Category: Staff Feature

Name:  Roger Pierce

Role on the Project:  In my role as Materials Manager I plan, schedule, coordinate and manage the flow of materials and OEM equipment.   Since starting on the project less than a year ago, I have processed over 2.5 million feet of material!

Short story:   I have enjoyed a career of over 35 years in the telecommunications industry.  Of that, 20 years in supply chain management.  I am a native Kentuckian born in Pulaski County and raised in Mercer County.  I now live in Lexington, KY with my wife of over 20 years, Christina.  We share our home with our two retired Greyhounds and sometimes others as we are members of Bluegrass Greyhound Adoption and have the occasional foster.  We have a daughter, Chandler, who is pursuing her degree in electrical engineering, a son Seth and his wife Victoria and our granddaughter Presley, that we love to spoil rotten.  I enjoy anything outdoors but am most passionate about summers boating on the weekends.  I love shooting sports, fishing, working on cars, and home projects. Of course, being from Kentucky I would be remiss if I left out that I am an avid University of Kentucky sports fan.  Go Cats!

Why you joined the DBLLC:  I joined the KentuckyWired project because it seemed a natural fit for my career skill set and looked like the kind of project where I could make a difference.  I personally believe the KentuckyWired project will have an impact in the state of Kentucky for generations to come and as a life-long Kentuckian, I can always take pride in my involvement.

Name:  Austin Hake

Role on the Project:  Subcontract Manager

My Story:  I graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor in Comprehensive Economics. I began working with Black & Veatch in 2012 in their Construction & Procurement group and joined the KentuckyWired team in late 2015. I enjoy finding myself in new environments that push me outside my comfort zone and moving to Lexington was exactly that. The availability of bourbon is pretty nice too. Outside of the office I enjoy camping, backpacking, soccer, or anything else that gets me outdoors.

I moved to Lexington in November of 2015 to take on the role of Subcontract Manager for the KentuckyWired project. The people I’ve met have shown me Bluegrass hospitality and provided me a variety of new experiences that wouldn’t have otherwise been available to me.

Why I chose the DBLLC:   I joined the DBLLC to build upon my career and continue developing in the field of Telecom. I hope the KentuckyWired project will have an immediate impact on the educational opportunities available for students, both inside and outside the classroom. The availability of information online is an incredible resource for anyone, but to have access at a young age can create possibilities that might otherwise go unrealized.

Name: Lilly Neal

Role on the Project: Document Control Coordinator

Short Story:  Lilly is originally from a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio (Parma Heights), but moved to Kentucky in 2007 after graduating from Huntington University with a bachelor’s degree in English. During her first job out of college, she read over 40,000 engineering reports, and her interest in producing high-quality documents and in standardizing processes blossomed.

Lilly started working on the KentuckyWired project in 2016 as a Document Control Coordinator. She is driven by a desire for constant improvement, which came in handy with her position on the project.

Lilly owns her own business, Letters by Lilly, where she re-purposes Scrabble letter tiles into new creations. In her free time, Lilly enjoys reading (though she doesn’t read engineering reports for fun anymore – only as a freelancer), especially 19^th century British literature, and she has written a novel of her own, also set in the 19^th century. Her friends and faith in God keep her sane.

Why I joined the DBLLC:  When Lilly was asked to interview for a Document Control position with Ledcor on the KentuckyWired project, she was interested to learn about this new type of project that had never been attempted before. Internet access is so important in helping others constantly improve, and Lilly was excited to be part of this innovative endeavor.

Name:  Duane Anthony

Role on the Project:  Lead Construction Manager

My Short Story:  I currently reside in Acworth Georgia, only a few miles from my hometown of Marietta, born and raised some 50 plus years ago. I am an IBEW trained class A journeyman, specializing in commercial and industrial wiring.  I went on to achieve my Master Electrician license, which allowed me to start my own electrical contracting business. I sold the company to a cellular wireless construction company and became their in-house electrical department. Since then, I have been presented with several opportunities allowing me to grow my electrical experience, which catapulted me into the telecommunications world. Six years ago, I was given the opportunity to join B&V and have worked on several different projects, including the KentuckyWired project, where I’m currently the lead construction manager for the western part of the state.

Living in Georgia and working in this industry, these types of projects typically keep me away for a considerable amount of time. Fortunately, I have very understanding wife which allows me to continue being a part of projects that better the lives of others. Traveling from place to place gives us the opportunity to see new places and meet some interesting and great people along the way.

Why I Joined the DBLLC:  When I was offered the chance to come to the KentuckyWired project, I couldn’t have been happier. This project has so much promise for the state of Kentucky and its residents. These types of builds are hard, and technology is ever changing, but are worth the effort to further commerce in the state of Kentucky. I knew this was a project I wanted to be a part of and wanted to say I was a part of KentuckyWired. Once it is complete and the residents of Kentucky can enjoy the fruits of our labor, I believe they will all be proud of the end result and other states will do the same.

Name:  Jeffrey Ellis

Role on the Project:  Inside Plant Construction Operations Manager

My Short:  I was born into a military family and moved a lot when I was young. I started working in a service station when I was 12, this was back in the days where we did all kinds of vehicle maintenance, not just sell gas. I learned a lot about mechanics and it fueled my desire to learn how things work. I joined the U.S. Air Force when I was 19 and served for 20 years. During this time, I took every opportunity to learn all I could. I was a component level electronic maintenance technician working on radar, microwave, radio, and satellite systems. I loved every minute of my military career. After I retired from the military, I started my second career in the Telecommunications field working cellular, microwave, and fiber projects. Again, I used this opportunity to expand my knowledge of how and why things work.

What motivates me the most is learning, sharing my knowledge, and wanting to do the best job possible, I strive for self-satisfaction. There is nothing better for me to know when I go home at night, I have done everything I could that day.

I have a wife, 9 children, and 5 grandchildren. I love them all and would do anything for them. We love fishing, camping, and family time together playing games or just talking. I have been in 47 of the 50 states and my goal is to hit all 50, then start with European countries. I moved to the Commonwealth in 2015 from Knoxville, TN. I started my life here in a campground, then finally moved into Lexington. I live here with my wife and our 4 fur babies. We love the Commonwealth and have been looking for land to retire on. There is so much to do, and the outdoors is beautiful.

Why I Joined the DBLLC:  I heard about this project in 2014 and thought how great it would be for the Commonwealth. I joined the DBLLC in mid-2015 and love every aspect of the project. The most important thing about this project is bringing high-speed data to all counties in the Commonwealth. Since our future is tied to technology and to have technology you need a fast way of moving information and this project is just that. You can already see companies moving into the Commonwealth that are technology driven, and more will follow.

Name:  Jerry Duncan

Role on the Project:  Project Facilitator

My Story:  Born and raised in Central Kentucky, I have watched this community grow and prosper over time.   I feel very fortunate to have traveled across Kentucky and experienced the diversity of people, places, and unbridled beauty the Bluegrass state offers.  I am very fond of the summers I had growing up because I got to help my grandfather survey the rolling hills around the small town of Bucksville in southwestern Kentucky or spend a couple weeks exploring the big city of Louisville and the Ohio River with my other grandparents.

I am motivated by the essential values of life experience – family, God, and work ethic – and I will always succeed in life, meet new friends, and travel to new places with these values in mind.

Why I choose the DBLLC:  I am a very curious person, who is always trying to challenge myself to continue learning new technologies and new methods of communication; that is why I am very proud to be part of the DBLLC and the Kentucky Wired Project.  Essentially that is the purpose of this project – to better connect the Commonwealth and provide opportunities for individuals to learn, achieve, and watch their own community prosper – however big or small it may be.

Name:  Jay Parr

Role on the Project:  Safety Specialist / Quality Inspector

My Story:  Twenty-five years in construction have provided me with confidence in a wide array of experience. And humility to know that there is more to learn, every day. These many years have allowed me to travel to many places around North America, as a construction electrician and Wind Turbine technician. Through my service in the Army Reserve, I’ve seen parts of Asia and Europe. Experiencing life in other parts of our country and our world continues to be the best way that I’ve found to expand one’s mind.

Raised in Wisconsin, near the Twin Cities of Minnesota, I am re-energized whenever I visit my roots of family, friends and home. Having lived mostly near lakes, I’ve been fortunate to live comfortably close to nature. Relaxing weekends can include days enjoying fishing; Or watching eagles fish while we relax with the waves, on the pontoon. Evenings might include cooking over and visiting around the fire-pit with family and friends.

I’m very appreciative to have found a feeling of home in Woodford county, where new friends from all parts of the Commonwealth have also found Woodford County as their home. Keeneland, Legends, Bourbon Trail, beautiful countryside peppered with picturesque ranches are just a few of the amazing experiences I’ve appreciated. And the energy felt surrounding Derby weekend might only be matched by the energy felt in a City with a team in the World Series. And we get to enjoy Derby every year. Additionally, Safety & Quality inspection duties bless me with the ability to travel to many beautiful and friendly parts of the Commonwealth. I’m eager to see more. Much, much more.

Why I chose the DBLLC:  The more I learned about the benevolence of this Kentucky Wired Project before joining in October 2017 the more interested I became for a chance to join this team. Understanding the logistical and physical challenges, this team continues to be enthusiastic about delivering broadband network infrastructure on behalf of the Commonwealth. Building and delivering Kentucky Wired to places where private industry networks have not and will not deliver. Kentucky Wired Infrastructure is owned and maintained by the Commonwealth, for the common wealth of all Kentuckians. It’s exciting to be a part of the construction. And after construction is complete, Kentucky Wired will continue to deliver ever improving network connectivity and revenue for many decades. Well done, Kentucky! Well done.

Go Cats!

Name:  Jim Askins

Role on the Project:  Field Representative for Government & Resident Relations

My Story:  My wife, Cynthia, and I have been married over 24 years and we have four children.  We have been homeschooling parents for over 13 years and our oldest son is in his freshman year at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, KY.  I have over ten years’ experience in the construction industry, including industrial electrical work in power plant and steel mill construction.   I have also worked with my father in two family-owned businesses:  a residential and commercial electrical contracting business and a rack-and-pinion industrial elevator business.  I have served in both federal and state government positions.  First, as a Field Representative in the 2^nd Congressional District for U.S. Senator Jim Bunning’s two Senate terms, and then as Deputy Commissioner at the Department for Local Government for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  Finally, I coached college basketball at the University of the Cumberlands, Kentucky Wesleyan College, and the University of Central Oklahoma, and served as Director of Athletics at Kentucky Wesleyan.  God, family, and church are the most important things in my life.  I enjoy reading, the outdoors, and sports, especially college basketball and golf.

I was born and raised in Daviess County.  We lived in Ohio County for fourteen years, where all four of our children were born.  I have also lived in Whitley and Franklin counties, and we currently live in Oldham County.

Why I chose the DBLLC:  I joined the DBLLC for two reasons.  One, the opportunity to again work with my long-time friend Holly Hopkins Scoville (we both worked in Senator Bunning’s office).  Two, with my background in higher education and as a homeschooling dad, along with my entrepreneurial experience, I understand the tremendous educational and economic impact that the KentuckyWired Project will have on the Commonwealth, and I wanted to be a part of a project that will have such a positive impact upon my home state of Kentucky.

Name: David Laigle

Role on the Project: Materials Manager

My Story: I grew up on a dairy farm in Connecticut and joined the Navy right after graduation to become an airplane mechanic.  20 years ago, I was offered my first position in Telecommunications, and I never looked back.  I have found my niche in material management and procurement.

My wife, Sheila and I have been married for 25 years.  Telecomm has offered us, and our golden retriever, Beau, a chance to live in Colorado, Florida, and now we are finally home in New Braunfels, Texas.  I am loving life in the Texas Hill Country.  I enjoy exploring Texas, golf, skeet shooting, fly fishing, entertaining, cooking for friends, and more recently, bee keeping.

I have been thrilled to work in the Commonwealth for the last 3 years, however whenever I have been in the state, I have been so focused on the project, I was unable to see what Kentucky is all about.  For my 50^th birthday this spring, I was finally able to enjoy the spoils of Kentucky.  I chose a trip of a lifetime through the Bourbon Trail, the rich history of thorough breeds, and all the beauty this state has to offer.  It is a memory that will last a lifetime.

My brother in law attended University of Kentucky, and had such a strong love for the state, and its people.  I now understand what he was talking about.  I am truly blessed to work with such an amazing team, and I am proud to bring Kentucky up to speed in telecommunications.

Name: Lydia Dixon

Role on the Project: Project Facilitator working with easements and MRC

My Story: Before moving to Lexington, KY and working on the Kentucky wired project I lived in Cincinnati, OH for two years while going to school. I have now been in Lexington for a year. I like doing activities around Lexington that are mildly active but relaxing at the same time, like hiking or walking around the city. Doing things that are going to make me a more well round person is what motivates me.

Why I joined the DBLLC: I joined the DBLLC as my first job out of college. This project will help provide a service to Kentuckians that is needed to help connect the community to each other and the world.