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Action Battery | Adtran | CIENA | Crown Utilities, LLC | Hubbell Utility Solutions | Inventronics Limited | Irby | KGPCo | Lynn | Multilink, Inc. | NISC | NRTC | OFS | Power & Tel | Rally Factory Rep Services | S&S Solutions, LLC | Superior Essex | Tii Technologies Inc. | Torgerson's Equipment | UtiliSource, LLC

Speakers

Sean Albertson has been a CX leader for 20+ years across companies from startups to Fortune 200. He has been at the forefront of transforming the customer journey to reduce effort and drive customer loyalty. He has created advanced CX programs leveraging text analytics, operational metrics, journey analytics and survey programs, with artificial intelligence driving real results. Sean shares his experience from the stage as an international speaker and workshop facilitator, as well as an advisor to CX-leading companies. Sean is the author of the award-winning book, 4ROCKS: Reduce Effort, Drive Loyalty, Transform the Customer Journey. See more information on his website, www.cx4rocks.com. 

Aaron Sopko, Chief Strategy Officer, Range – Aaron has been with the Range family for 28 years. During his time with the company, he has served in several capacities including Marketing Coordinator, Customer Service Manager, Marketing Director, Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Communications Technology, and now as Chief Strategy Officer for the Range Corporation.  In addition to his duties at Range, Aaron serves on the board of directors for Vision Net and as the Vice President for the Sheridan Area Chamber of Commerce. Most importantly, Aaron is blessed with a beautiful wife, two amazing daughters and a soon to be son-in-law, all of whom are active in directing and overseeing his time away from the office.

Chad Fishell, Director of Operations, Nemont- Chad has been in Telecommunications for nearly 26 years which include a broad range of skills in OSP Construction, Facility and Fleet Management, Fiber Optics, and Engineering.  His current role has him working on facilitating operations with ReConnect 2, 3, and 4 and Connect MT funded projects. Nemont is on track to complete all required deadlines associated with these projects to be able to deliver Broadband to all of their customers by the end of 2030.  In his free time Chad enjoys keeping up with life associated with his four children, one granddaughter, and his lovely wife.

Clint Kalfell has been the Montana811 Program Administrator for the past fourteen years and has worked closely with and for the Montana Liquid and Gas Pipeline Association (MLGPA). He has traveled around Montana, giving hundreds of presentations to individuals involved or concerned with underground utilities and safety while excavating near them.

He has assisted utility companies and excavators in underground facility safety and addressed their concerns. He is dedicated to ensuring public safety, environmental protection, and service integrity by promoting effective damage-prevention practices.

He worked for the Montana Liquid and Gas Pipeline Association, presenting training to First Responders regarding pipeline safety and emergency response. The training included the Incident Command System and the National Incident Management Systems. He is certified in IS-100—Incident Command System (ISC) and IS-700 National Incident Management Systems (NIMS).

Prior to his current position, Clint managed farm supply cooperatives in Montana and North Dakota after serving 12 years in the United States Navy.

Levi Valdois is the Sales Manager, Electronics for Ditch Witch West, the largest Ditch Witch dealer worldwide. In this role, he oversees the direct sales and front line support of Ditch Witch West’s electronics products for horizontal directional drilling and pipe and cable locating. Before joining Ditch Witch West, Levi spent six years at the Ditch Witch Division factory in Perry, Oklahoma, where he played a pivotal role in defining and developing advanced products for the underground construction industry.

In addition to his extensive experience in the underground sector, Levi has been involved with bringing cutting edge products to market in various industries and contributed to education and workforce development initiatives. Alongside the Ditch Witch West team, Levi ensures the successful delivery of advanced electronics systems across a diverse and expansive region. His commitment to innovation and customer success underscores his leadership in the underground construction and technology industries.

Autumn Ricke is a designer, marketer, and analytical nerd based in Bemidji, MN. While she currently is a Marketing Coordinator for Pinnacle Marketing Group, she’s been assisting businesses with marketing for over 10 years. Her creativity attention to detail, and willingness to give anything a try has helped Pinnacle Marketing Group not only promote their own brand, but their customers as well. She is passionate about helping others learn marketing strategies to succeed. When she is not busy sharing unsolicited marketing advice you can find her coaching Junior Olympic Volleyball, Golfing, or tending her indoor jungle of houseplants. 

Kurt Johnson, Construction Supervisor, 3 Rivers Communications

Zac Ohlson, Nemont

Jason Raymond has dedicated over 25 years to the Telcom industry.  Before his tenure at Southern Montana, Jason spent his first 10 years at Blackfoot Communications.   Jason has been with Southern since 2007 and is well known throughout the state for his vast range of knowledge regarding all things outside plant and electronics.  Jason is a one stop shop from completing the locate, plowing the fiber to the customer’s home, splicing the fiber, installing the OSP electronics to turning the service up in the home.  Jason also serves the region as a volunteer on the Ambulance and Fire department.      

Ryan Kudera, joined Finley Engineering in 2022 as a senior consultant and was recently promoted to Manager, Client Services. Before accepting his position at Finley, Ryan served as the Broadband Director for the State of Wyoming. 

Ryan has served many roles in the Telecom, Broadband, and Energy sectors during his 25-year career with positions including Field Operations, Instruction, Economic Development, Regulation, and Finance, with a continued focus on Rural Broadband in the Rocky Mountain West.

Steve Giard has worked for the Montana Department of Transportation for 34 plus years.  He has 12 years with MDT’s Road Design Section and designed a variety of reconstruction projects.  He then moved to the R/W – Utilities Section where he worked as a Utility Agent for 3 years.  He was promoted to the Utility Engineering Supervisor for 14 years.  In 2020 he accepted and is currently the Utility Section Manager within the Right of Way Bureau.

 Eric Schwenk has been a dedicated member of Blackfoot Telephone in Missoula, MT, for 28 years, contributing extensively to the cooperative's growth and success. Over nearly three decades, Eric has served in key roles including Project Engineer, Field Services Supervisor, and currently, Outside Plant Manager.

Barry Walton is in his 48th year in telecom and serves as a Senior Broadband Solutions Advisor for Corning Optical Communications. Barry joined Corning 7 years ago after consulting for several years. Prior to consulting, Barry spent 37 years at a Canadian telecom company, where he championed the deployment of Canada’s first large scale FTTH deployment. He was responsible in developing the strategy and implementation plan to deliver FTTH to over 130 communities. His expertise lies in business case creation, operations planning, large-scale network planning, reducing costs and deployment strategies for successful access network builds.

Barry's approach as an impartial technical expert, who fosters an environment that encourages diverse perspectives. In his current role, Barry is focused on developing and implementing innovative solutions, to reduce labor in deploying fiber to the home in rural communities. Barry has served a term on the North American Fiber to the Home Council board of directors and currently is an active member of the FBA technology committee. He has delivered numerous presentations on various aspects of FTTH at many national and regional conferences. He is highly respected by his peers with his extensive real-world experience and expertise, deploying FTTH networks. He is one of the #Broadbandguys on LinkedIn. Barry resides in New Brunswick Canada.

Jody Haines has dedicated her career to optimizing rural healthcare. As a fifth-generation Montanan, her frontier roots serve as the “why” in her quest to make geography irrelevant in medicine. For the past 18 years, she has served in regionally based healthcare leadership roles responsible for the strategic development and long-term sustainability of several innovative, rural health initiatives. Most predominantly, the past decade she has blazed a trail leading, designing, and implementing cutting edge digital health initiatives that enhance access and equity to quality care. Jody currently is the director of telehealth for Billings Clinic and the Eastern Montana Telemedicine Network, which spans over thirty rural healthcare facilities across three states.

Jody also currently serves in several volunteer positions, including Townsend Hospital board, MHREF board, past president of the Montana Telehealth Alliance, vice board chair of the regional, federally funded Northwest Regional Telehealth Center, and more locally with 4H and wildlife conservation organizations. She is also the immediate past State of Montana Regent for the national professional organization of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

Jody holds a Bachelor of Science from Montana State University, an Executive Master in Healthcare Administration from the University of Washington, and a Certificate in Digital Health Leadership from Harvard University. In her rare spare time, Jody enjoys spending it with her family.

Sam Wyffels is an Assistant Professor and Extension Beef Cattle Specialist that works in grazing beef cattle nutrition and precision livestock management at Montana State University. He worked five years for the Natural Resources Conservation Service developing conservation plans for producers participating in Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program prior to completing a PhD program in Animal and Range Sciences at Montana State University. His research interests include incorporating precision ag. technology to beef cattle production, grazing beef cattle nutrition, and environmental factors that influence grazing behavior and nutritional requirements of cattle.

Dustin Heath, as Director, Customer Success at CHR Solutions, is at the forefront of pioneering new technologies, directing training initiatives, and strategically managing contractor resources. Since joining CHR Solutions in 2016 as a CAD Manager, Dustin has consistently demonstrated his deep-rooted expertise in GIS, construction, and engineering, propelling the company towards innovation and excellence. 

Dustin's professional journey is marked by his exceptional skill in planning and executing broadband network designs utilizing cutting-edge technologies. A recognized Subject Matter Expert in GIS/CAD, Right of Way and Pole Permitting, Make Ready Engineering, and OSP Engineering and Construction, Dustin has played a pivotal role in optimizing CHR Solutions' network deployments across diverse terrains, from rural expanses to urban landscapes.

Brian Kettman has dedicated 30 out of his 35 years of telecommunications experience to MTCO Communications. Where for the last 15 years, he has held the position of Chief Technology Officer. Located in North Central Illinois, MTCO Communications is a family owned ILEC/CLEC proudly serving broadband, IPTV and telephone services to over 10,000 customers. Brian's expertise lies in technology and cybersecurity team leadership, project management and customer experience optimization. He possesses a profound passion for introducing the latest and proven telecommunications technologies to MTCO's valued customers, ensuring they receive cutting-edge solutions. When not immersed in his professional pursuits, Brian takes pleasure in spending quality time with his grandchildren, engaging in a round of golf, or embarking on scuba diving adventures in tropical destinations. For further information and professional inquiries, you can connect with Brian on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mtco/.

Rob Johnstone has been with Range for 18 years.  First, in the marketing department where he was the CMO for 13 years, and currently CEO for the last 6 years.  He received his education in management and marketing from the University of Montana School of Business in Missoula, MT.  Rob serves on several national, state, and local boards which include the SMC Board for NTCA and President of Montana’s state broadband association, BroadbandMT.  Rob has 25+ years of experience in leadership, management, public relations, marketing, and sales.

Mr. Moothart is a seasoned telecommunications executive with a robust background in both urban and rural communication networks. Originally from northwest Montana, he joined InterBel in September 2018, bringing with him 26 years of industry experience. His leadership at InterBel has been transformative, guiding the cooperative to complete EDA and RUS-funded projects and secure nearly $30 million in grants, reshaping InterBel into a fiber-focused growth organization.

Before his tenure at InterBel, Mr. Moothart was the Manager of Region Operations at CenturyLink, where he was instrumental in providing broadband to over 33,000 homes in Montana during the initial phase of the Connect America Fund (CAF). He also served as the General Manager for Frontier Communications, overseeing operations in Libby, MT, and Western Arizona, including Bullhead City, Kingman, and Lake Havasu.

Mr. Moothart actively contributes to industry leadership and policy direction in Montana. He is the board chairman for Vision Net and serves on the board of the Montana Telecommunications Association (MTA), shaping telecom policy across the state. Locally, he is involved with the Eureka Chamber of Commerce and the Tobacco Valley Industrial District boards.

Aimee Dietrich, Northern Telephone Cooperative