American Broadband Announces New Leadership Appointments

American Broadband Holding Company, a provider of broadband access in rural markets across the United States, has announced several key executive appointments to support the Company as it embarks on its next stage of growth.

Under the new leadership team, the Company will prioritize growing the business through continued investment and innovation in its existing network and operations, as well as expansion through acquisitions and partnerships into new regions.

Among the new senior leadership appointments, Christopher Eldredge has joined American Broadband as Chief Executive Officer. Most recently, Eldredge served as President and CEO of DuPont Fabros Technology ("DFT"), where he oversaw the data center provider's expansion strategy, as the company achieved significant growth in sales, profit, and shareholder value prior to its sale to Digital Realty Trust. Eldredge draws upon extensive industry knowledge having worked in the IT infrastructure and telecommunications sector for nearly two decades.

Prior to joining DFT, Eldredge was Executive Vice President of Global Solutions at NTT America Inc., and previously held management roles at leading telecom organizations, including Frontier Communications, Cablevision, and The Telx Group. Eldredge succeeds Rich Parisi, who will continue to serve on the American Broadband Board of Directors as Chairman.

"I am thrilled to take on the role and responsibility of Chief Executive Officer and help guide American Broadband through this next phase of growth," said Eldredge. "We've assembled an impressive leadership team capable of realizing the clear opportunities ahead by investing in our network, operations, and communities and pursuing strategic acquisitions and other growth opportunities in additional rural markets throughout the country. The Company has a strong foundation in its markets in Nebraska, Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, and Alaska from which to build. We have the team in place to make American Broadband the preeminent broadband service provider for rural communities throughout the United States and a company that offers employees even more opportunities for professional development."

Additional Key Appointments:

George Mack has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Mack will oversee all regional operations, inclusive of the Company's fiber expansion. Mack most recently served as American Broadband's Chief Financial Officer and has played a central role in the Company's growth since April 1994. Throughout his tenure, Mack has held various leadership roles, including President and GM for American Broadband's Louisiana/Texas operations and CEO and President and GM of the Company's Nebraska/Missouri operations. In addition, Mack maintains a deep industry network, having held various roles with the Louisiana Telecommunications Association, the Industry Committee of the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association, Louisiana Broadband Advisory Council, and the Business Emergency Operations Center for the State of Louisiana.

Jim Patterson has joined American Broadband as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, Patterson will concentrate on corporate strategy, new product development, and M&A. Patterson brings extensive industry and management experience to this role having held multiple leadership positions in the telecom industry. These include President of Sprint Wholesale, Founder and CEO of Mobile Symmetry, an identity and security software company, Executive VP of Reliance Infotel Broadband Services, and VP/GM of Flash Wireless. Most recently, Patterson served as Founder and CEO of Patterson Advisory Group, a consultancy in the telecom, media and technology services sector.

Bob O'Keefe has joined American Broadband as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, O'Keefe will oversee marketing, branding, business development, and customer acquisition and retention. O'Keefe most recently served as SVP and CMO at DuPont Fabros Technology ("DFT"), where he helped reposition the company, drive new revenue opportunities, and expand DFT's presence in new markets. Prior to DFT, O'Keefe was SVP of marketing, business management, and business development at NTT America, Inc. for the data center, cloud, network, and managed services businesses. O'Keefe previously held marketing executive roles at Frontier Communications, SanDisk, and Duracell.

Jason Nicolay has joined American Broadband as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. In this role, Nicolay will oversee the Company's M&A, ventures, and strategic partnerships across existing and new markets. Nicolay brings nearly two decades of transactional experience, primarily focused on telecom, including broadband, fiber, fixed wireless, mobile, towers, and spectrum. Previously, he served as a Managing Director in Houlihan Lokey's Telecom, Media and Technology Group, principally focused on telecom infrastructure and operators. Prior to Houlihan Lokey, Nicolay started his investment banking career with MVP Capital, a boutique, telecom-focused investment bank.