Safer Buildings Coalition Leadership

Executive Director: Chief Alan W. Perdue (ret.), CFO, FM, 

Chief Perdue has over 40 years of service in public safety. Chief Perdue is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Fire Marshal (FM) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence - Commission for Professional Credentialing, a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officers Program and holds degrees in Fire Protection Technology and Management/Ethics.
 
In addition to serving as the Executive Director of the Safer Buildings Coalition since his retirement from Guilford County Emergency Services in 2013, Chief Perdue serves on the National Fire Protection Association 1225 Technical Committee, Underwriters Laboratories Standard #2524 Standards Technical Panel, Federal Communications Commissions - Intergovernmental Advisory Committee, National Association of Counties - Telecommunications and Technology Steering Committee and as an Elected County Commissioner in Guilford County, NC.
 
Chief Perdue lectures extensively across the US and Canada about Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems and is the co-author of the Complete ERCES Handbook.
 
Chief Perdue’s past public service includes serving as; the International Director representing Fire & Life Safety on the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Board of Directors , the Governor’s fire service appointee to the North Carolina State Building Code Council, a Commissioner on the Center for Public Safety Excellence’s Commission for Professional Credentialing, a member of the International Accreditation Services Technical Advisory Committee for Fire & Life Safety Departments and a member of the International Code Councils Codes and Standards Council.
 
Additional career highlights to local, state and national fire service organizations include Director at Large, Vice-Chair and Chair of the IAFC Fire & Life Safety Section, four terms as a member of the International Code Councils Fire Code Hearing Committee, Vice-chair and Chairman of the North Carolina Fire Code Revision Committee, President of the North Carolina County Fire Marshal’s Association and as an advisory board member for the Guilford Technical Community College Fire Science Curriculum Program.

Managing Director: John Foley

 
In his role, John not only provides day to day Coalition management, but also develops and deploys SBC’s mission-driven thought leadership, public policy, and lobbying efforts. John has extensive experience in analyzing and developing positions for telecommunications regulatory and legislative issues involving federal and state agencies and legislative bodies. John is co-author of The Complete ERCES Handbook, the definitive resource for learning and reference material pertaining to Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES). John currently serves on the TIA Smart Buildings Working Group and Public Safety Subgroup, the CTIA Smart Cities Steering Committee, IWCE Advisory Board, and the NATE DAS and Small Cell Working Group. John is also a certified ERCES instructor for the Florida State Fire College. He is a member of the NFPA 1225, Standard for Emergency Services Communications, Technical Committee.

      John also currently serves as a Senior Advisor to Cathedral Consulting, helping telecom and critical infrastructure entrepreneurs with momentum build valuable businesses they can eventually sell or hand to the next generation of leaders in an Ideal Exit ™.  

      John has held key business development, operations, engineering, and executive roles at telecom service companies such as Level 3 Communications, MFS, and MCI. John was a co-founder of Nextlink (later named XO Communications) where he served as VP of Operations and Engineering and VP of International Network Development. John led dark fiber provider City Signal Communications in the position of President and CEO. John also served for five years in the role of Capture Director and engineering team lead for a leading DAS Integrator.

Founder: Seth Buechley
CEO, Cathedral Holdings | President, Cathedral Partners

Seth founded the Safer Buildings Coalition in 2012 and continues to provide guidance and direction to this day. Seth brings Cathedral entrepreneurial leadership gained through board and senior executive experience with public, private, family-owned, and nonprofit organizations. Prior to his role at Cathedral, Seth was a client of the firm for 6 years, developing a close friendship with Cathedral’s founder, the late Phil Clements.

Today, Seth is active as a board-level strategist, investor, and advisor to CEO’s in the telecom sector.

Most recently, Seth co-founded and led the US and Canadian operations of SOLiD USA. overseeing a team of industry leaders responsible for developing and distributing innovative wireless communications products. Upon achieving revenue of nearly $60 million, and with counsel from Cathedral, the company was sold to its venture partner in early 2016. Under Seth’s leadership, SOLiD earned wide industry recognition for delivering cellular coverage inside of some of the world’s most prestigious venues including the New York subway, The Empire State Building, Nike World Headquarters and Daytona International Speedway.

Seth began his career as a co-founder of family-owned CORD Communications, a turnkey network implementation company acquired by publicly-traded WesTower Corporation in 1998. He was then a founding investor and Vice Chairman of Washington Oregon Wireless (WOW), a Sprint PCS affiliate. In 2001, Seth co-founded Tri-Power Group, a leading DAS integrator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2008, he co-founded and became President of SOLiD USA. He is also the founder of the Safer Buildings Coalition which seeks to ensure coverage for public-safety communications services inside buildings.

Seth is the recently-published author of Ambition: Leading with Gratitude, a leadership manifesto highlighting the necessity of gratitude in the lives of driven leaders. An experienced keynote speaker and emcee, Seth is an active member of Young President Organization (YPO) and serves several nonprofit Christian ministries.  Seth is also the host of the Business Done Right podcast and is a popular keynote speaker at corporate and non-profit events.

Seth lives in Southern Oregon with his wife of 27 years where they are in the process of raising their four children. When he is not at one of his son’s sporting events, Seth enjoys snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, motorcycles, and spending time at his family home in Costa Rica.

Board of Directors

President: Ron Schachter, RF Solutions

Ron brings 20 years of RF wireless business development experience to the RF Solutions team. Prior to founding RF Solutions, Ron served as the Director of Business Development of Mobility Practice at Axispoint Technology Solutions Group (ATSG), where he sold and integrated over $25 million in Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) including some of the tallest towers and largest buildings in New York City. Before that, he spent 10 years at Sprint, where he was awarded President’s Club Circle Winner for his sales acumen several times during his tenure, landing major clients such as NewsCorp and Reuters. Ron swam for Indiana University, and you can still find him in the pool most mornings.

Vice President: Scott McClure, Alliance Corporation

In October of 2015, Scott McClure joined Alliance Corporation as the Vice President of the company’s Broadband and DAS division. Utilizing a deep blend of wireless product knowledge, sales experience and strong technical understanding of wireless networking systems, McClure has assembled a market leading portfolio of comprehensive solutions which address the service provider, industrial, government and enterprise communities. McClure leads a team of sales and product management experts across the Americas focused on assisting companies in selecting the highest performing wireless networks at the best value.

Alliance is a leading full-service, value-added distributor and manufacturer of products and solutions including cabling, assemblies, antennas and related active and passive connectivity componentry to support cellular, in-building wireless, broadband, broadcast and wireline networks for the North American market.  Over the past 30+ years, Alliance has developed a strong, well-recognized reputation as the "one-stop-shop" for wireless networking and coverage solutions, and has played a vital role in the build-out of the telecommunications infrastructure industry in North America.

McClure has almost 30 years of experience in the wireless industry and served on the board of directors of the Wireless Communications Association International (WCAI) from 2007 – 2012.

From 2003 to 2015 as the Business Unit Director for wireless Broadband, Networking and Security at TESSCO Technologies, Scott McClure was responsible for building an emerging group that represented the company’s largest growth sector. McClure was accountable for all aspects of the division’s performance including the development of innovative wireless networking solutions covering a wide range of market applications. By driving market and product strategy, as well as providing leading technical support and sales engineering, McClure and his team help differentiate TESSCO as a market leader in providing the product and supply chain solutions required to design, build, and use everything wireless. 

Prior to joining TESSCO in 2003, McClure was one of the co-founders of Resource Tower Corporation serving as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing to introduce an innovative tower strengthening solution to a national customer base of tower owners and wireless operators. Resource Tower was acquired by Black & Veatch Telecom in 2003. 

In 1999 and 2000, McClure served as the channel development manager for American Tower Corporation’s MTS Wireless Components Division supplying steel and cable accessory solutions to a wide variety of OEMs and distributors throughout North America. 

As the Director of Product Management and Logistics for AMERICOM Wireless, Inc. McClure led the development of the newly formed Handset Processing Services division creating the market leader in cellular phone repair and refurbishment. Based on the performance of the division, AMERICOM was sold to Solectron Corp in 1999 for just under $100 mil.    

McClure earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business & Economics from Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA graduating first in his class for his major.

Immediate Past President: David Adams, PCTEL

David's career has focused on solutions for Service Quality and Performance Management of Mobile Networks. Working closely with the leading US mobile operators to understand their unique needs and requirements led to the creation of patented concepts and approaches. As solutions architect and product manager, he managed the design and deployment of a number of ground-breaking solutions, continuing close cooperation with the operators to determine effective application of the solutions, thus driving high penetration rates of the solutions across the industry.

Recent concentration has been on the Public Safety Networks, both legacy P25 and FirstNet LTE technologies. The critical nature of properly performing service to first responders means test solution in new and more rigorous requirements. A special focus is on in building coverage and performance, delivering a cost effective solution to ensure buildings comply with national and AHJ standards.

He has dedicated all of his recent work for PCTEL to understand the challenges and problems with Public Safety radio networks and guiding the development of a solution for ensuring safety of first responders, This work is completely aligned with the SBC mission.

Treasurer: Ryan Kelly, Haymaker Technologies

Ryan founded Haymaker in 2002 and continues to oversee all marketing, sales, finance, operations, and customer satisfaction for the firm. He has 25+ years of sales and management experience. Ryan graduated Cum Laude with a BS in Business Administration and a minor in Management Information Systems from the University of Delaware, where he was a two-time North Atlantic Conference Scholar Athlete award winner for Men’s Lacrosse. He has held certifications from numerous manufacturers in the IT and Telecom industries including Cisco, HP, and Microsoft.

He resides in Baltimore, MD with his wife Virginia and 4 children.

Secretary: Shelley DePuy, TowerIQ

Shelley DePuy is the General Manager for TowerIQ, Potter Global Technologies. Shelley brings significant experience in the life safety industry, including tenures at System Sensor and Kidde Fire Systems. Her commercial background in code driven, regulatory markets position her well to bring added value to the SBC. Shelley is known for her exceptional leadership and communication skills, and she is eager to bring that passion to Board.

At-Large: John Thompson, Mobile Communications America (MCA)

Experienced leader in communications systems with over 30 years of RF design, deployment, funding, and policy experience. John has worked directly with 100’s of public safety agencies in developing communications solutions specifically designed to enhance safety of their responders and those they serve.

Today John leads the In-building Wireless Solutions business unit for Mobile Communications America (MCA) as the Vice President. MCA is a wireless integrator which provides custom designed in-building DAS solutions from over 80 offices across 14 States. MCA serves tens of thousands of public safety agencies and building owners across all vertical markets. As an ERCES business leader today, John understands the challenges and needs for more consistent code enforcement and the proper usage of technology to deliver safety without creating interference.

Served on both the TechAmerica State and Local and Federal Board of Directors and is currently serving on the Enterprise Wireless Association Board of Directors. Active participant in various industry groups including APCO International.

Designed, sold, deployed, and tested hundreds of radio systems for public safety agencies as part of Motorola. Supported the development and implementation of a billion-dollar federal grant program for enhanced radio communications. 

At-Large: Mark W. Johnson, Commdex

Mark Johnson was born and raised in Brooklyn New York. He attended Cornell University, having graduated with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1990. Mark also obtained a Masters in Business Administration Degree from the University of Miami in 1996.

With over 30 years of experience in the public safety telecommunications industry, Mark has a firm grasp on both wide area and in building public safety needs and requirements for communication and safety. Mark started his journey working as a product development engineer on two way radios for Motorola, which is now Motorola Solutions, in Plantation, FL, where he had been employed for 27 years. Throughout the years he held several positions within Motorola including a multitude of engineering management roles, a role as business manager for accessories, and eventually transitioning into sales and was a senior Sales Executive before leaving Motorola. Mark is now the Director of Engineering for Commdex LLC, a public safety systems integrator based out of Atlanta, GA, and has been with the company for seven years. Mark was previously a Sales Account Executive and a Presale Business Manager at Commdex before stepping into his current position. Mark’s roles within Motorola and Commdex has allowed him to stay at the forefront of telecommunications industry technology and trends, with a particular emphasis on Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems.

Mark is an accomplished public speaker, having been an active member of Toastmasters International for 30 years, where he has won several speech contests and several other accolades. He is a charter member of the Plantation Pointe Toastmasters club in Plantation, FL where he is a current and active member and a past club president.

Since coming to South Florida in 1990, Mark has dedicated himself to serving the Broward County community selflessly in a multitude of community service activities, which he does so primarily through his 36 year active membership in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, having served as chapter president on both the collegiate and alumni levels, and many other executive board positions. He is currently a member of the State of Florida Executive Board for his fraternity. Mark is a 25 year member of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL and serves on the Drama Ministry.

Mark is happily married to his better half, Veda Green Johnson, has three step children, and has two daughters and a grandson from a previous marriage.

Past Presidents' Council

Chair: Eric Toenjes, Graybar

Eric Toenjes, MBA, serves as National Market Manager of Wireless Solutions at Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical and data networking products and solutions. In his role at Graybar, Eric is responsible for setting strategy and working with manufacturers, system integrators, neutral hosts, contractors and sales teams to bring best-in-class wireless solutions to customers. He has more than 20 years of experience in the wireless market working with cellular carriers, system integrators and distribution providing solutions to end users and carriers alike. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and works with organizations like the HetNet Forum and Safer Buildings Coalition to understand issues facing building owners, influence codes and help develop an understanding of business drivers behind the solutions.

David Adams, PCTEL

David's career has focused on solutions for Service Quality and Performance Management of Mobile Networks. Working closely with the leading US mobile operators to understand their unique needs and requirements led to the creation of patented concepts and approaches. As solutions architect and product manager, he managed the design and deployment of a number of ground-breaking solutions, continuing close cooperation with the operators to determine effective application of the solutions, thus driving high penetration rates of the solutions across the industry.

Recent concentration has been on the Public Safety Networks, both legacy P25 and FirstNet LTE technologies. The critical nature of properly performing service to first responders means test solution in new and more rigorous requirements. A special focus is on in building coverage and performance, delivering a cost effective solution to ensure buildings comply with national and AHJ standards.

He has dedicated all of his recent work for PCTEL to understand the challenges and problems with Public Safety radio networks and guiding the development of a solution for ensuring safety of first responders, This work is completely aligned with the SBC mission.

Prince Niyyar, Commdex

Prince Niyyar is the CEO of Commdex. Since founding Commdex in 2001, Prince has led the company from a startup to a recognized national leader in public safety communications technology, with current operations in over 23 states. 

He has spoken as an invited guest at FCC Headquarters and on talk shows like “Thrive America” and “Business Leader Radio” and he frequently presents at business conferences. He was honored by Georgia’s Lt. Governor Casey Cagle as the “Small Business Person of the Year”.  Prince was also Gwinnett Chamber’s “Business Person of the Year”, and was honored with the “Pinnacle Award.

Prior to founding Commdex, Prince served many years as a consultant for Fortune 100 telecom companies like Motorola, AT&T and Sprint.  Prince holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from University of Cincinnati and is a registered Professional Engineer and Certified Professional Manager. 

Dennis Burns, ADRF

Dennis J. Burns is the Director of Public Safety at ADRF, in charge of the National Public Safety strategy for North America. His responsibilities include developing the corporate public safety strategy and product solutions needed for Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) to deliver maximum market share and revenue. He is also charged with enhancing the awareness of ADRF’s Public Safety products, technology, capabilities, deployments, and the overall ADRF brand.  In addition, he works closely with AHJs throughout the country to ensure ADRF has the right products and services to meet current requirements and any future changes within each jurisdiction.  

Dennis is also a liaison between Sales, Engineering, Technical Support, Product Development, and Manufacturing teams to ensure the delivery of product development schedules and go-to-market strategies for ADRF’s Public Safety solutions. He has more than 27 years of experience in developing direct and indirect new business strategies within the wireless industry, with a particular expertise in First Responder public safety communications. Dennis is an active member and strong advocate of the Safer Buildings Coalition and elected to its Board of Directors in 2019.  He is also a member of the Code and Standards Workgroup & Public Safety Technology Workgroup of SBC. In addition to SBC, Dennis is active with many State Fire Alarm Associations throughout the US, UL Labs, and NFPA.  Prior to joining ADRF, Dennis was a Regional Sales Director at Cobham Wireless, where he was responsible for delivering and driving corporate revenue goals via new direct and indirect relationships with potential clients in both public safety and commercial cellular. He previously held senior leadership roles at IXI Mobile, AT&T, Velocita Wireless(Cingular/Sprint), Palm, and BellSouth Wireless Data. Dennis holds a Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems and Services from the Southern New Hampshire University.

Patrick Lau, Comba Telecom

Patrick Lau is Vice President, Key Account and Market Development, for Comba Telecom, Inc.’s North America region. In this position, Patrick is responsible for developing strategies and sales opportunities for new verticals and markets that expand companies’ market presence and market share in the new era of technologies and applications such as CBRS, IoT, Fixed Wireless, 5G and beyond. Patrick also manages strategic partnership and accounts with major OEM and drives rapid sales growth of all Comba product portfolio. Patrick has 25+ years of experience in the RF telecommunications field. Prior to joining Comba Telecom, Patrick worked in various engineering and business development management roles for CommScope, Andrew, Allgon and Allen Telecom Corporation related to Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), Small Cells and Base Station Sub-Systems. Patrick earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Akron (Ohio). Additionally, Lau serves as the President of the board of the Safer Buildings Coalition and was one of HetNet Forum Council of Founders.  He also routinely speaks at industry events including Mobile World Congress (MWC), WIA ConnectX, ACUTA, DASpedia, In-Building Congress, IWCE, SEAT and others.

Jeff Hipchen, RF Connect

Jeff has more than 20 years of experience as an executive and entrepreneur. He is a principal with RF Connect, a company focused on the design, deployment and support of high performance wireless networks and applications. Prior to RF Connect, he founded Digital Data Solutions, Inc., a Midwest Voice and Data Network solutions provider that grew to seven offices in five states with over $20 million in sales before being sold to CTS Companies in 2003. Jeff has also been an Advisor to several start-up companies, assisting them with the development of their business plans, funding and sales execution.

Throughout his career, Jeff has participated in several partner leadership councils including Ameritech, SBC, ATT and Cisco and was recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business Magazine as a “40 under 40” business leader. He also acts as Treasurer on the executive board of the The Family Learning Institute and is on the board of Mobility Technology Association of Michigan.