We Believe in Improving Rural Broadband

Jason, PE
CEO

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 34 years

What I do: I get to lead this amazing group of people here at CNS. Having been in this industry for over three decades, I’ve witnessed so much change; at times it feels like I know just as much about things that no longer matter as what is relevant today. Fortunately, something that hasn’t changed is the quality of people I’ve been privileged to work with over the years. The team here at CNS is energized, talented, and passionate, and we all get to focus on the things we’re best at. I’m proud to be a part of CNS and our mission to support the deployment and operations of broadband in some of the most rural parts of the country. We’ve accomplished so much since we began nearly 15 years ago, and I’m very excited about where we’re headed.

Extended Job Title: Dad, High School Sports Afficionado, Lawn Mowing / Snow Blowing Technician, Drywall Repair Novice, The Last Guy You Want to Help Move Your Piano (Dean is the First Guy)

Expert On: Trapping pocket gophers

Dean
Network Services Manager

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 35 years

What I do: I help CNS members and non-members obtain stable and cost-effective network connectivity to regional hub locations like Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Rochester, Owatonna, Sioux Falls, Fargo, Moorhead and Duluth. I also assist with engineering and consulting in all aspects of Telecommunications, including RUS contracts and loan designs. I have been involved in many RFPs for government, education, health care, wireless backhaul and Enhanced and Next-Gen 911 projects.

Extended Job Title: Official Company Golfer, Master Spreadsheeter, President of the CNS Hair Club, Seasonal Neighborhood Watchdog (I live around snowbirds).

Expert On: Neighborhood Technology Handyman, but wishing I wasn't. I can do just about anything but I'm not great at anything.

Ernie
Controller

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 33 years

What I do: I manage the Accounting and Finance activities in support of the company's strategic direction. Areas of responsibility include: A/P, A/R, Payroll, Financial Statements, Budgeting, Banking and Insurance.

Extended Job Title: Master Angler (ok, maybe not…it just sounds good!); Member of CNS Hair Club

Expert On: Enjoying time spent with family and friends!

Jean
Video Product Partner

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 28 years

What I do: With over 25 years of experience in the Cable TV programming industry, I am thrilled to be assisting rural providers with their video and IPTV services. From negotiating agreements and creating lineups, to developing new services - I'm passionate about video and TV!

Extended Job Title: As a proud aunt and grandparent; my husband and I love going to games and events to support the young ones in our lives. We also strongly believe in traveling while you are able, so we've always got a trip to look forward to or are planning the next adventure!

Expert On: Gopher Football Tailgating and a good glass of wine.

Holly, SHRM-SCP
HR Business Partner

HR Experience: 30+ years in Human Resources and Operations - long enough to know that people are the strategy!

What I do: I partner with CNS clients to deliver a comprehensive range of HR services grounded in best practices and tailored to each organization's unique culture and strategy. I take a hands-on approach, providing practical consultation, trusted guidance, and thoughtful solutions.

My passion lies at the intersection of business strategy and people development - helping organizations succeed by supporting the personal growth and engagement of their team members. Every company's journey is different, and I'm here to support yours by filling gaps, navigating change, and helping individuals and teams reach their full potential.

My areas of expertise include organizational culture, team member engagement, team building, coaching, organizational design, change management, talent management, and performance management

Extended Job Title: Board Chair, CREATE - a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to live meaningful, self-directed lives; Chief Family Work Generator & Novice Home Improvement DIYer

Expert On: Multi-tasking and my Chihuahua Beaux

Scott
Engineering Manager

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 9 years

What I do: I turn problems into solutions with a positive, team-focused approach. Whether large or small, I bring the right people together to address issues at their core and drive toward the most logical outcome. I value clarity, accountability, and momentum, because good ideas are just ideas until they are actually implemented.

Extended Job Title: Vehicle-assisted outdoors enthusiast, campus-optional college student, & continuous improvement practitioner.

Expert On: Seeing the big picture and staying out of the CNS Hair Club.

Clayton
GIS and Design Manager

Industry Experience: 15 years

What I do: I get the pleasure of leading an awesome team of GIS and Fiber Network Design Specialists. I assist small to mid-sized telecommunications companies to utilize GIS technology to the fullest while keeping costs and manual labor efforts to a minimum. We strive to give our clients access to high tech resources that they wouldn't have the opportunity to do themselves, while also keeping the flexibility of not being locked into a small proprietary system.

Extended Job Title: Youth soccer coach, cross country/alpine skier, hockey, lake loving, and MN United soccer fan.

Expert On: Enjoying summer lake time in flip-flops

Paul, PMP
Product Manager

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 20 years

What I do: I help clients navigate regulatory and funding rules to assist in creating strategies to grow their telecom businesses, as well as work with everyone on the CNS team develop, launch, and communicate new products to help rural broadband providers be more successful and efficient, so they can focus on providing the best service to their rural customers. I'm also ready to fill in the gaps on special projects.

Extended Job Title: Project manager/laborer for random personal projects including super-insulated house construction, remodeling projects, home-brew production, apple cider press construction, ATV and snowmobile repair, pontoon operator, deer hunter (and sausage making if successful)

Expert On: Tangling extension cords and garden hoses.

Mark
Senior Drafter

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 30 years

What I do: Project Supervision, administrate, maintain and provide in-house and On-Site training for AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map, Visio and Elation AutoCAD and Mapkit Systems. Perform basic and advanced processing tasks and production using ArcGIS and ESRI extension platforms. Responsible for project estimates and responses to RFPs; assist with presentation to clients and potential clients. Create Shapefiles with AutoCAD Map to use with ESRI GIS and Google Earth Pro.

Extended Job Title: Self-Imposed Lifetime Project Laborer for wiring my house, building decks, sheds, home theater and other ventures. This saves me money so I can play paintball, go to water/amusement parks, have aerial combat experiences, zip-line, bungee jump, water ski, scuba dive, target practice, go on trips and play a wide variety of card games. I also have a pretty awesome E-bike that is trying to kill me = 2 major wipeouts with just a busted hand and dented helmet so far!

Expert On: Having fun whenever I can.

Chris
GIS Design Supervisor

​Telecommunication Industry Experience: 18 years

What I do: I lead the GIS Design team, working on GIS and CAD projects. I do fiber design, 3D Route View collection and analysis, mapping conversions, map and staking sheet assistance. Our team can help with data integrity and map cleanup, customer database organization and planning future builds. As the technology is ever changing we try and stay on top of the latest ideas to assist our customers.

Extended Job Title: Husband and Dad, I love enjoying the outdoors with my family. I am a hunter and fisherman......often the hunting guide, bait boy/fish cleaner for my wife and daughters! Girls’ Tennis/Softball cheer section! Yard work, food plots, and gardener. Enjoy a little lake fun too!

Expert On: Realizing the weekends are way too short, enjoy the little things!

Mack
GIS Analyst

GIS Experience: 5 years

What I do: Assist with all Geospatial needs, Data quality management, Automating geoprocessing tasks, In depth data analysis, Provide web mapping capabilities. FME Certified Professional.

Extended Job Title: Chef, Official garbage taker outer, Father of 2 beautiful girls

Expert On: Movie trivia

Josh
GIS Developer

Software Development Experience: 8 years

What I do:I work on integrating GIS data and systems with other telecom software platforms and develop software tools to deliver accurate data and streamline decision making processes.  My skills are in C#, SQL, Python, and VR.

Extended Job Title:Board Game Designer, Catholic Young Adult leader, Patio Gardener, Cat Servant, Ivory Tickler, Race Runner

Expert On:Beach Boys Deep Cuts, Lost Island Lore, Oddly Satisfying Board Game Mechanics

Tony
Project Manager II

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 12 years

What I do: ensure customers are getting the best possible product and experience.

Extended Job Title: Jack of all trades master of none... as the old saying goes.

Expert On: Fishing, Hunting, Four-wheeling, gardening, cutting wood and anything else outdoors.

Eric
Project Manager II

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 16 years

What I do: Assisting owner clients with any of their Engineering project needs. From the beginning stages of a Fiber to the Home FTTH project with field staking, permits, contracts, project tabs, bid/negotiations, count layouts, to the construction phase with OSP Field Inspection, splicing reports, invoicing and to the final stages of the project with closeout documents. In addition, I also help guide & coordinate our Engineering/OSP staff as part of the CNS Engineering department management team.

Extended Job Title: Deer Hunter, Snowmobiler (When we actually get snow), 1st on the Engineering team to join the CNS Hair Club!

Expert On: Gun Collector, Hair Bands/Rock Music Fan

Ryan
GIS Database Administrator

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 19 years

​What I do:  I'm responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of GIS databases supporting network planning, engineering, and operations within the telecommunications environment. I manage enterprise geodatabases, integrate GIS with other network management and business systems and ensure data integrity across multiple sources. I will also develop and enforce spatial data standards, coordinate data migration and version control, and support end-users with analytical tools and mapping services that drive network expansion and service delivery decisions.

​Extended Job Title: Dad, house husband, morning drop off chauffer.

Expert On: Hobby starter but never finisher, dad joke expert, Christmas light engineer, travel itinerary expert.

Dominic
GIS Fiber Network Designer II

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 5 years

​What I do: I create, update and revise drawings, designs, and layouts for fiber optic build outs. As well as spearhead data collection and processing of all things 3D RouteView related.

​Extended Job Title: Zoo animal pooper scooper and movie aficionado

Expert On: All things nerd

Ed
Engineering Technician II

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 13 Years

What I do: Construction inspection, permit application, and any other aspect of fiber to the home project.

Extended Job Title: First National Bank of Dad, Project Manager/ Contractor for all the projects at home.

Expert On: Finding all of the softball diamonds that we went to watch our daughter has played on.

Dan
Engineering Technician II

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 30 Years

What I do: I work with multiple telephone companies providing any needs they may have, such as staking, permitting, mapping, billing, customer relations, etc.

Extended Job Title: Dad, love spending time with my family. Also That Guy when something goes wrong and all the fingers are pointing at me.

Expert On: I love working on older classis muscle cars, also do a lot of ice fishing.

Laura
Accounting Associate

Accounting Experience: 25 years

What I do: I assist CNS in the Accounting department, helping out with A/P, A/R and payroll with emphasis on payroll and employee benefits. In addition, I support the CFO with various accounting projects.

Extended Job Title: Grandma, ice skater, camper and traveler.

Expert On: Cleaning the house.

Emma
GIS Environmental Analyst II

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 7 years

What I do: The environmental side of my role means I coordinate environmental permitting (including Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Protection Act), archeological reviews in compliance with Section 106, tribal consultation, and protected waters permitting requirements. I coordinate permitting requirements as needed with clients, agency representatives, field technicians, and contractors to keep things moving and ensure projects can be completed in a timely fashion. For the GIS side of my role I perform basic and advanced processing tasks and production using ArcGIS and ESRI extension platforms. I assist clients, field technicians, and contractors with all geospatial needs including data quality management, automating geoprocessing tasks, in- depth data analysis, and provide web mapping capabilities.

Extended Job Title: Chicken wrangler, certified mom taxi driver, rugby aficionado, chaotic gardener

Expert On: whipping together a family meal from random ingredients in the pantry

Lynn
Engineering Associate II

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 30+ Years

What I do: FTTH Outside Plant Inspection

Extended Job Title: Grounds Keeper of our home in the woods.

Expert On: Digging up and moving large boulders on my property.  Also proficient at extracting my tractor, truck and ATV after getting them stuck in mud and or snow.

Perry
Engineering Associate II

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 3 Years

What I do: Stake, inspect, and ensure compliance of Fiber to the Home Construction projects... and ready to learn more.

Extended Job Title: Jack of all trades, master of none.  Head auger operator for ice fishing. Semi-skilled open water fisherman.  Trophy deer hunter "in my dreams."

Expert On: Making the most out of what I have.

Mike
Engineering Field Lead I

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 4

What I do: I walk the ditches and dirt roads listening to all and learning much as I ensure our fiber projects are successful.

Extended Job Title: I’m the guy with the pencils.

Expert On: Learning things the hard way...as it should be.

Cody
Engineering Associate II

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 12

What I do: Field staking, construction inspection, helping construction crew with any questions that need answered, and always willing to learn more along the way.

Extended Job Title: Making sure customers are satisfied with the fiber construction process.

Expert On: Trying to learn something new every day.

Dan
Engineering Technician I

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 12

What I do: Construction Inspection, Staking, Permits, and anything else needed for FTTH projects.

Extended Job Title: I always have projects around the house, like to fish and hunt. Basically, I spend as much time as I can in the great outdoors.

Expert On: I'm an expert on watching someone dig a hole with a shovel

Andrew
Network Engineer

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 13 years

What I do: I work with CNS/Fiber Minnesota members and non-members to both build and maintain network connectivity through most of Minnesota and parts of North and South Dakota. I'm here to assist with engineering and consulting primarily on fiber and IP transport, but have experience with various telecommunications fields such as network monitoring, network security, and residential access platforms.

Extended Job Title: Perpetual Cisco Student, Router Whisperer, Bites-Off-More-Than-He-Can-Chew DIYER, member of the CNS Hair Club.

Expert On: Being my daughter's personal voice actor and jungle gym.

Jacob
Network Engineer

Telecommunication Industry Experience: More than fingers and toes could get me...

What I do: I work with CNS/Fiber Minnesota members and non-members to both build and maintain network connectivity through most of Minnesota and parts of North and South Dakota. In other words, helping to get and keep our rural communities and the wherever life might find you supplied with connectedness by moving so many packets it would make the postal service blush.

Extended Job Title: Lawn-mowerer-in-chief, underqualified husband, dad of whichever kid is doing whatever thing, member of the CNS Hair Club, ChatGPT garage mechanic.

Expert On: Random thoughts about absolutely useless or trivial information and linking things to a pop culture reference. I am also really good at losing fantasy football games.

Josh
Network Technician

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 8 years

What I do: I physically install network equipment in CNS/Fiber Minnesota member locations to provide the best possible service we can. I also work on building device configuration and help troubleshoot issues as they arise. I treat every day as an opportunity to learn something new.

Extended Job Title: Professional driver and vacation planner. Strangely, not a member of the CNS hair club.

Expert On: The Southern half of the state and removing dog hair from anything!

Trevor
Engineering Field Lead II

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 17 years

What I do: I get to work with a great team of individuals to oversee fiber installation in all aspects of the project, whether it be permitting, construction inspection, or tending to customer needs. I enjoy the problem-solving situations, especially under pressure. I've been in the Telecommunications industry for longer than what it feels like but have enjoyed learning and growing within it.

Extended Job Title: Girl Dad, my daughter's personal assistant (also the investor in all of her shopping needs), Heavy Metal listener and concert attendee, and the guy everyone points the finger at.

Expert On: Finding the Brightside to any and all situations.

Lance
Engineering Associate II

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 23 years

What I do: Work and learn very hard to ensure our customers receive the best possible product at the best possible price at the time they need their request met.

Extended Job Title: I would have to say student. There is so much to learn.

Expert On: I need to give this some thought!

Matthew
Engineering Technician I

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 8 years

What I do: Construction Inspection, Permitting, Staking, Tracking Project Units and other miscellaneous adventures that pop up during the project.

Extended Job Title: Dad, Uncle, Rocket Man, Road Trip Driver, Grass Chopper and Snow Thrower

Expert On: Driving to Florida, Rock-band Drums, knowing a good sushi place, and Rocket Engines!

Nicole
Engineering Field Lead I

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 8 years

What I do: Manage OSP planning and construction, coordinate with members, nonmembers, and contractors, to ensure designs meet industry standards.

Extended Job Title: Mom and fishing guide

Expert On: The coolest travel destinations

Isaac
Engineering Field Lead I

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 7 years

What I do: I oversee FTTH projects from start to finish, beginning with the planning/permit stage, all the way to the closeout completion.

Extended Job Title: Hunting/Fishing Guide, getting my family and friends out into the outdoors.

Expert On: Enjoying the outdoors and weekends that are too short!

Jeff
Engineering Associate II

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 4 years

What I do: Make sure the job gets done well and on time. Overseeing underground construction. Always making sure all of the customer's needs are met.

Extended Job Title: Ambassador of the Good News

Expert On: Duck Hunting (not really)

Art
Engineering Associate II

Telecommunication Industry Experience: 2 years

What I do: Field support and inspections for drops and mainline, assisting with keeping documentation clean, helping the team stay updated, and learning something new every day.

Extended Job Title: Keeping the customer and the team happy.

Expert On: Traveling to Thailand and Food Explorer.

Your Name Here?
Engineering Technician, GIS wizard, Telecom Smart Person, other?

Telecommunication Industry Experience: Maybe a little, Maybe a lot?

What I do: Cool stuff to help rural broadband providers bring more broadband to more rural places.

Extended Job Title: Curious, a little techy, and probably having a mastery of some sort of hobby that the rest of us don't have.

Expert On: Being a team player,  having fun, and bringing skills and a perspective the rest of us don't have.