About Us
The telecommunications industry is in a great expansion. The Internet Of Things (IOT) dominates the future of the US economy and must be supported by a robust and vast telecommunication network that consists of fiber optic cable based communication systems. Outside Plant Fiber (OSP) as well as Inside Plant Fiber (ISP) are the networks that are behind the entire internet. Sure, there is legacy copper systems still in use, but as time goes on and the appetite for bandwidth skyrockets, more fiber optic systems will be required.
The digital revolution has created a digital divide in the US and around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic further laid bare the need for faster and more reliable internet service. Traditional telecom providers as well as electric coops and municipalities have all begun dramatic fiber infrastructure upgrades and new builds. These efforts are backed by private investment as well as a whole host of government programs aimed at bridging the digital divide. If our economy is to have self driving cars and trucks or telemedicine, telecommuting, and telelearning; our country’s fiber infrastructure must be upgraded, expanded and maintained.
Meet the team
Nathan Larson
Executive Director
Nathan has over 35 years of experience as a leader in higher education. He has held the position of Regional President, Regional Director, Executive Director, Operations Manager, and VP of Admissions and Marketing, for different Colleges and Universities. Certifications and training with The Pacific Institute-Strategies for Success, Prometheus Academy-Flawless Execution, Aurora Chamber of Commerce-Leadership Aurora & Defense Council Executive Committee, and Texas All-Lines-Independent Insurance Claims Adjuster. Dedicated career helping students from enrollment to graduation and ultimately career satisfaction. Enjoys, golfing, hunting, fishing, and the grandkids.
Board Member
Board Member
Patty Arcuri
School Administrator
With a robust 25-year tenure in administrative educational executive support, Patty brings a wealth of expertise to her role as School Administrator at Telecom Tech School, a trailblazing force in telecommunications training. Her journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence, marked by adeptly navigating intricate schedules, spearheading administrative operations, and fostering seamless communication channels within the organization.
Beyond administrative skills, her acumen extends into the realms of Human Resources and Accounting and Finance, that are fortified by a QuickBooks Certification, and a certification from SHRM for Human Resources. With a steadfast commitment to precision, professionalism, and innovation, Patty stands poised to elevate any environment she inhabits, steering it towards greater efficiency, cohesion, and prosperity.
Board Member
Steve Valdez is a seasoned telecom leader with over 35 years of experience in the industry. He has led OSP engineering and construction groups, managing network construction functions across the West Region. Steve recently served as the Business Development Director at SAM Companies Fiber Engineering, where he drove sales strategies and managed client relationships. At Verizon Business Wire Line, he oversaw the 1250-mile 1Fiber/5G network expansion in Colorado, guiding multiple OSP construction vendors. His extensive experience includes roles at XO Communications, where he managed OSP implementation and deployment projects, and at US West, where he engineered high-growth wire centers. An Army veteran and graduate of San Bernardino Valley College, Steve brings his vast expertise to the Telecom Tech School, supporting the vision and purpose of connecting communities by educating the next generation of telecom professionals.
Kelli Friend, a native of Parker, Colorado, graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1999 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. She began her career with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, working on permitting for various operations. Kelli then became an air quality consultant for BP and ConocoPhillips, leading compliance audits in Alaska. In 2007, she joined HollyFrontier’s Cheyenne Refinery, advancing from lead air quality engineer to Operations Manager. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in transitioning the refinery to a renewable diesel facility in 2020. Kelli enjoys camping, hiking, and water activities with her family. She is excited to bring her expertise and passion for environmental engineering to her role as a board member of the Telecom Tech School, supporting the development of future telecom professionals.
Brian Hollister is on a mission to eradicate digital inequity through top-tier broadband solutions. As the visionary leader of Bonfire Infrastructure Group, he champions superior broadband planning, engineering, construction, and fiber operations to connect more communities faster and better so they can truly embrace the broadband life.
With over 20 years of experience at industry giants like AT&T, Level 3, MCI, and Calix, Brian brings unparalleled expertise in telecommunications and technology. He’s passionate about empowering the broadband industry's current and future leaders to drive impactful change, generate profits, and create a brighter future for the next generation.
Based in Denver, Colorado, Brian is not only a leader but also a people person and entrepreneur who thrives on mentoring and developing talent within the industry. He leverages his extensive network and hands-on experience to spearhead non-profit initiatives that make a tangible difference in digital connectivity.
Brian enjoys life with his wife, two children and his dog Archie. He is an avid outdoorsman, embracing the Colorado lifestyle to its fullest.
Board Member
Danny Reed is a distinguished leader in the telecommunications industry with extensive experience spanning over a decade. He is the Owner and CEO of Splash Fiber LLC and founder of the Telecom Tech School, which he founded in 2019 and 2021 respectively. Under his leadership, Splash Fiber has grown into a critical business supporting fiber deployments and supporting communities get connected. At the Telecom Tech School, Danny has certified over 60 fiber optic technicians as a Fiber Optic Association (FOA) certified instructor.
Danny's career includes significant roles such as Regional Manager for Rally Factory Rep Services and Operations Manager for Yrral Fiber Optic Services, where he managed large teams and oversaw major fiber optic projects. He also has a distinguished military career, currently serving as a Major in the US Army Reserve with the 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade.
Danny holds an M.S. in Telecommunications Technology from the University of Denver and a B.S. in Business Administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he graduated cum laude. As a board member of the Telecom Tech School, Danny brings his vast expertise and dedication to advancing telecommunications education.
Board Member
Carol Hall is a pioneering leader in the telecommunications industry with over 27 years of experience in fiber optic construction and network management. She holds degrees from Western State College and the University of Colorado. Carol founded The Fiber Optic Network, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing telecommunications occupations, and served as President until 2024. Her role involved strategic planning, financial oversight, and board development, ensuring the organization's mission and objectives were met. Additionally, Carol is the Treasurer for the Titan Foundation, which focuses on technical training and apprenticeship programs. At Telecom Tech School, Carol brings her extensive expertise and passion for education to support the development of future telecom professionals.
Advisor and Instructor
Dr. David Cleary, known as Dr. Dave, brings over two decades of expertise in telecommunications and fiber access to the Telecom Tech School. He has participated in standardizing bodies such as FSAN, ITU-T, and the MEF Forum, and is internationally recognized for his contributions to the GPON standard. Dr. Dave co-edited the GPON Transmission Convergence Specification, the GPON Implementation Guide, and the GPON Interoperability Test Plan for PHY and TC Layers.
A former tenured professor of physics at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, Dr. Dave conducted independent research and taught graduate-level physics. In his role as CTO and “Chief Geek” at Bonfire, he enhanced business technology capabilities and developed roadmaps for new technology integration, establishing new technology partners and supporting client onboarding.
Dr. Dave holds a PhD in Astrophysical, Planetary, and Atmospheric Sciences, an M.S. in Astrophysics, and a BA in Physics and Mathematics. Currently, he serves as a Senior Signal Processing Engineer at General Dynamics, working with mathematical algorithms and microprocessors. As an instructor and advisor at the Telecom Tech School, Dr. Dave is dedicated to advancing the education and training of future telecom professionals.
Who is going to build and maintain these networks?
Many companies are in dire need of skilled labor to complete these projects and then to maintain the networks they have built. The quality of work has suffered during this nascent period of expansion, as old hands have retired and the influx of new, untrained laborers plugged the gaps.
The telecommunication industry needs a pathway to a large, skilled labor force that is prepared to build and maintain high quality fiber and legacy copper networks to support the digital revolution. Telecom Tech School is here to fill that need.
“Our mission as a non-profit school is to raise the standards of the telecom industry. We believe there are two ways to build telecom networks: the right way, and again. Telecom Tech School will teach you the right way so you don’t have do it again; so that the world’s telecom networks will support the digital revolution and uplift all people in every industry by crushing the digital divide”
THANK YOU to our partners!
