Leadership Team
Collectively, over five decades of telecom and mobile experience and leadership, having completed dozens of transactions in the mobile communications sector and invested millions of dollars of venture capital funding.
- Led construction of America’s first digital wireless network
- Current and former board members of 20+ start-up and public companies
- Founded a well-known and successful carrier corporate venture unit
- Launched VoIP product set commonly deployed by cable operators today
- Led the launch of the nation’s first mobile broadband network
- Pioneer in Mobile Service Management, directing significant investment
Ron LeMay
As a pioneer and globally known and respected leader in the wireless industry with 36 years of carrier-side operating experience as a former executive at Sprint, AT&T, and Southwestern Bell, Ron has gained unequaled leadership experience in telecommunications and technology. He is eminently qualified to recognize as well as contribute to innovation and to understand the opportunities, intricacies, and challenges of applying technology successfully in the marketplace.
- Employee #1 and CEO of Sprint PCS
- President and COO of Sprint Corporation
- Orchestrated turn-around and sale of Japan Telecom as CEO
- Industrial partner of private equity firm Ripplewood Holdings since 2003
- Partner of October Capital, an early-stage venture capital investment firm, since 1999
- Current board of director memberships: Aircell, Allstate (ALL), Imation (IMN), EasySale, eRecyclingCorps, Zave Networks, Machinerylink, and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of America
Additional Experience
A pioneer and respected leader in the wireless industry, Ron brings more than 30-years of carrier-side operating experience as a former executive at AT&T, Sprint, and Southwestern Bell. He was employee number one and CEO of Sprint PCS, which under Ron’s direction, generated $10B in annual revenues faster than any US company has before or since. Ron is the current chairman of Aircell, the leading broadband Internet service that will change in-flight communications and bring Wi-Fi to commercial airline and business passengers. After leaving Sprint in 2003, he joined Ripplewood Holdings as an Industrial Partner and orchestrated the purchase, turn-around (as CEO), and subsequent sale of Japan Telecom, generating billions of dollars in returns to Ripplewood investors.
Ron is a highly sought-after board member for both public and privately-held companies and currently sits on the boards of Allstste (ALL), Imation (IMN), EasySale, eRecyclingCorps, Zave Networks, and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of America.
A native of Arkansas, Ron attended Southern Arkansas University where he earned a bachelor’s degree and the University of Arkansas School of Law earning a JD. Ron and his wife reside in Kansas City and spend time enjoying their 5 grandchildren – all under the age of 5 (including two sets of twin girls).
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Kathy Walker
Considered one of the top mobile network experts in the United States, Kathy is a sought-after technology strategist and respected telecom veteran.
- 20 years of carrier experience as the CIO and CNO (Chief Network Officer) of Sprint Nextel Corp.
- Directed the planning and operation of Sprint’s wireline and wireless (CDMA and iDEN) networks, responsible for over $10B in annual capital and expense investments.
- Led the development and deployment of the first US nationwide 3G wireless network.
- Experience includes leadership roles in product planning and management and the development of network standards
- Named one of the “Top Women in Wireless”
Additional Experience
Kathy is an expert technology strategist and respected telecom veteran, having most recently served as Chief Information & Network Officer of Sprint Nextel Corp. from August 2005 to March 2009. In this role, Kathy led the overall planning, designing, and operations of Sprint Nextel’s wireless (CDMA and iDEN) and wireline networks. Additionally, she held responsibility for access management and integrated technology planning for domestic and international strategic ventures.
Her experience includes leadership roles in product planning and management, fiber cable engineering, network inventory, design and construction of network buildings and the development of network standards and drawings, including for Sprint’s nationwide PCS network as well as the domestic and international wireline voice, data and Internet networks.
Ms. Walker holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from South Dakota State University and Master of Science and Professional Engineering degrees from the University of Missouri-Rolla (where she is a member of the school’s Women in Science & Engineering Hall of Fame). She serves on the Dean’s Advisory Councils for both schools in addition to serving on the University of Missouri-Kansas City Board of Trustees. Kathy and her husband reside in Kansas City.
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Scott Ford
A knowledgeable and connected wireless investor, Scott is a founder and former GM of Sprint Nextel Ventures. Ten years of Sprint leadership in venture capital, business development, sales, and marketing roles has marked Scott as a wireless industry influencer, leading dozens of market advancing investments, deals, and partnerships.
- Founder and General Manager of Sprint Nextel Ventures, Sprint’s corporate venture capital unit, investing directly in 8 wireless start-ups
- More than 10 years of wireless operating experience
- Led business development efforts for Sprint, directing a team responsible for discovering, executing, and managing hundreds of partnerships delivering greater than $1B in contract value
- Managed or participated in the launch of major technology partnerships across mobile video, music, content, search, location, and commerce
- Led negotiations and executed the first U.S. wireless music deals with major record labels
- Graduate from the prestigious Kauffman Fellowship through the Center for Venture Education
- Desert Storm Veteran, has flown more than 300 combat hours (3,000 total) aboard Navy P-3C aircraft
Additional Experience
The founder and former general manager of Sprint Nextel Ventures (SNV), Sprint’s corporate venture capital unit. During his time as leader of SNV, Scott and his team deployed more than $10M direct investments in 8 strategic wireless start-up companies. He also led business development efforts for Sprint, directing a team responsible for discovering, executing, and managing hundreds of partnerships delivering greater than $1B in contract value. Scott is recognized in the wireless industry as a knowledgeable industry influencer with the rare experience of carrier-side innovation realization coupled with a very solid venture and start-up market reputation and network. He was selected for and graduated from the prestigious Kauffman Fellowship through the Center for Venture Education.
Scott is a Desert Storm Veteran and flew more than 300 combat hours (3,000 total) aboard Navy P-3C aircraft. It is through his military experiences where he developed his passion for mobile technologies having operated sophisticated airborne electronic warfare equipment during his five years as a Naval Aviator.
In addition to the Kauffman Fellowship and extensive electronics and technology training in the Navy, Scott holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Relations from MidAmerica Nazarene University. Married with two young sons, Scott and his family reside in Overland Park, Kansas.
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Lance LeMay
His operational expertise, entrepreneurial mindset , and collaborative approach make Lance stand out as a leader in the venture capital market and cause him to perennially be a highly sought after board member. Known for his hands-on leadership style, he has mentored some of the most successful entrepreneurs and management teams.
- Founder and managing partner of venture investment firm, October Capital, since 1999
- Led 9 of the 12 investments made by October Capital
- Held numerous active board seats and currently maintains 5, including EasySale, E-Recycling, Zave Networks, Machinerylink, and Athletixnation
- Deep network of operators and influencers
- Expert board management experience and capabilities across a diversity of industries including, web-enabled enterprise services, mobile commerce, agricultural equipment services, digital media and advertising, publishing, logistics, wireless services, and financial services
Additional Experience
Lance is the founder of October Capital, a privately funded venture investment firm. Founded in October of 1999, October Capital has invested primarily in innovative technology enabled businesses. As the lead investing partner, Lance has led investments in 9 of the 12 October Capital investments. In his role as investor and board member during the past 10 years, Lance has assisted his management teams in developing innovative solutions across a diversity of industries including, web-enabled enterprise services, mobile commerce, agricultural equipment services, digital media and advertising, publishing, logistics, wireless services, and financial services. Lance is known for his passion for early stage innovation, his ability to work collaboratively with entrepreneurs, and his willingness to work actively to help build businesses. As an active board member, Lance has served on board of 9 portfolio companies and currently sits on the board of 5 companies. His current board seats include, Zave Networks, eRecyclingcorps, Machinerylink, Easysale, and Athletixnation.
As an advocate of entrepreneurship and venture investing, Lance is a frequent speaker and panelist. He has worked diligently for over 10 years to stimulate innovation in the Midwest through entrepreneurship and venture investment in the region. Lance holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Kansas. Lance lives in Kansas City with his wife and 4 daughters, two sets of twins.
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