Management

Bob NicholsBob Nichols, CEO

Bob Nichols is an accomplished business development executive with over 25 years of experience in high tech, telecommunications and startup ventures. He led the business development efforts at Neustar prior to founding DNG developing new business operations supporting strategic telecommunications policies implementations and database interconnection operations. Bob co-founded and is leading the FCC recognized AIR.U initiative along with Google, Microsoft, New America Foundation, Appalachian Regional Commission, and Higher Ed Groups representing over 500 Colleges and Universities. AIR.U includes the Gig.U (led by Blair Levin, author of the FCC Broadband Plan) as a founding sponsor, and shares the mission of accelerating the deployment of next-generation networks.

Keith MontgomeryKeith Montgomery, COO

Keith Montgomery is a skillful COO, CFO, & CIO with over 33 years of experience in telecommunications, high tech and broadband consulting for domestic and international companies. He held senior management positions for MCI and Concert Communications during their high growth years supporting financial reporting, business planning, network construction, revenue reporting, financial operations, treasury, and tax operations. He was one of the founding executive for CLEAR Communications that deployed telecommunication, Internet, and TV network services for New Zealand. Keith has completed feasibility and broadband network/operations designs for fixed and wireless network in over 14 states and supported the evaluation program for 2,200 Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) broadband applications for the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). He is also the Vice President of the Rural Telcom Congress which promotes broadband adoption for rural communities.

Jeff FriedmanJeff Friedman, CFO

Jeff Friedman is an experienced executive with decades of success providing finance and operational expertise and leadership in CFO and COO roles in the telecommunications and high-tech industries. Jeff was a Founding Partner and Managing Director of Monumental Venture Partners, an early stage venture capital firm, with notable exits including Telverse Communications (acquired by Level 3), Cinea (acquired by Dolby), and Digital Sandbox (acquired by Haystax Technology). Jeff was at MCI in various financial management roles including Corporate Venture Capital, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Financial Planning & Analysis. Jeff has a BA in Economics from the University of Virginia and an MBA in Finance from The George Washington University.

Warren BrasselleWarren Brasselle, VP Network Engineering and Operations

Warren Brasselle is a seasoned and well regarded telecom executive with deep experience in designing, deploying and operating telecommunications and broadband networks, leveraging fiber to the home and wireless technologies for national, middle mile and last mile networks for urban and rural service areas. He has spent 32 years working for Fortune 500 companies like Cavalier Telephone, Cable & Wireless, Williams Telecommunications, and MCI, in addition to several early stage innovative telecom companies. Warren is an expert broadband technology and design consultant providing engineering and operation services for wireless and broadband projects. His projects have included design and deployment of a 10 state/44 site wireless network, optimizing wireless and paging networks, and operating and managing national and regional networks.

Kevin McCalmonKevin McCalmon, VP Business Development and Sales

Kevin McCalmon is an entrepreneurial leader with extensive experience managing sales, business development and operations at the district, regional and national level. A 20 year telecom vet, Kevin has held leadership positions with start-up companies as well as large national providers. Kevin is well versed in building and retaining highly motivated sales teams, customer service operations, distributor networks, business development and marketing. He is known for his expertise in complex transactions, strategic planning, and customer relationship management, and is passionate about making a lasting impact on communities by bridging the digital divide.

Chris McKeeChris McKee, Chief Strategy Officer

Chris McKee is a telecommunications executive with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He is the former President of Exa Infrastructure, a network infrastructure company, where he was responsible for setting and managing the strategic priorities of the company to drive profitability and growth. Prior to joining EXA, Chris was the EVP of Corporate Development & General Counsel of GTT, a global network provider, where he assisted in growing the company’s revenues from $100M to over $1B. Chris has a lengthy track record of success in the industry as both an operator and lawyer, having led the completion of 41 M&A deals. He is also frequent panelist at telecom industry events both in the U.S. and Europe.