LEADERSHIP
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.
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.
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.
Brian James
President NTI
Brian James, President NTI
Brian rejoined the team as President of our National Technologies (NTI) division in 2024 after founding the company in 2009 and nurturing it over 10 years to become a national leader in fiber optic and data center Infrastructure. Brian has over 27 years in the fiber and data center industry and holds many fiber and data center industry certifications in addition to being a certified trainer.
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.
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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