currently serves as Vice President of Government Affairs for WISPA. In this capacity, he helps guide the advocacy efforts of the association’s 1000 members before Capitol Hill, as well WISPA’s growing state and local, and grassroots portfolio. Before arriving at WISPA, Slee was Legislative Director for Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS), former Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. In that role, Eric managed Senator Roberts’ legislative staff and worked to implement the Senator’s legislative agenda. He also served as primary advisor to the Senator on policy matters related to telecom, energy, trade, and the environment. Prior to that, Slee was Senior Account Executive for the DCI Group in Washington, DC, developing and maintaining long-term relationships with think tanks, political activists, issue experts, and advocacy organizations on public policy issues related to the telecommunications industry. Other positions Eric has held include Communications Training Director for the Leadership Institute in Arlington, Virginia; and Legislative Correspondent for former Representative Mark Green (R-WI-8) in Washington, DC. Slee earned his BA degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.
Curtis Davis	ICS Broadband	(not set)	The Importance of State Advocacy In BEAD Funding Decisions	Curtis's background goes back to his Childhood Day's, at 10 he started pulling Cabling for a Local Security Company, and in his Senior Year he started his Company, during those earlier years he was exposed to Radio Telephones (Yes before Celluar) and learned the in's and outs of FCC and PUCO processes. Fast Forward to today, ICS has Corporate Office in Downtown Columbus just South of the Ohio State House, with the main service area being Central/Eastern and Southern Ohio, with a few select National Accounts that are Serviced by ICS, the provide turnkey Solutions including Internet and Phone but also Fire, Security and other Technology Services, and also has a 24/7 Security Command Center and NOC at the Corporate Offices.
Jessica Gyllstrom	Telecommunications Law Professionals	Member	Rules That All WISPs Should Know	Jessica’s practice areas include a broad range of regulatory, policy and transactional telecommunications and media matters. Jessica regularly represents Internet service providers, VoIP providers, mobile wireless carriers broadcasters and tower companies before the Federal Communications Commission and other federal and state agencies. Jessica has particular experience advising wireless service providers on compliance, licensing and policy matters, spectrum acquisition and funding opportunities, and her transactional work largely involves the drafting and negotiation of complex submarine and terrestrial fiber optic cable system arrangements, both within the United States and internationally. Jessica has been recognized by several legal ranking organizations, including Chambers and Partners, Super Lawyers, The Legal 500, and was also recently recognized by the Wireless Infrastructure Association as a “Noteworthy Woman in Wireless Infrastructure.” She is an active member of the Federal Communications Bar Association and is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, the District of Columbia, and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
K.C. Halm	Davis, Wright, Tremaine	Communications & Technology Partner	Rules That All WISPs Should Know Issues In Selling And Buying A WISP	K.C. Halm is a communications and technology partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, and co-chair of the firm’s national multi-disciplinary AI practice group. Broadband ISPs, wireless providers, and cable operators rely on K.C. for experienced counsel on a wide range of broadband policy and competition matters, broadband funding opportunities, wireless licensing and spectrum acquisition issues, privacy and special access (business data services) regulations, and state attorney general and PSC investigations. In addition, K.C. advises clients on privacy and data/network security issues under federal and state law, with a recent focus on issues arising under the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), the telephone and cable privacy sections of the Telecommunications Act (CPNI), and mobile privacy and location-based services. K.C. also co-chairs Davis Wright Tremaine LLP’s AI Team, a national cross-disciplinary team of lawyers and professionals providing strategic guidance to clients deploying AI/ML-enabled applications and services. He advises the firm’s AI clients on issues arising in the use of AI and machine learning applications under existing and emerging legal frameworks.
David Jermakian	Dynamic Environmental Associates	President	How To Fund And Build Your Fixed Wireless Network To Comply With Environmental, RF, and Other Infrastructure Siting Rules	I am the President of Dynamic Environmental Associates (DEA), a nationally recognized Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Consulting firm and has been working with the wireless industry since 1990’s. I have been working in this space since the 1990’s on tower and wireless environmental issues, including compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as well as due diligence assessments. I’ve served as co-chair for the WIA Environmental Consultants Working Group and have been called upon on numerous occasions by companies, associations and the FCC to provide expert advice. Prior to founding DEA in 1993, I managed the environmental division of Storch Engineers, a regional engineering and consulting firm involved in a variety of projects ranging from NEPA compliance for federally funded design and construction projects to the investigation and remediation of Superfund sites.
Claude Aiken	Nextlink Internet	Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Legal Officer	Issues In Selling And Buying A WISP	Claude Aiken is the Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Legal Officer for Nextlink Internet, the premier provider of fixed-wireless and fiber Internet and phone services across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois and Iowa. He leads the company’s work on strategic market development and M&A, as well as heading its legal and government affairs practices. Prior to joining Nextlink, he was President & CEO of WISPA, leading the association to significant growth in budget, membership, and industry relevance. Claude joined WISPA after nearly a decade at the Federal Communications Commission. While there, he served as advisor to Chairman Wheeler and Commissioner Clyburn. He held senior leadership positions in the Wireline Bureau and Office of General Counsel, as well key staff attorney roles throughout the Commission. He has been recognized as a Rising Star in the wireless industry by FierceWireless, and has held multiple positions on federal advisory boards under the FCC and the Department of Commerce. Claude also holds a law degree from New York Law School and an English degree from Grove City College.
Steven Schwerbel	Wireless Internet Service Providers Association	State Advocacy Manager	The Importance of State Advocacy In BEAD Funding Decisions The Importance Of Grassroots Advocacy To Growing Your Business	Steven Schwerbel currently serves as State Advocacy Manager for WISPA. In this capacity, he helps engage our volunteer coordinators in advocacy opportunities with state broadband offices, legislators, and policymakers who are shaping state-level broadband decisions. Before arriving at WISPA, Schwerbel was a staffer for Wisconsin state senator Julian Bradley, serving as his Committee Clerk for the Senate Committee on Utilities, Technology, and Telecommunications. Here, he managed bills related to a variety of utilities policy, including bills making changes to Wisconsin’s broadband grant program, and maintained strong relationships with the state’s Public Service Commission. Prior to this, Schwerbel served as staff for state representative Romaine Quinn, where he focused on broadband and rural development policy, drafting bills aimed at expanding rural broadband access. Here, he also served as the Committee Clerk for the Assembly Committee on Science and Technology and advised Rep. Quinn on broadband and internet-security related policy questions. Schwerbel began his government service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Azerbaijan, where he worked with English teachers in a rural village school.
Kathleen McDonald	Aristotle Unified Communications L.L.C	Regulatory and Compliance Officer	How To Fund And Build Your Fixed Wireless Network To Comply With Environmental, RF, and Other Infrastructure Siting Rules	Kathleen McDonald is the Regulatory and Compliance Officer of Aristotle Unified Communications L.L.C., a leading provider of broadband connectivity solutions that is committed to moving the needle on digital equity and inclusion in Arkansas, and soon in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and other areas. Prior to re-joining the Aristotle team in late 2020, Kathleen represented individuals and businesses in immigration matters after having served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Pulaski County, Arkansas for several years. She received her J.D. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is a summa cum laude graduate of UA Little Rock’s Donaghey Scholars Program where she received bachelor’s degrees in International Studies and in French. Kathleen is a member of the Federal Communications Bar Association, and she is on the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Bar Association.
Louis Peraertz	Wireless Internet Service Providers Association	Vice President of Policy	Spectrum Update	Louis Peraertz is WISPA’s Vice President of Policy. In this role, Louis works to advance WISPA’s successful track record before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and other federal agencies. Prior to WISPA, Louis worked in several capacities at the FCC. Notably, for more than seven years, Louis served as legal advisor to former FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn in the areas of wireless, satellite, public safety, and international policies. In this position, Louis worked to achieve many of the Commissioner’s top policy priorities to bridge the digital divide, such as: increased spectrum for unlicensed services in the TV White Spaces, CBRS, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and spectrum bands above 24 GHz; dynamic spectrum access management policies in the TV White Spaces, 3.5 GHz, and 37 GHz bands; design of geographic area licenses and competitive bidding policies to enhance the ability of small wireless companies to acquire spectrum at auctions; reform of universal service policies for commercial wireless services. Before the FCC, Louis worked as a federal appellate court litigator for the U.S. Department of Justice, and served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps. He has a BA from Princeton University and a JD from Harvard Law School.
Jeff Kohler	Rise Broadband	Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer	Issues In Selling And Buying A WISP	Jeff has worked in the wireless industry for over 25 years, and he is responsible for all mergers and acquisitions, governmental affairs, spectrum development and media and trade relations for the largest privately-held fixed wireless broadband service provider in the United States serving customers in sixteen states. He serves on the board of directors for the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) and is active in advocacy efforts with both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Congress. Rise is a recipient of the FierceWireless Service Provider of the Year award and in 2021 was named Best Rural ISP Overall by CNET.
JJ McGrath	TekWav	CEO	The Importance Of Grassroots Advocacy To Growing Your Business Understanding the Subsidy Landscape: How the Government is Affecting Your Business	JJ McGrath, CEO of TekWav has more than 20 years of experience in Information Technology. JJ Started TekWav as a WISP in 2013 and has grown the business to over 1900+ subs over the course of 10 years with plans to transition to a FTTH provider. TekWav is a recipient of Rural Digital Opportunity Fund support to deploy gigabit fiber and JJ is currently executing on the company’s buildout requirements. Understanding the importance of strong federal and state engagement to the industry, JJ currently serves as Chairman of the WISPA Government Affairs Committee, as well as the WISPA Texas State Broadband Advocate.
Katie Merce	Crown Castle	Senior Attorney - Government Relations	The Importance of State Advocacy In BEAD Funding Decisions	Katie Merce is Senior Attorney – Government Relations for Crown Castle and has more than ten years of broad experience in the telecommunications industry, including extensive background in real estate, customer agreements and municipal approvals. As a key partner of Crown Castle’s network deployment and government affairs teams, she strategically employs federal, state, and local law to facilitate timely construction of small cells and fiber, and advocates for Crown Castle before local and state government officials. Previously at Crown Castle, Katie worked closely with Crown Castle’s tower customer sales group, with a focus on constructing complex agreements and supporting expansion into new business segments, including ensuring Crown Castle’s internal legal processes accommodated the needs of WISPS. Prior to joining Crown Castle, Katie served as real estate counsel for a small wireless infrastructure company drafting ground leases and long-term easements to support rapid expansion. Katie received her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, and her juris doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
Matt Larsen	Vistabeam	(not set)	Developing Public Private Partnerships With States and Local Governments WISP Financing Broad Policy Changes, Their Effects On Your Business, And Practical Strategies To Reduce Or Eliminate Their Debilitating Effects	Matt Larsen started deploying wireless broadband in 1999 and is experienced in the design of data networks, NOC operations, wireless deployments, voice over IP implementation, business development and overall management of ISP operations. In 1995, Larsen was part of the volunteer group that launched FortNet, the first ISP in Fort Collins, Colorado. After moving to Scottsbluff, Nebraska in 1997, he started Scottsbluff Networx, an ISP that provided competitive dialup Internet access in Western Nebraska and was the first non-ILEC to offer DSL service in Nebraska. Frustrated with the incumbent bureaucracy, Matt turned to wireless as an alternate way to deliver broadband, bypassing the phone companies completely. In November 2000, Larsen sold Scottsbluff Networx to Airwave Wireless, a company that held LMDS and cellular licenses for the Scottsbluff area. From November 2000 through October 2003, Larsen worked on ISP operations for Airwave, and concentrated on business development and the deployment of unlicensed wireless broadband systems. In October 2003, Larsen left Airwave to pursue opportunities in wireless broadband access and established Vistabeam. Vistabeam has deployed wireless broadband systems covering approximately 40,000 square miles across Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota and Nebraska.
Raj Singh	Velankani Communications Technologies, Inc.	CEO	Drafting Grant Proposals to Apply for These Federal Funds	A creative and dynamic leader, Raj has been finding innovative solutions to complex problems in the broadband industry for more than 25 years. Raj became CEO of Velankani Communications Technologies, Inc. in 2005; technology developed by VCTI can be found can be found in the access networks of more than 500 service providers, globally. In 2019, VCTI pivoted to a mission to deliver software, SaaS and managed service solutions, leveraging machine learning and AI, that directly enable broadband providers to accelerate the expansion of their services and automation of operations. Today, VCTI’s unparalleled expertise in GIS modeling, network planning, software and services, legal and public affairs is being leveraged by leading and emerging broadband service providers to successfully win, defend and challenge subsidy programs.
Terry Chevalier	Sunstone Associates	Owner and Managing Director	How the IIJA and Other Congressional Statutes Have Changed the Regulatory Landscape and Impacted Your Plans for Fiber and Wireless Deployments Drafting Grant Proposals to Apply for These Federal Funds	Terry Chevalier is currently the owner and Managing Director at Sunstone Associates, a growth consulting and advisory firm. Terry currently advises business owners of technology, media, and telecom (TMT) businesses with growth strategy including public financing, strategic program management, and exit or transition planning to achieve their growth vision. In his 25+ year career, he has had multiple executive roles in strategy, corporate development, business development, and operations across multiple industries including telecommunications, financial services, management consulting, and government contracting. Terry commenced his career in the U.S. Intelligence Community as a technical operations officer deploying time-sensitive, mission-critical communications systems. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, a Masters in Business Administration from Duke University, and is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor with the Exit Planning Institute.
S. Jenell Trigg	Lerman Senter, PLLC	Member	Rules That All WISPs Should Know Opportunities in the MTE-MDU Market New Developments In Privacy And Cybersecurity For ISPs as Critical Infrastructure Entities	S. Jenell Trigg, CIPP/US, a former broadcast television sales and marketing executive spanning a sixteen-year advertising career in the Chicago and Baltimore markets, is a Member of Lerman Senter PLLC and is founding Chair of the firm’s Privacy, Data Protection and Cybersecurity practice group. In addition to more than two decades practicing in the broadcast, cable, Internet and telecommunications regulatory areas, Jenell also specializes in privacy/data protection and cybersecurity issues, intellectual property concerns, government regulation of the Internet and new technologies. Jenell has received her Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) credentials through the International Association of Privacy Professionals. Prior to private practice, Jenell served as Assistant Chief Counsel for Telecommunications for the Office of Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration, and as a law clerk for FCC Commrs. Ness and Chong, as well as an FCC senior telecom policy analyst. Jenell has also received WISPA’s Presidential Medal of Honor under two administrations, the last for her extensive pro bono work as WISPA’s representative on the FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment. Jenell is also recognized nationally in Best Lawyers of America®, Lawyers of Distinction ®and The National Black Lawyers Top 100® for her work in communications and privacy/data security law.
Scott Woods	Ready.net	Vice President for Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships	Drafting Grant Proposals to Apply for These Federal Funds	Scott D. Woods is the former inaugural Director of the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives in NTIA’s Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OIGC). While at NTIA, he served as the principal liaison between the OIGC program office and key strategic partners and external stakeholder groups, including representatives from state and local governments, telecommunications companies, for-profit and nonprofit corporations, and colleges/universities. Scott is a broadband funding, implementation and stakeholder engagement expert and served as a key member of the OIGC leadership team responsible for the implementation and launch of the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives and the historic $65 billion broadband funding program authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA). Scott’s expertise and devotion to increasing broadband access and digital inclusion has helped transform the lives of many communities throughout the U.S. through programs such as the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), BroadbandUSA Technical Assistance Program, BroadbandUSA Community Education Workshops; HBCU College Partnership Program; the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program; and his influence among national, state and corporate decision makers, and his on-the-groundwork building community-based broadband coalitions. Scott has long advocated for better broadband maps, data collection and utilization and in his various roles at NTIA, has used broadband data, mapping, and visualizations to make better broadband funding and programmatic decisions. As the Vice President for Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships for Ready.net, Scott will facilitate and develop key public-private partnerships formed via the Broadband.Money platform; develop a platform for local communities to express their needs for broadband access and digital equity investments; and develop industry partnerships and foster alliances with key stakeholders to advance and support community-based broadband education and advocacy initiatives. Scott received his Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from Morehouse College; Master of Arts in Public Policy from American University; and Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law.
Kimberly Young	MKY Ventures	President	Drafting Grant Proposals to Apply for These Federal Funds	Kimberly Young is the President of MKY Ventures, LLC, providing State and Federal Grant Writing, Consulting and Administrative Services to ISPs all over North America. MKY Ventures is focused on helping ISPs to increase broadband access and helping to connect rural communities throughout the North America and US Territories. Before starting MKY Ventures, Kimberly spent 25 years in a Healthcare Administration career in helping doctors and hospital provide the best care for patients through influencing lawmakers, policy and administrators. During her time in healthcare, Kimberly continued writing grants on case-by-case bases for a select few technology and internet clients for the past 15 years. Today, MKY Ventures provides grant services, consulting for ISPs, and partners with marketplace providers to offer a suite of services for ISPs in need of assistance.
Dominic Villecco	VCOMM Telecommunications and Engineering	Founder and President	How To Fund And Build Your Fixed Wireless Network To Comply With Environmental, RF, and Other Infrastructure Siting Rules	Dominic Villecco has 40 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. As Founder and President of V COMM Telecommunications Engineering, he has led the company from two employees to more than 50, with three offices on the East Coast. He is a qualified expert witness in telecommunications engineering in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Michigan. He has also testified in Federal Court on behalf of the FCC and US Department of Justice in high-profile cases. Prior to founding V COMM in 1995, Mr. Villecco led all engineering efforts for Comcast Cellular Communications, Inc., and Comcast International Holdings. As former Director of Engineering for American Cellular Network Corporation (AMCELL), he helped design the first regional cellular network in the United States with propriety automatic call delivery among independent carriers. Mr. Villecco’s expertise provides a positive impact upon his clients’ growth rates and their ability to secure financing from key vendors. He previously served as Vice Chairman on the Board of Advisors for Drexel University’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2001. He also served as Chairman of the Technical Subcommittee for the Association of Public Safety Officials-International, Inc. (APCO) Region 28 and its 700 MHz initiatives. Mr. Villecco is recognized as a telecommunications expert by the FCC and the US Department of Justice. He is President of the Board of Trustees for the New Jersey Wireless Association (NJWA).
Richard Bernhardt	WISPA	National Spectrum Advisor	Opportunities in the MTE-MDU Market Spectrum Update	Richard Bernhardt is the National Spectrum Adviser for the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA). He serves as the liaison between WISPA members and industry related to spectrum policy and regulatory matters. He regularly represents WISPA to industry organizations and coalitions, manufacturers, and various wireless and telecom operators and service providers. Mr. Bernhardt serves on the board of directors and is an officer of the Wireless Innovation Forum (WInnForum), a global spectrum standards development organization and is the lead representative for WISPA to the WInnForum. WInnForum created the baseline standards for CBRS and is currently working on the 6 GHz band standards. He serves as the co-chair of its Spectrum Sharing Committee (SSC) and chairs its Operations working group which covers bests practices for CPIs, CAs (security), band co-existence, PALs, secondary market and many other CBRS technical areas. Mr. Bernhardt is the co-chair of the FCC rules directed 6 GHz multi-stakeholder group (MSG) and he serves on numerous industry panels and committees including chairing the Fixed Wireless Access group for CBRS Alliance (now the OnGo Alliance). He has served in leadership roles in the networking, wireless and telecom industry for over 30 years. Mr. Bernhardt holds a B.A. in communications from the University of California, Davis, and a J.D. from California Western School of Law in San Diego, CA.
Craig Muller	Tarana	Sales Engineer	How Important are PALs to my CBRS Deployment?	Craig Muller is a Tarana Wireless Sales Engineer primarily supporting Eastern US clients. Craig has been involved in wireless delivery of internet and services for over 20 years. His experience includes being a field engineer, President of a WISP, 4 years in distribution, 9 years with two manufacturers and ownership of a wireless centric VAR. In addition, Craig has worked for SPRINT, NASA, and performed Satellite Communication Ground Station support for the US army.
Diane Rinaldo	Open RAN Policy Coalition	Executive Director	How the IIJA and Other Congressional Statutes Have Changed the Regulatory Landscape and Impacted Your Plans for Fiber and Wireless Deployments	Diane Rinaldo is one of the country’s leading authorities on 5G, telecommunications supply chain security and privacy. She served as Acting Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. During her time at NTIA, Ms. Rinaldo directed the Administration’s efforts on privacy; testified in the House of Representatives and Senate on 5G and Internet security issues; served as a principal advising the White House and Congress on 5G and supply chain; as well as other successes in education and deployment of Internet access around the world. Prior to her Executive Branch service, Ms. Rinaldo served on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where she focused on Congress’ landmark cybersecurity legislation, the Cybersecurity Act of 2015. She also served as Congress’ oversight and budget monitor for the National Security Agency and the defense network systems, and as Deputy Chief of Staff to Congressman Mike Rogers as his top technology policy staffer. Ms. Rinaldo also spent time in the private sector as the Director of Government Affairs and cyber policy for SAP, and as a Vice President at a top consulting firm in Washington, DC. Recognized for her work on cybersecurity, Ms. Rinaldo was awarded the Executive Women’s Forum’s 2016 Influencer of the Year award; was named one of the top ten people in Washington, D.C. impacting cyber legislation; and has consulted on movies and television. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Maine and an Executive Certificate from Harvard University for Cyber Studies.
Carol Mattey	Mattey Consulting LLC	Principal	Playing Offense and Defense: The $42.45 Billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program	Carol Mattey is the Principal of Mattey Consulting LLC, based in the Washington, DC metro area. Ms. Mattey is one of the nation's leading experts on the FCC’s universal service programs, drawing on more than a decade of experience as Deputy Chief of the FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau overseeing the Universal Service Fund. Among other accomplishments, between 2010-2016, she led efforts to modernize the FCC’s universal service programs to focus on broadband. After leaving the FCC in 2017, she founded a consulting practice advising broadband providers and others active in the telecommunications industry, focusing on government funding strategy and execution, public policy advocacy, and regulatory compliance.
Jimmy Schaeffler	The Carmel Group	Chairman/CSO	Broad Policy Changes, Their Effects On Your Business, And Practical Strategies To Reduce Or Eliminate Their Debilitating Effects	Jimmy Schaeffler is chairman/CSO of The Carmel Group, a telecommunications, computer, and media industries business analysis and expert consultant. Under the umbrella of The Carmel Group, Mr. Schaeffler has helped wireless communication and media companies to plan, value, and optimize their systems, since 1995. He worked with and interviewed hundreds of wireless Internet service providers to create the Wireless Internet Service Provider Associations (WISPA) 2021 “Lift-off” report, which covers key benchmarks and trends in the Fixed Wireless and Hybrid Fiber Wireless Broadband industry. Mr. Schaeffler and The Carmel Group focus their expertise in cable, satellite, wireless, and telephony, and such new and/or advanced services as broadband, VOD, DVRs, HDTV, AI, VR, AR, interactive TV, and satellite radio. His insights and views are reported in such publications as Investor’s Business Daily, USA Today, Newsweek, TIME Magazine, Business Week, and The Wall Street Journal. He is also a regular speaker at international events such as the NAB, NCTA Cable Show, WISPAPALOOZA, CTAM, and CES. The Carmel Group’s website link is www.carmelgroup.com
Todd Harpest	MetaLink Technologies	External Affairs & Regulatory Director	Playing Offense and Defense: The $42.45 Billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program Basics About Filing Form 477 And The New Broadband Data Collection Submission Understanding the Subsidy Landscape: How the Government is Affecting Your Business	Todd Harpest is one of the founders of MetaLINK Technologies, Inc. (“MetaLINK”) and today serves in the capacity of External Affairs & Regulatory Director. MetaLINK is one of the largest fixed wireless service providers in the Midwest. He has served with MetaLINK in numerous capacities over the last 26 years and has over 36 years of IT and business management experience. Todd currently serves on the Mapping and Analyzing Connectivity on Agricultural Lands Working Group of FCC Precision Agriculture Connectivity Task Force. Additionally, Todd currently serves WISPA as the Board of Director Chairperson, and Government Affairs, Policy, and State Coordinator Member. Todd received his MBA degree from the University of Dayton and BSAS from Miami University.
David Zumwalt	Wireless Internet Service Providers Association	President and CEO	How the IIJA and Other Congressional Statutes Have Changed the Regulatory Landscape and Impacted Your Plans for Fiber and Wireless Deployments Issues In Selling And Buying A WISP	David Zumwalt As of June 1, 2022, David Zumwalt serves as President & CEO of WISPA, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association. WISPA’s service providers, supported by vital vendors and suppliers, deliver primary broadband connectivity in traditionally underserved and unserved suburban, rural and Tribal communities nationwide, with a growing subscriber base now reaching nine million Americans. WISPA’s members are often entrepreneurs who live in, serve, and continually reinvest in their communities. Prior to WISPA he served as Chief Operating Officer of Broadband VI, a major Internet Service Provider in the US Virgin Islands, where his role included full P&L responsibility and had a primary mission to prepare the company to scale. In 2021, Broadband VI sought and won $84.5 million in FCC Connect USVI funding to supplement its private investment in Territory-wide network expansion and was subsequently acquired by a unit of publicly traded Liberty Latin America late last year. He then led Broadband VI’s post-acquisition transition efforts. Previously, he served as the CEO/Executive Director of the University of the Virgin Islands Research & Technology Park (RTPark), an instrumentality of the USVI government formed to establish and grow a vibrant knowledge-based sector in the Territory’s economy. He led policy, workforce investment, infrastructure and market outreach initiatives and guided RTPark to become a rare example of a sustainable three-way partnership with private sector, governmental and university stakeholders. Earlier, he founded and served as Chairman and CEO of Dallas, TX-based CNet, Inc., a leading provider of radio frequency (RF) engineering and operational support system software and services to the worldwide wireless communications industry, securing significant customer relationships in forty countries. Over the course of his career, he has served on the Boards of, and as a transitional chief executive in, several venture capital and private equity-backed businesses, working closely with management teams, stakeholders, capital partners and governmental/regulatory counterparts. His portfolio spans private sector, public sector and academic initiatives. He has engaged with accelerators, incubators and private equity partnerships to mentor emerging companies in markets including simulation/gaming, logistics, internet content, search, and network services. A graduate of Rice University, he has been named a Fellow of the Radio Club of America in recognition of his wireless industry contributions and is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Texas.
Elizabeth Bowles	Aristotle Unified Communications L.L.C.	CEO	How the IIJA and Other Congressional Statutes Have Changed the Regulatory Landscape and Impacted Your Plans for Fiber and Wireless Deployments Developing Public Private Partnerships With States and Local Governments The Importance Of Grassroots Advocacy To Growing Your Business Understanding the Subsidy Landscape: How the Government is Affecting Your Business	L. Elizabeth Bowles is CEO of Aristotle Unified Communications, LLC, a broadband internet service provider headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. In that position, Elizabeth guides the strategic direction and vision of Aristotle and is integral to the development of Aristotle’s business relationships, including partnerships, investment strategies, and joint ventures. A passionate advocate for the expansion of affordable broadband services in rural and underserved areas, Elizabeth has testified before Congress and the FCC and served two terms as Chair of the FCC’s Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee, which is an independent advisory body tasked with making policy recommendations for eliminating the digital divide. A past President of the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA), Elizabeth currently serves on WISPA’s Policy Committee and is its Arkansas State Coordinator and Regional Ambassador for the Southeast Region. Elizabeth is licensed to practice law in Washington, D.C. and Arkansas, as well as before the Supreme Court of the United States and a number of U.S. Courts of Appeals. Prior to joining Aristotle’s leadership team in 2000, Elizabeth was an attorney with the Washington, D.C. law firm of Arnold & Porter, where she practiced in the fields of intellectual property and commercial litigation with an emphasis on international and technology law. Elizabeth graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a B.A. in International Studies and obtained her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1993, where she graduated first in her class, Order of the Coif, and was awarded the Founder’s Medal. Elizabeth also received the top score on the 1993 bar exam. Elizabeth has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Arkansas State Bank Board, Better Business Bureau of Arkansas (past President), Rotary Club 99 (Communications Chair), Central Arkansas Executives Association, City Year Little Rock/North Little Rock (Founding Board Member), YPO Chapter Chair and Regional Education Chair, Arkansas’ Quality Digital Learning Study Committee, the Arkansas Broadband Council, and Arkansas’ FASTER committee.
George Hellmuth	Tarana	Head of Sales	The Path to Gigabit - At Scale!	George is the Head of Sales for Tarana in North America. He previously held a number of sales leadership positions at Nokia including leading U.S. Major Wireline accounts and VP of IP and Optical Sales into ATT. During his 17 years at Nokia, he was instrumental in helping Nokia grow into an industry leader in the Wireless backhaul space. He has an MS in Engineering from Virginia Tech and a BS in Electrical Engineering from George Mason University.
Bryan Mauk	Pc's For People	Chief Innovation Officer	All Things MDU - From Sales to Service to Tech From Lead to Installed: The Customer Journey	Bryan started with PCs for People as the Executive Director for Ohio, as the founding director of that office. Through his work, his role has expanded to Chief Innovation Officer, where he leads in national expansion of new markets, development and deployment of internet services, and new strategic initiatives. Since the start of the Covid Pandemic, Bryan has identified the need for digital equity and inclusion in terms of internet accessibility. Bryan has spearheaded the WISP and ISP department of PCs for People, where we are now creating wireless internet opportunities for communities across the country. Prior to joining PCs for People, Bryan Mauk was the Vice President of Workforce Development for Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry for seven years. He has been serving the community for over 15 years helping to provide outreach and employment services to individuals who were homeless and previously incarcerated. Bryan has a B.A. from John Carroll University and a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Organizations (MNO) from Case Western Reserve University. Bryan has also served as an adjunct faculty member at John Carroll University teaching classes on social entrepreneurship at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Victoria Tse	Lightyear	Sr. Director, Events & Field Marketing		(not set)
Carolyn Haas	Wisper	Talent & Acquisition Coordinator	All Things Employee - Your Most Important Resource Coaching Your Teams: Getting Back to the Facts! Updated Training for Customer Service Representatives	(not set)
Robert Klein	Pomegran Inc.	VP, Fibre Business Strategy	All Things Private Equity	Rob Klein is Vice President, Fibre Business Strategy at PomeGran Inc. (www.pomegran.io) whose mission is to become the dominant fibre-centric broadband service provider serving under-served residential, enterprise and government customers in rural and under-served communities across Eastern Canada and the Northeast United States. PomeGran wants to ensure that No One is Left Behind, a mantra that reflects our core values of social responsibility. Rob’s team is responsible for acquisition and commercializing of fibre assets and heads up the Company’s M&A team. Prior to joining PomeGran, Rob held various senior executive positions in Canadian/U.S. private and public telecommunications and technology companies and led the acquisition of 30+ companies. Rob was part of the executive team that helped Globalive launch Wind Mobile (Freedom Mobile) in 2008, and helped co-found the Application Service Provider (precursor to SaaS and Cloud computing) industry in the late 1990’s. In addition, Rob has authored two case studies for the Blockchain Research Institute.
Robert Kidd	Federated Wireless	(not set)	WiFi 6e for Fixed Wireless Access Deep Dive	(not set)
Steve Coran	Lerman Senter	(not set)	Playing Offense and Defense: The $42.45 Billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program Spectrum Update Understanding the Subsidy Landscape: How the Government is Affecting Your Business Broad Policy Changes, Their Effects On Your Business, And Practical Strategies To Reduce Or Eliminate Their Debilitating Effects	Steve Coran chairs Lerman Senter's Broadband, Spectrum, Utilities, and Communications Infrastructure practice group. He represents broadband providers, equipment and technology companies, and new technology firms, serving their policy, transactional, compliance, and licensing needs. He actively represents a trade association before the FCC, Congress, and other federal agencies in matters involving spectrum policy, Internet regulation, the Universal Service Fund, and other proceedings affecting wireless broadband service providers and other wireless technology interests. Steve has extensive experience in negotiating complex, multi-party transactions for the purchase, sale, and financing of established and start-up communications businesses, and also drafting and negotiating spectrum lease, tower lease, dark fiber, and other agreements. He has represented financial institutions and foreign companies in connection with public and private investments. Steve also advises on regulatory compliance and FCC enforcement matters. Steve comes by his career honestly, having spent his undergraduate years as a news reporter for radio stations in his native Ohio. Learning to write for the ear and the eye and ask hard questions makes him a persuasive communicator and an effective builder of successful relationships to promote advocacy results. Steve spreads the word through frequent presentations at seminars and conferences on a wide variety of regulatory, legislative, and communications industry issues. Steve has been recognized as a Best Lawyer in America in Communications Law and is A/V rated by Martindale Hubbell, the highest peer review rating available to attorneys, and one which provides an objective indicator that a lawyer has the highest ethical standards and professional ability.
Bryan Scott	9Stone LLC	Chief Everything Officer	Fiber for the Longhaul	(not set)
Francis Vega	Meerkat CX	(not set)	Amazing Customer Service - It's All in The Little Things	(not set)
Patrik Melander	Connect 5G, Inc.	Chairman and CEO	Building Customer Confidence To Switch to FWA Earning Additional Revenue from Customers	Patrik Melander is the Chairman, CEO and co-founder of Connect 5G, which enables acceleration of mobile network deployments through focus on quality, agility and automation with expertise in multi-vendor Services of 5G, CBRS, LTE and legacy technologies, bridging the digital divide in Rural America and enables 5G across the USA through new and innovative solutions. Patrik has 27 years of global telecom and services experience, building global organizations, leading transformations, and since 2016 an entrepreneur in the AI, IoT and 5G space serving on BoD and Advisory boards of growth companies in this space and is in addition the Chairman and President of the Swedish American Chamber, Dallas-Fort Worth He is Swedish of origin and spent 24 years within the Ericsson group, living in Sweden, Japan, Brazil, Costa Rica, UAE and San Diego, Chicago, Boca Raton and Dallas in diverse leadership and General management positions. Patrik currently lives in Dallas, TX with his wife Kristina and two children.
Jesse Nichols	Houlihan Lokey	Managing Director	Issues In Selling And Buying A WISP	Mr. Nichols is a Managing Director in Houlihan Lokey’s Global Technology Group focusing on the Digital Infrastructure sector. Throughout his career, Mr. Nichols has led many sellside wireless and wireless infrastructure transactions and has an intimate knowledge of the digital infrastructure space. Prior to joining Houlihan Lokey, Mr. Nichols was a Managing Director at Alpina Capital, LLC, an independent M&A advisory firm that provides a range of advisory services to clients in the telecommunications sector. While there, he led communications infrastructure M&A and advisory. Mr. Nichols holds a B.A. in International Political Economy from Colorado College.
Abbi Hubler	TekWav	COO	All Things Employee - Your Most Important Resource Culture vs Company Values: What Do I Need? Service Installs: Let's Make Them More Efficient	Abbi Hubler is a seasoned professional known for her expertise in operations, business strategy, and leadership across various industries, including telecommunications and technology. Her career has been marked by a relentless commitment to driving productivity and efficiency through innovative processes and software solutions, coupled with a knack for effective team building and problem-solving. With a strong background in roles spanning customer success, technical support management, marketing, and team leadership in the WISP industry, Abbi has excelled in people management, talent acquisition, and pioneering training programs for enhanced onboarding and team performance. Her passion for leadership and professional growth remains her focus. Now, as the CEO and founder of Catalyzer, Abbi Hubler continues to leverage her extensive experience to empower organizations, providing strategic insights and operational excellence to catalyze sustainable growth.
Doug Payauys	Adtran	Strategic Sales Development Mgr.	Fiber Dos and Don'ts	Adtran’s Doug Payauys [pay-I-us] serves as a Strategic Sales Development Manager where he fosters business development opportunities with other industry leading companies and works with customers on innovative broadband solutions. Doug spent over 20 years in the electric cooperative and internet service provider industries. His experience from the early days of the internet with dial-up, PTP and PTMP wireless, DSL, and satellite services highlighted the need for a fully owned and operated fiber network. He was the driving force behind an electric utility’s investment in middle-mile fiber. In 2017, he developed a residential broadband business plan and began deploying fiber-to-the-home for electric members and others in the community. Doug holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Safety and Industrial Technology from Illinois State University and Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from the University of Phoenix. He is a graduate of NRECA’s Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program. He is a founding member of the Ohio Internet Exchange (Ohio IX) where he serves as the board chair.
Brandon Hardy	Cobalt Ridge	Owner	Starting A WISP - What You Should Know What Does it Take to be a WISP Owner?	I am co-owner and co-founder of Cobalt Ridge in Wichita Falls, TX. I started this company from the ground up with my prior knowledge in enterprise IT, although I had never worked in the carrier side of things before. My business partner and I self-funded the company and grew the snowball slowly. After nearly 7 years of work, we have surpassed 800 customers and are poised to double in size over the next year as we deploy cutting-edge technologies and aggressive strategies to expand our service footprint.
Ed Frawley	Tectonic	(not set)	How To Fund And Build Your Fixed Wireless Network To Comply With Environmental, RF, and Other Infrastructure Siting Rules	Edward F. Frawley, Senior Vice President of Project Deployment – Nationwide, Mr. Frawley has been with Tectonic for over 23 years and is responsible for corporate site development, planning and zoning services, civil engineering, geotechnical, survey, and visual services for all projects nationwide. He is currently overseeing Tectonic’s participation in numerous Rural Broadband Initiatives throughout the USA. His responsibilities include day-to-day operations, marketing, budgeting, hiring of employees, profit and loss reporting, client interaction, project process and procedures and quality control. Mr. Frawley oversees all Site Acquisition and ROW services Nationwide.
Kendra Pignotti	DE-CIX North America	Regional Director of Strategic Partners	Amazing Customer Service - It's All in The Little Things Transport to Peering: An Efficient Way to Improve Network Performance	Working to ensure synergy with our partners across North America to strengthen our go-to-market business scheme. As a global leader in the industry providing Interconnection and Cloud Services it is crucial that we have the right partners to scale in the local market needs.
Jerry Hogan	Solara Technical	Director of Marketing & Engineering	Grounding - Stop Losing Equipment	Jerry, currently the Director of Engineering and Marketing at Solara Technical Sales, has a BSEE from the University of Colorado and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His early career in R&D and technical marketing in power electronics and power systems was at the largest of companies: AT&T Bell Labs, Texas Instruments, Siemens and Rockwell. His later career included executive management positions at several smaller technical companies. He’s been directly involved with grounding related issues for over 40 years.
Tom Coburn	ADVA	Product Line Manager: Infrastructure Management Solutions	Troubleshooting Fiber	Product Line Manager: Fiber Assurance Solutions Adtran\ADVA Tom is the Product Line Manager for the ADVA’s Infrastructure Management (AIM) business unit. He is responsible for ADVA’s ALM (Advanced Link Monitoring) solutions which provide real-time monitoring of fiber optic infrastructures for service providers, carriers and utilities. Tom brings over 30 years of PLM experience to Adtran\ADVA, a global provider of optical transport, packet edge and timing solutions. He has held PLM positions with MRV Communications, Cabletron Systems, Enterasys, and Cisco Systems.
Andrew Pigney	American Tower	Technology Principal	RF Design and Planning	Andrew Pigney currently works for American Tower Corporation as Technology Principal, providing technical and engineering support for many internal groups globally. He has over 40 years work experience ranging from military electronic warfare systems to wireless telecom service and infrastructure providers. He is well versed in many technology disciplines including RF engineering planning, design, and deployment of outdoor and indoor wireless infrastructure ranging from broadband to microwave to 5G. He lives in New England, is father to seven children, four grandchildren, and enjoys playing guitar in several bands
Jeff Little	Above Wireless LLC	Chief Executive Officer		I have been in the industry since I was a young kid. I am a second-generation tower climber. I have been working in the industry since 2007 right after high school and have been going since. I have worked for a few companies over the years before starting Above Wireless in 2017. I am active in NATE (North American Tower Erectors) and WISPA. I helped build and teach the tower tech program at many colleges. I hope to contribute more over the years to both NATE and WISPA.
Benton Cook	DoubleRadius	Manager of Business Development	How Important are PALs to my CBRS Deployment?	(not set)
John Sweeting	ARIN	Chief Customer Officer	Achieving Network Autonomy	John Sweeting, the Chief Customer Officer of the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) maintains and oversees all aspects of customer relations at the organization. He brings extensive expertise in the Internet industry, having a track record of building and managing large global networks with leading international carriers such as MCI, Cable & Wireless, Teleglobe and Tata. Prior to joining ARIN, John served as the Senior Director of Architecture & Engineering for Time Warner Cable, where he was responsible for selecting and testing all network infrastructure, from the core backbone to the service delivery platforms. John is a retired Chief Warrant Officer having served 24 years in the United States Army Signal Corps.
Michael Kellim	Wisp Broker	CEO	Best Practices for Marketing Getting the Most Out of Your Sales Team	CEO of Wispbroker.com & Leverage Social