Press Release
New slate of new experienced hires will help the Alabama Fiber Network (AFN) advance its goals as an organization, CEO says.
News provided by: Alabama Fiber Network
The AFN, the organization delivering Alabama’s middle-mile fiber backbone, has announced several new staff members.
Terry Metze, the AFN’s CEO, said the hires will help the AFN advance its goals.
“This talented group helps complete our team, rounding out the organization. Everyone is excited to be a part of this game-changing initiative for Alabama, and ready to get to work,” Metze said.
AFN recently announced the completion of phase one of its middle-mile project. The professionals listed below will support the completion of subsequent phases of the network in the near future.
The hires (shown left to right in featured image):
James Hoffman, Vice President External and Customer Affairs: James Hoffman has spent his career representing government affairs clients before the Virginia General Assembly and leading external affairs for Verizon engineers across the Mid-Atlantic South. Mr. Hoffman joins AFN from Verizon’s Network Partnerships organization where he was responsible for several critical government and external affairs initiatives. James earned his bachelor’s degree from Hampden-Sydney College (Va.) and an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
Kirsten Gray, Senior Accountant: Mrs. Gray is a results-driven and detail-oriented Senior Accountant with over 10 years of experience in financial analysis, reporting, grants and compliance. Her 14-year career also includes governmental experience in Florida and Alabama. She has a proven track record of streamlining processes, improving efficiencies, and reducing costs while ensuring accuracy and adherence to regulations
Ryan McGowin, Vice President of Accounting, Controller: Mrs. McGowin is an experienced leader in the financial industry with a background in public accounting, broadband organizations and broadband grant management. A graduate from Troy University, where she earned an
MBA, McGowin has a passion to expanding high-speed internet access to underserved communities.
Tina Stewart, Senior Director, Project Manager: Tina Stewart is a proven project manager with over 35 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. She’s successfully managed complex, large-scale projects for on-time and on-budget delivery. Stewart is dedicated to driving operational efficiency and delivering strategic results.
Stuart Apple, Senior Field Engineer: Mr. Apple possesses over 20 years of experience in the telecom industry. He thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, where his ability to troubleshoot, integrating systems, and collaborate with teams ensures efficient and successful project outcomes.
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