Our Leadership Team is Second to None

Comprised of highly experienced executives from diverse backgrounds, our leadership team drives our strategy and guides our vision and values to accelerate Network Connex’s position as a global leader in communications infrastructure design, implementation, and future proofing. These leaders stand united in a common purpose to deliver real and sustainable value to our customers, partners, vendors, and employees. Get to know each member of our leadership team below.

Professional headshot of Chris Larocca, CEO of Network Connex

Christopher Larocca

President & Chief Executive Officer

Christopher Larocca, President & Chief Executive Officer

As President and CEO of Network Connex, Chris is focused on working closely with the company’s leadership team to accelerate Network Connex’s positioning as a global leader in communications infrastructure design and implementation. He has more than 20 years of experience successfully leading and managing highly profitable, growth-oriented companies. Prior to joining Network Connex, Chris was the President and CEO of Nortek Control, a global leader in artificial intelligence, facial recognition, smart connected systems for security and home automation, access control, and digital health markets. Chris led the company through a hyper-growth phase until its sale in mid-2021. In addition, he held CEO and executive management positions at Dover Corporation, General Electric, and Luminance Brands. Chris gained fiber and telecom experience as the COO of EMCORE Corporation. He holds an MBA from the University of Southern California and a BS in Civil Engineering from Clemson University.

Chad Suss

Chief Financial Officer

Chad Suss, Chief Financial Officer

As CFO of Network Connex, Chad is responsible for all financial activities across all businesses. Chad joined our team from ORIX USA where he was a Managing Director, Head of the Portfolio Value Enhancement team. He brings deep financial, operational, and M&A experience from prior roles in private equity, investment banking, management consulting, and corporate finance. Chad holds an Accounting Degree from the University of Wisconsin, an MBA from the University of Michigan, and is a CPA.

Professional headshot of Cristy Villazaon, CHRO of Network Connex

Cristina Villazan

Chief Human Resources Officer

Cristina Villazan, Chief Human Resources Officer

Cristy serves as the Chief Human Resources officer and is responsible for all HR functions across all Network Connex businesses. She brings over 25 years of leadership experience redefining employee relations through team building, operational efficiency, and finding, growing, and retaining talent to drive cultural transformations. Previously she served as the VP of Human Resources for Tradebe Environmental Services, where she directed all aspects of HR management to support US operations. Cristy has also successfully held leadership positions with Comcast, Spectrum, and Exelon. She holds a BA with a double major in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Corporate Communications from DePaul University.

Greg Spraetz

Chief Revenue Officer

Greg Spraetz, Chief Revenue Officer

Greg joined Network Connex as the Chief Revenue Officer to lead the sales and marketing efforts across Network Connex. Greg comes to Network Connex with 25 years of sales, marketing, and operational leadership experience across the enterprise, wholesale, data center, fiber services, cable, and wireless service providers markets. Most recently, Greg was at ExteNet Systems where he was the Senior VP and GM with overall responsibility for the indoor and real estate business unit operations. Prior to that, he was the EVP of Sales and Marketing at Conterra Broadband Services. In addition, he held various management positions at Level 3 Communications and Global Crossing. Greg has a BSBA degree with a concentration in Systems Analysis from Miami University of Ohio.

Lewis Kessler

President NTI

Lewis Kessler, President NTI

Lewis is President of National Technologies (NTI), a subsidiary of Network Connex, and has over 25 years of proven leadership experience in the telecommunications, fiber, and broadcast industries. Most recently, he served as VP and General Manager of Small Cells and Fiber Solutions for Crown Castle. Prior to Crown Castle, he was the VP GM of Network Engineering and Operations at Sirius XM Radio and had responsibility for the Satellites, Broadcast Operations, and Ground Systems. Before joining Sirius XM, Lewis held leadership positions at Nextel, including the Regional VP of Field Operations for the Northeast, as well as the Area VP of Engineering and Operations in NY. He holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University and an MBA from Long Island University.

Professional headshot of Iris Troiano, Executive Vice President of the Network Connex Professional Services division

Iris Troiano

EVP Professional Services

Iris Troiano, EVP Professional Services

Iris is EVP of our Professional Services division and is responsible for operations and ensuring that our customers receive maximum value from the professional services we provide. With 20+ years of experience and a proven track record in wireless network deployments and product development, she has expertise in site development, growing and building successful start-up companies, and product development enabling 5G networks. Earlier positions include VP of Telecom-East for Advantage Engineers, now the Network Connex Professional Services division, where she supported macro tower, DAS, and small cell deployments along with fiber optic and broadband network designs. She also served as a Director at CommScope for more than 17 years, as well as a VP at CityNet Telecommunications and at Wireless Facilities Inc. Iris holds a BS in Chemistry from George Mason University.

Jim Hughes

EVP Deployment Services - North

Jim Hughes, EVP Deployment Services - North

As EVP Deployment Services – North, Jim is responsible for ensuring that our wireless and OEM customers receive maximum value from our engineering, construction, real estate, site acquisition, and project management solutions. Prior to his current position, Jim was President of CCSI (now the Deployment Services – North division of Network Connex) where he had been instrumental in the development of Small Cell and OSP services. He has more than 24 years of Sales and Operations experience, including management of sales and support staff and new business and program development across multiple markets. Before joining CCSI, Jim was a Strategic Consultant with Laurus Strategies Inc., a Chicago-based business consulting services organization.

Doug Wittrock

EVP Deployment Services - South

Doug Wittrock, EVP Deployment Services - South

Doug is responsible for overall operations and successful customer relationships in the Deployment Services – South division (formerly VERTICOM, acquired by Network Connex in 2019). Doug was employed with VERTICOM since 2003 and served as Vice President from 2010 till 2021 when he was named President. He has more than 25 years of extensive experience in the deployment of wireless and broadband networks. Throughout his early career, Doug gained experience in operations management, service development, program management, and customer relationship management. He worked as a Project Manager for a nationwide telecom construction and equipment installation company and has managed telecom construction and installations across the country for customers including US Unwired, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Nortel, Lucent, and Ericsson. He holds an AAS degree in Telecommunications Technology/Technician from Des Moines Area Community College.

Professional headshot of Jonathan Meyer, Senior Director of Training, Safety & Quality at Network Connex

Jonathan Meyer

Sr. Director of Training, Safety and Quality

Jonathan Meyer, Sr. Director of Training, Safety and Quality

Jonathan Meyer serves as the Senior Director of Training, Safety and Quality for all Network Connex businesses. Jonathan is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees, customers and the general public.  He works to create and maintain a rich safety culture providing all employees and contractors with resources to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Jonathan was previously the Director of Training, Safety and Quality for VERTICOM, now a Network Connex division, for 5+ years prior to his current role. Jonathan started his telecom career in 2004 in the public safety sector of telecom, and gained extensive operating knowledge of the telecommunications industry as a field technician, foreman, project manager, trainer, and senior safety inspector. He has worked for many of the major carriers executing a variety of wireless projects across the US. and has been an approved trainer for many accredited third-party telecom organizations throughout his career.

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