Board of Directors

Kenny Blakeslee is a visionary entrepreneur and the driving force behind Apex Site Solutions, a leading provider of comprehensive services to the wireless infrastructure industry. With a profound commitment to excellence and innovation, Kenny founded Apex Site Solutions in 2010 as a DVBE (Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise}, initially with just one employee. Since then, under his astute leadership, the company has experienced remarkable growth, expanding into a thriving enterprise with a dedicated team of over 100 professionals.

Drawing upon his extensive experience in the tower industry, Kenny’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in a deep-seated passion for empowering others. He is driven by a mission to give back to the industry that has shaped his life, fostering a culture of growth and development within his team. At the heart of Apex Site Solutions’ ethos is a commitment to transforming lives by providing unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional advancement. Through innovative professional development programs and an unwavering dedication to elevating industry standards in safety, culture, and empowerment, Kenny and his team strive to make a positive impact, aspiring to be 1% better every day.

Beyond his role as CEO, Kenny is actively involved in initiatives aimed at driving positive change within the telecommunications and tower industries. He played a pivotal role in the launch of the T.A.T.E initiative, empowering these industries to combat human trafficking and contribute to a better world. Additionally, Kenny serves as the President of the board of directors for the Tower Family Foundation, where his leadership and insights help shape the organization’s strategic direction. He also serves as the chairman of the advisory committee, where he provides invaluable guidance and expertise to further the foundation’s mission of supporting industry professionals and their families in times of need.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Kenny finds fulfillment in his role as a devoted family man. He resides in Northern California with his wife, Brooke, and their two sons, Boston and Colton, cherishing the moments spent together amidst the beauty of the region.

Patrick Murphy serves as the Vice President and founded Murphy Tower Service, LLC along with siblings Clyde Murphy and Lin (Murphy) Sheehey in 2004 after working in their father’s construction company, Murphy Construction, Inc. Pat is currently the CEO with 19 years of experience in the telecom industry, doubling as a tower climber in his first 10 years.

Prior to working in telecom, Pat worked in pharmaceutical research and development for 12 years at the University of Iowa’s Pharmaceutical Service Division where he was the Quality Control Laboratory Manager, leading a group of chemists performing contract R&D for pharmaceutical companies from all over the world, including U.S. government agencies such as National Institutes of Health (NIH) & National Cancer Institute (NCI). Pat earned his BS in 1991 and his MBA in 2001, both from the University of Iowa.

Pat and his wife Jane, who also works in the family business, just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and have three kids (two in college and one in high school). Pat likes to spend his free time with his family and also enjoys fishing, bow hunting, skiing, mountain biking and hitting the gym.

Mark Muzzana began his career building houses and developing land through his family’s business. After earning his degree, he spent a decade in the corporate world working for PriceWaterhouseCoopers and IBM, gaining valuable perspective and developing the ability to collaborate effectively with large companies and diverse stakeholders.

Since 2006, Mark has owned and operated STG Communication Services. He later expanded the organization by acquiring STG Electric Services and launching Advanced Underground Solutions, a civil construction company. Together, these businesses operate as the STG Family of Companies and employ nearly 200 people.

Mark has been deeply involved in advancing telecom industry standards and safety, serving for many years on various NATE Committees, and participating in multiple NATE Fly-In events to advocate for the industry. He remains active in state-level wireless trade associations, including cofounding the Tough Tower Foundation, Inc that promotes financial wellness and suicide prevention for telecommunications workers through tower competition and challenges.

Mark and his wife, Christie, have been married for 30 years and have two children. They live in Naples, Florida, and enjoy traveling whenever possible, staying active through sports and hiking, and spending time with their family.

Eric Dudek is the Senior Vice President of Operations for the U.S. Tower Division of American Tower. In his role he leads the customer service delivery, engineering, field operations, construction, and supply chain organizations.

Mr. Dudek joined American Tower in 2012 as Vice President of Network Development and in 2016 became the Vice President of Network Operations, where he was responsible for the field operations and maintenance of over 40,000 sites nationwide. His career in the wireless telecommunications industry began with Nextel in 1994. Over the course of nearly three decades, he has been involved with the design, deployment, and operations of several major cellular network initiatives and has held leadership positions in radio frequency engineering, field operations, and network deployment. In addition to Sprint Nextel, he spent time at Clearwire and LightSquared. Mr. Dudek holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Western New England University.

Jake Hamilton is Vice President of West Access Engineering & Operations for Verizon. Jake and his team are responsible for building, maintaining, and securing America’s most reliable wireless network.

With more than 20 years as a leader in the telecommunications industry, Jake is a seasoned expert who has extensive experience in developing and implementing wireless network solutions. Jake’s technology career began with Alltel in 2002, and since joining Verizon in 2008, he has served in many roles critical to building Verizon’s world-class wireless and fiber networks.

Jake earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Arkansas State University and his MBA from University of Arkansas – Little Rock.

Michael McIlhon is the CEO of Avalon Test Equipment and serves on its board of directors.

He has held various roles at Avalon since joining the company, starting in the Warehouse, moving to Sales, and eventually becoming VP and President, where he oversees worldwide sales and operations.

A San Diego native, Michael raises his five children with his wife, Katie, in his hometown.

He earned his Business and Economics degree from the University of Dallas and joined Avalon in 2010. He is currently pursuing an MBA from Pepperdine.

Under Michael’s leadership, Avalon has expanded its offerings to include test and measurement equipment rentals and sales for the telecom industry, leading to a sixfold growth. This expansion supported the development of a world-class 17025 RF accredited calibration laboratory with capabilities up to 110GHz. Avalon now boasts a clientele that includes several Fortune 500 companies and has secured premier service contracts with leading manufacturers and military/defense contractors, making it a nationally recognized brand in the test and measurement industry.

Michael’s influence extends beyond numbers. He prioritizes the customer experience, emphasizing core values of customer obsession, delivering a legendary customer experience, living with integrity, and grounding Avalon in risk and innovation. He has redefined Avalon’s culture to focus on unparalleled customer service.

Outside of work, Michael is committed to charitable activities, such as Avalon’s golf tournament supporting the Tower Family Foundation. Family is central to his life, and he enjoys surfing, playing golf, and traveling with his family in his spare time.

Dan McVaugh is a wireless telecom industry veteran who began his career as a radio frequency engineer in the early 90s and has worked in various roles since.  Currently working as an advisor, independent consultant and developer of telecom infrastructure projects, Dan taps into his various engineering and leadership roles and his entrepreneurial experience to advise clients on business, technology, and leadership.

Dan began his career as an RF engineer, manager, and director for various wireless service providers, including Sprint and US West Wireless.  Dan later co-founded ATECS, a professional services firm.  ATECS grew to offer all aspects of professional services, designing, implementing, and maintaining wireless networks including RF engineering, site acquisition, A&E, and project management.  ATECS later rebranded as Centerline Solutions and grew to a full-turnkey professional and construction services firm.  With 9 offices in 8 states, Centerline Solutions designed, built, modified, and maintained networks for every major wireless service provider in the US and numerous other wireless network operators.

After 17 years leading ATECS/Centerline, Dan stepped away and started his consulting practice and continues to independently develop various telecommunications infrastructure projects.  In addition to serving on the board for the Tower Family Foundation, he also has served 4 years as the president of the Colorado Wireless Association (COWA), and currently serves as the education chair for COWA.  You can also keep up with his thoughts on wireless technology and industry topics through his podcast, “5G Guys”.

Cathy Piche rejoined Crown Castle as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Towers in October 2024, resuming the role to which she was previously appointed in September 2021.

Cathy is responsible for management of Crown Castle’s tower operations. Cathy returns to Crown Castle with fresh experience and perspective as the former Chief Operating Officer – International at Phoenix Tower International. Prior to this, she built the Project Delivery function for Crown Castle’s Network organization acting as a tireless champion of customer-centric thinking. Cathy has more than 25 years of expertise in the telecom industry and has served in varying roles at Crown Castle including Area President for multiple markets and supporting the company’s small cell portfolio. Before joining Crown Castle, Cathy held various leadership roles at American Tower. She holds a BA in Economics from Michigan State and received her Master’s degree in urban planning and architecture from the University of Michigan.

Clif Peterson is the Founder and Chief Joy Officer of JOY Inc., a nationwide wireless contractor known for its bold, proactive, and people-centered approach to the industry. With more than 27 years of leadership experience in wireless infrastructure, Clif has worked shoulder-to-shoulder with tower climbers, contractors, and carrier partners across the country.

Recognized as a thought leader within the sector, Clif brings a unique approach that blends operational excellence with radical responsibility and transformative leadership. He challenges conventional thinking by advocating for collaboration over competition, long-term integrity over short-term gain, and proactive safety cultures that protect both workers and their families.

At the core of his philosophy is the belief that the wireless industry is not merely a network of steel and signal — it is a network of human lives. The wellbeing of tower climbers and the security of their families is not a secondary concern; it is central to sustainable industry success.

As a certified life and business coach and an engaging industry speaker, Clif is known for fostering courageous conversations that elevate character, accountability, and purpose. While he is willing to take bold positions when necessary, he approaches service with humility and a deep respect for the risks tower professionals carry every day.

Serving on both the Advisory Committee and Board of Directors of the Tower Family Foundation, Clif is committed to ensuring swift, compassionate, and decisive support for injured climbers and the families of those lost. He views the Foundation as a transformative force within the industry, a tangible expression of unity, care, and shared responsibility.

Clif considers it an honor to serve and remains dedicated to strengthening the tower community through leadership, advocacy, and meaningful action.