Our Team

Mr. Bednarek is PFN’s Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Treasurer, with over 30 years of experience in finance, business management, engineering, and construction. He has held roles at Prince Corporation, including Production Team Supervisor, Quality Engineer, and Launch Quality Engineer. He also worked as Business Manager/Controller at Premeau Construction Inc. in Marquette and has owned businesses in construction and landscaping. Mr. Bednarek earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northern Michigan University in 1990 and completed Master's coursework thereafter.

As Director of Sales & Marketing, Jason Bordeaux leads PFN's field sales organization, targeting markets and implementing strategies to drive growth. His responsibilities include developing marketing strategies and enhancing brand awareness. Jason began his career at Charter Communications, spending nearly 20 years in various sales and leadership roles. He notably served as Sr. Director of SMB Sales for a 7-state region. Before joining PFN, he managed the fiber-optic direct sales unit at TDS Telecom in Southern Wisconsin. Jason lives in Marquette, MI with his wife, Stephanie, and enjoys traveling and spending time with their family.

Mr. Brogan is the President and CEO of Hiawatha Communications Inc. and serves on its Board of Directors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an Associate of Arts in Computer Engineering Technology from Lake Superior State University, where he chairs the Lukenda School of Business Professional Advisory Board. Jay is also the Vice President and Secretary for PFN and a founding team member. With over 35 years in communications, he has held leadership roles in various state and national industry committees. A lifelong resident of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Jay is dedicated to economic development and improving the quality of life in the region.

Jon French is PFN’s Director of OSP & Engineering, overseeing all aspects of fiber plant engineering and construction. With nearly 20 years of experience in telecommunications and broadband, Jon has worked with Baraga Telephone Company/UP.net and Peninsula Fiber Network. His background in civil engineering and project management includes roles at Short Elliott Hendrickson, Coleman Engineering, and Michigan Technological University. Jon holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan Tech. He is a former Division I hockey player, US Army veteran, licensed hunting/fishing guide, and community leader in junior hockey and outdoor activities.

Mark Graf is a geological and financial professional with over 30 years of experience. He began his career at Schlumberger, then spent 14 years in the manufacturing industry. In 2008, he joined Barry County Telephone Company (BCTC), serving on the Board of Directors and later managing operations. He expanded BCTC’s wireless network and fiber markets. In 2015, Mark became General Manager of the Winn Communication companies, restructuring the company by focusing on core businesses. He helped sell Winn to PFN and now works with PFN to integrate the two companies. Mark holds a Bachelor’s in Geology from Albion College and an MBA in corporate finance from Western Michigan University.

As Vice President of Government Affairs, Jennifer leads PFN’s legislative strategy, building relationships with policymakers to enhance the company’s policy brand. She advises the CEO and Board on legislative matters. Prior to joining PFN in 2021, Jennifer spent 23 years advocating for Michigan’s rural telecommunications industry, known for her ability to simplify complex issues. She began her career in the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives. A Michigan State University graduate, Jennifer lives in Lansing with her husband, Tony, and their three children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and exploring Michigan’s outdoors through camping and hiking.

Cory Heigl is the General Manager of Peninsula Fiber Network, bringing over 25 years of telecommunications experience. He previously served as Vice President at Astrea Connect, overseeing strategy, operations, and revenue growth. With expertise in Outside Plant (OSP) construction and business development, Cory leads PFN’s expansion of its fiber optic network across the Great Lakes region. A Michigan Tech University graduate in Scientific and Technical Communications, he has held leadership roles, including President of the Norway-Vulcan Area Schools Board and a member of the Vistage Organization. His strategic vision and technical understanding are essential as the company aims to enhance its service offerings while maintaining a commitment to high-quality telecommunications solutions.

Mr. Inal is Vice President of Baraga Telephone Company and serves as an Engineering and Corporate Strategy Advisor on PFN’s executive management committee. He began his career in 2005 at Caterpillar, Inc. as Senior Engineer and Six Sigma Black Belt Team Lead. In 2009, he joined Baraga Telephone Company as Vice President. Mr. Inal holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. He is also the Chairman of the Board for BHK Child Development Agency in Houghton, Michigan (since 2012) and the basketball coach for Special Olympics in Baraga, Michigan (since 2011).

David McCartney (“Dave”) is a Special Consultant and Board Member of Peninsula Fiber Network LLC, having been with PFN since its inception and serving as its first General Manager. In 2021, he transitioned to his current role, providing guidance to PFN’s management team. A CPA with over 40 years of experience in telecommunications policy, regulatory, financial management, and corporate structure, Dave is an expert in FCC Part 32 accounting and Rural Utility Service regulations. He was instrumental in founding PFN as a joint venture between Hiawatha Communications Inc. and Baraga Telephone Company. Dave holds a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Michigan Tech University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.

Tim McKee is the NG-911 Program Director for Peninsula Fiber Network, leading a skilled team in 911 and emergency services. Prior to PFN, he served as the 911 Central Dispatch Director and Emergency Management Coordinator for Chippewa County for 17 years. Tim has served on several advisory boards, including the State 911 Dispatcher Training subcommittee and the Upper Peninsula 911 Authority Board, contributing to the implementation of NG-911 in Michigan. He is the Governor’s appointee to the State 911 Committee and chairs the Emerging Technologies Subcommittee. Tim also served as police chief for 18 years in Kinross Township. He holds a degree from Finlandia University and attended Michigan State University.

Todd Proehl is the Director of Technical Operations at Peninsula Fiber Network, with 20 years of industry experience. His focus is on providing reliable, high-quality telecommunications services while prioritizing customer service. At PFN, Todd has helped expand services across Lower Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and deployed Next Generation 911 to 176 dispatch centers in Michigan. Previously, Todd held multiple engineering roles at Charter Communications, leading network buildouts for broadband, telephony, and Video On Demand (VOD). He also served as Network and Security Manager at Hagerty Insurance. Todd holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Northern Michigan University. He lives in Marquette, MI with his wife, Tamulin, and their two children.

Mr. Stark, President of PFN, began his career with Schulumberger Offshore Services working as a Field Engineer in the North Sea in 1974. In 1984 he became an Engineer at Baraga Telephone Company (BTC). Baraga Telephone Company began providing dial-up internet services through the telephone exchange in 1995. Mr. Stark oversaw the development of high-speed internet (DSL) service at BTC. Along with being the President and General Manager of Baraga Telephone, he served four terms as the President of the Village of Baraga. Mr. Stark holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering and Master’s degree in Geophysics from Michigan Technical University.

Thom Sumbler joined PFN in 2008 and leads Sales, Business Development, and Product Development. He is responsible for expanding PFN's markets, developing products, and corporate strategy. With nearly 44 years of experience in US telecommunications, Thom has focused on carrier core networking and Metro Ethernet service delivery. He has successfully architected three start-up companies and held executive roles at two major US networks. His career has centered on inter-carrier networks, network overlay, trade, and joint ventures.

Mr. Tidd is the Chief Technical Officer of Peninsula Fiber Network, overseeing technical operations, project management, contract negotiations, and daily operations of the Network Operations Center and plant technicians. He is responsible for setting and ensuring adherence to technology standards. Mr. Tidd began his career in 1976 with Hiawatha Communications Inc. as a line technician, later becoming the owner of Telecom Contractors LLC from 1981-1984. He has held roles including Outside Plant Supervisor and Network Manager. Since 2005, he has been the Vice President and CTO of Hiawatha Communications Inc. and serves as a Board Member for both Hiawatha Communications and PFN.