Shantel
Xchange Telecom (“Xchange”) and Skywire Networks (“Skywire”) today announced that the Company has appointed Laura W. Thomas as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Xchange and Skywire delivers high-speed internet, ethernet, voice, and unified communication services to residential and commercial customers across the New York City area.
“We are thrilled to welcome Laura to Xchange/Skywire as we continue to strengthen our management team,” said Doug Turtz, CEO. “Laura’s proven track record of operational leadership and financial controls expertise will guide us as we prepare for the next phase of the company’s growth. As we see increasing requests and need for our unique products, services, and network infrastructure, Laura’s experience will best prepare us to meet those demands.”
Ms. Thomas brings over 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, including assisting large and small organizations through significant operational challenges and upholding corporate governance and transparency among stakeholders. Ms. Thomas currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Delta Dental of Virginia and is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). Most recently, she served as CFO of Pareteum Europe, a global cloud-based service provider serving large mobile MVNE customers; and prior to that, Towerstream (OTCQB:TWER), a leading fixed wireless Internet provider in the U.S.. In both of her previous roles, she implemented a strategy to re-capitalize the company and institute key financial controls. Ms. Thomas also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Impact Telecom, a leading provider of voice and messaging solutions for businesses and carriers. Other past experience includes CEO of TNCI, a national telecommunications provider and has held various leadership roles at XO Communications, including CFO and CEO. Ms. Thomas got her start in the telecom industry at MCI where she spent fourteen years.
“I am delighted to join Xchange and Skywire given its strong base and growth profile. There is a tremendous opportunity for value creation as we expand our financial and operational capabilities, which further strengthens the company’s position in the markets we serve,” said Ms. Thomas.
This announcement comes on the heels of the appointment of Doug Turtz as Chief Executive Officer in January 2023 following the company’s acquisition by NOVA Infrastructure in November of 2022.
About Xchange Telecom
Founded in 2002 and based in New York City, Xchange Telecom (http://www.xchangetele.com; http://www.skywirenetworks.com) is a leading telecommunication provider in the area. Xchange provides gigabit data, voice, and unified communications solutions from residential to large enterprise customers. Xchange has a specialized hybrid telecommunications network that leverages fixed wireless and fiber broadband facilities throughout its footprint to bring significant bandwidth and reliable communications solutions to its customers.Xchange’s extensive broadband network includes more than 2,000 lit buildings, 50 neighborhood hubs and relays, and a near-net footprint exceeding 350,000 buildings. Xchange addresses the ongoing problem of poor fiber density in New York City and brings high speed internet and voice and local customer service to underserved communities and businesses in New York City, upstate New York, and New Jersey.
About NOVA Infrastructure
Founded in 2017, NOVA Infrastructure (http://www.novainfra.com) is a value-added, middle market infrastructure investment firm focused on North America. NOVA seeks to make investments which pair the downside protection features of the infrastructure asset class with operationally focused, value-added upside strategies. NOVA targets investments in environmental services, transportation, energy / energy transition, and communication sectors, with a current portfolio of six platform investments including: a vertically integrated waste management platform; a US Flag maritime logistics business; a fixed base operator (FBO) platform; a port-centric storage and logistics platform; and fiber-to-the-home and fixed wireless businesses.
