Salter recognized with annual Dr. Charles Kao Award during Gimme Fiber Day Celebrations 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—(November 6, 2023)—The Fiber Broadband Association today announced that it presented the 2023 Dr. Charles Kao Award to James Salter, founder and CEO of Atlantic Engineering Group. The annual award recognizes individuals, organizations, and companies that leverage innovation to connect communities with fiber broadband. Salter was awarded for his leadership as an early champion of fiber broadband since the early 2000s and for his continued fiber advocacy ever since. 

The Dr. Charles Kao Award is presented each year in association with Gimme Fiber Day—an international day on November 4th to celebrate the birthday of the inventor of fiber optics. Created in 2013 by the FTTH Council Global Alliance (FCGA), Gimme Fiber Day brings recognition to the social and economic benefits of fiber broadband. 

Salter spent 15 years in the electric utility industry before becoming the founder and CEO of Atlantic Engineering Group (AEG), a fiber engineering and construction company. Before being acquired in 2022 by Young’s Communications, LLC (Y-COM), AEG helped support over 130 fiber projects, including the first city-wide FTTH network in the U.S. in 2000, and more than 60 other city-wide FTTH projects, representing 2,800,000 homes passed. 

Furthering his dedication to the industry, Salter served on the Fiber Broadband Association’s first Board of Directors (at a time when the Association’s name was the “FTTH Council Americas”) and was Board Chair in 2002. Today, Salter serves as Board Chair of On Trac, Inc., a broadband fulfillment service company. 

“I’m truly humbled to receive this honor,” Salter said. “Over the last 20-plus years, it’s been amazing to watch fiber go from a doubted technology and difficult sell to the accepted gold standard for broadband. Ironically, I recently retired to a very rural section of Georgia, and my home just got a fiber installation on Gimme Fiber Day, November 4, this year – unbelievable! The Fiber Broadband Association should be congratulated for playing such a huge role in getting us to where we are today.” 

“James’ contributions to the fiber industry have made a lasting impact on the fiber broadband industry. He is one of the great fiber leaders who created the path we’re on today, guiding us closer than ever to connecting every community to reliable, high-quality broadband,” said Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association. “While the fiber industry has experienced another year of exceptional growth, we continue to look to James and other fiber veterans to help us squash remaining digital inequities with the power of fiber.” 

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About the Fiber Broadband Association 

The Fiber Broadband Association is the largest and only trade association that represents the complete fiber ecosystem of service providers, manufacturers, industry experts, and deployment specialists dedicated to the advancement of fiber broadband deployment and the pursuit of a world where 

communications are limitless, advancing quality of life and digital equity anywhere and everywhere. The Fiber Broadband Association helps providers, communities, and policymakers make informed decisions about how, where, and why to build better fiber broadband networks. Since 2001, these companies, organizations, and members have worked with communities and consumers in mind to build the critical infrastructure that provides the economic and societal benefits that only fiber can deliver. The Fiber Broadband Association is part of the Fibre Council Global Alliance, which is a platform of six global FTTH Councils in North America, LATAM, Europe, MEA, APAC, and South Africa. Learn more at fiberbroadband.org. 

Press Contact: 

Ashley Schulte 

Connect2 Communications for the Fiber Broadband Association 

FBA@connect2comm.com 

Knoxville, TN / October 17th, 2023

On Trac, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick McDowell as Vice President of the company with a focus on company compliance.  Rick’s focus on compliance will include setting goals, providing strategic direction for our project management team and systems, and ensuring that all policies and guidelines reflect industry standards and internal rules and regulations.  Rick will also work closely with the Operations team to develop and deliver training, communications, and processes that are rooted in quality, urgency, image, customer experience, and safety.  McDowell will also oversee special assignments for the corporate office. 

Rick has been with On Trac, Inc. since 2004 and has served as a Project Manager and Director of Operations.  He has managed multiple start-ups in various locations around the United States, which include establishing advanced team personnel, implementing client standards, managing daily operations, customer service and client resolution. McDowell is familiar with all aspects of fiber broadband deployments including construction, mainline splicing, fiber management, fiber drops and end user installations. 

Rick’s attention to operational detail, care and support for our clients, and the ability to lead our management team makes him an asset to our company.  McDowell manages and oversees all functions and responsibilities of operations and leads the company in opportunities for professional training and development.

About On Trac, Incorporated

Founded in 2002, On Trac is a proven leader in connectivity with a core focus on broadband fulfillment services such as drops, splicing, installations, and maintenance.  On Trac’s service history for the past 20 years includes serving more than 30 specific fiber broadband deployments with variances of customer specifications on all phases and types of work.  To date, On Trac has serviced more than 1 million fiber broadband addresses nationwide with an ever-expanding footprint.  On Trac understands the importance of quality, urgency, image, customer experience, and safety while fitting into the culture of its client partners.  On Trac is committed to the fiber broadband industry and serving its client partners with their best interests at heart.  To learn more, visit www.OnTracInc.com

Knoxville, TN / October 2, 2023

On Trac, Inc. is excited to announce the promotion of Shelly Jansen to the role of Chief Operations Officer.  Jansen will oversee daily operations company-wide with an emphasis on client partner relationships, project management productivity and performance, and will play a key role in driving operational and organizational strategy and growth.

Shelly has spent over two decades in the telecommunications industry and has built a legacy of exceptional team building and the implementation of technical skills in multiple locations nationwide.  Jansen’s career began with Atlantic Engineering Group in 2005 where she served as a traveling field administration manager.  Shelly’s dedication to her craft was apparent from her first day on the job.  She quickly rose to the position of project manager in Erwin, Tennessee. This role involved direct client-partner fulfillment duties, as well as management of all Aerial and Fiber crews.  In 2010, Jansen accepted the role of “Safety and Fleet Management” for AEG nationwide.  She oversaw a fleet of over 100 vehicles and enforced OSHA 30 requirements and regulations.

Over the next decade, Shelly would fulfill multiple roles for AEG across the country and would become a “Program Manager” in 2021.  This decade of hands-on experience would prove invaluable for Jansen, as she built an impressive resume of technical fiber skills including tracking software integration, underground drilling, boring and micro trenching, aerial ADSS, strand and lashing, OTDR tracing, expo equipment integration, OSHA licensure, and the cross training of dozens of staff members on premise and aerial work.  Shelly was hired by On Trac, Inc. in 2023 as a Director of Operations.  Her work ethic, technical prowess, and “team first” mindset has been a key asset to the company as it continues to broaden and expand.

About On Trac, Incorporated

Founded in 2002, On Trac is a proven leader in connectivity with a core focus on broadband fulfillment services such as drops, splicing, installations, and maintenance.  On Trac’s service history for the past 20 years includes serving more than 30 specific fiber broadband deployments with variances of customer specifications on all phases and types of work.  To date, On Trac has serviced more than 1 million fiber broadband addresses nationwide with an ever-expanding footprint.  On Trac understands the importance of quality, urgency, image, customer experience, and safety while fitting into the culture of its client partners.  On Trac is committed to the fiber broadband industry and serving its client partners with their best interests at heart.  To learn more, visit www.OnTracInc.com

Joseph Jones “JJ”, President of On Trac, Inc. gave a keynote address to the attendees of Fiber Connect ’23, the world’s largest fiber broadband conference.  JJ’s keynote was both challenging and inspirational with a focus on connecting communities across the country and ending the digital divide.  The theme was about heroes and how all people in the fiber broadband industry are heroes.  JJ said, “We have the greatest opportunity before us. For such a time as this, we have been placed in the greatest industry at the greatest time in our history.  One day, one day, the history books will call all of you heroes.”

On Trac Inc was recently recognized as one of the top 100 fiber-to-the-home companies in 2023. “Building a Fiber-Connected World” is the Broadband Communities magazine tagline. Each year, the Fiber-To-The-Home Top 100 list recognizes organizations that lead the way in this endeavor and we’re excited to announce that On Trac Inc was listed as an industry leader.

Read the full story here.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—(December 19, 2022)—The Fiber Broadband Association today announced its 2023 Board of Directors as the organization prepares to help lead the industry into its largest investment cycle. The new Board is comprised of industry leaders that represent a diverse spectrum of companies from across the fiber broadband industry and have served on the Association’s committees. Their expertise will help steer the Fiber Broadband Association to advance its goal to close the Digital Equity Gap for all Americans . . .

Read the full story here.

September 22, 2022

Knoxville, TN – On Trac, Inc., a national broadband fulfillment services company, has promoted five key executives, and its Founder and President of seven years has transitioned to CEO.

Monte Hill – CEO and Majority Shareholder 

Monte Hill is transitioning from President to CEO.  Monte’s leadership philosophies have been ingrained in On Trac’s culture from the beginning, which includes a commitment to humbly serve our employees and clients.  As majority shareholder and CEO, Monte will focus on new business development and be the steward of the company’s future. Monte shared, “I look forward to building successful relationships with our team in order for us to tackle big projects together.  Our team will be the force behind our growth and successes.”

Joseph Jones (JJ) – President 

Joseph Jones (JJ), previously Executive Vice President, has been promoted to President.  Joseph is in his 18^th year with On Trac and has served in many different leadership capacities during that time.  JJ has provided both strategic and servant leadership which has played a big part in the company’s growth all the while maintaining its culture which centers around quality, image, customer experience, and safety.  Joseph shared, “I am humbled and honored to step into the role of President and will ensure that our company continues to serve our client partners with excellence, that we continue to be financially disciplined, and that we promote a healthy and positive work environment for our employees.”

Chris Horn – Chief Financial Officer

Chris Horn, a former Market President in commercial banking, joined On Trac in February of 2022 as Vice President of Finance and is being promoted to Chief Financial Officer.  Chris brings 22 years’ experience in the banking industry. His experience offers a depth of financial acumen and insight that will direct On Trac’s financial goals, objectives, and budgets.

Mark Tichenor – Chief Development Officer

Mark Tichenor, previously Executive Vice President, has been promoted to Chief Development Officer.  Mark will oversee many areas within the company that include the strategic planning of new business development, cloud management, operational processes and procedures, and the development of new programs.  Tichenor has been a vital asset to the company since his arrival 13 years ago and provides a wealth of leadership centered around planning, coordinating, and assuring the implementation of corporate strategies.

Rick McDowell – Vice President of Operations 

Rick McDowell is being promoted to Vice President of Operations.  Rick has been serving as a Director of Operations for six years. His attention to operational detail, care and support for our clients, and the ability to lead our management team is what led to this new role.  McDowell will manage and oversee all functions and responsibilities of operations and will lead the company in opportunities for professional training and development.

Michael Hill – Vice President of Finance 

Michael Hill is being promoted to Vice President of Finance.  Michael has 17 years of extensive experience with On Trac that ranges from a system Project Manager to the Accounts/Payroll Manager.  Hill is known for his detailed processes, maintaining an efficient work environment, and financial discernment.  In this new role, Michael will play a key part in executing the finance team’s operational strategy and will manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial accounts by overseeing payables, receivables, and payroll.

About On Trac, Inc.

For the past 20 years, On Trac, Inc. has been a proven leader in connectivity with a core focus on broadband fulfillment services such as aerial and underground drops, splicing, and in-home installations.  To date we have serviced over one million fiber broadband addresses across the nation with an ever-expanding footprint.  Each day we service over 475 addresses in various operations and communities.   We understand the importance of quality, image, customer experience, and safety while fitting into the culture of our client partners. On Trac is committed to the fiber broadband industry and to serving our client partners with their best interest at heart.  To learn more, visit www.OnTracInc.com 

September 20, 2022

Knoxville, TN – On Trac, Inc., a national broadband fulfillment services company, today announced that Mike Hill, Chief Executive Officer, and co-founder, has sold his shares of the company and will be stepping down as CEO. Hill will remain with the company as a Senior Consultant and will provide consultation to the Executive Team and will help on special projects as needed.

Mike Hill has defined his career and life with hard work and acts of service.  This humble model ultimately positioned Mike in key leadership posts again and again throughout his life.  

Mike’s first job was in 1959 at the age of 9 years old. He worked to pay back a loan his Granny co-signed for at the hardware store so he could purchase his first lawn mower for work.  The lawn services of mowing, hand clipping, and raking were followed by a job making mortar in the summer of 1961.  From there Mike worked as a short order cook and curb hop at Dog and Suds restaurant in Bristol, VA.  Upward mobility moved Mike to a shoeshine stand at a two-chair barbershop where he was introduced to “production” at the rate of “$0.25 per shine.”

As Mike moved into high school and became a young adult he worked at West State Shell, a full-service gas station, where he pumped gas, changed oil, and serviced cars.  Mike says, “The local owner/operator, Robert Cowan, Jr., had a tremendous influence on me. He exemplified how to build great employee relationships, never asking anything to be done that he was not willing to do himself.” This arena was the venue that introduced Mike to telecommunications as he serviced trucks for Sammons Communications, a cable television operator.

Mike began a 30-year career with Sammons in 1969 as a lineman and service technician and ultimately had responsibility for operations all over the United States from their Corporate office in Dallas, TX.  After Sammons Communications sold in 1995, Mike went to work for Atrex, Inc., a telecommunications contracting firm based in Florida.

The last 20 years of Mike Hill’s career were co-founding On Trac, Inc. and serving as its CEO and fulfilling key leadership roles in the Fiber Broadband Association (formerly Fiber-to-the-Home Council).  Mike was first elected to the Board in 2006 and faithfully served in that role for 14 years, being the longest tenured board member in the history of the Association.  His experiences as a Board member included chairing the annual conference in 2007 and 2010 and being chosen by the Board to serve as Chairman in 2008, 2011, and 2016.  During his tenure on the Board, he was the recipient of the Photon Award in 2014 and the Chairman’s Award in 2018.  Mike will also continue to serve on the Senior Council Committee with the Association.  

Ultimately Mike stands for getting things done the right way and never forgetting people along the way.  He has served his family, church, and friends with great loyalty. Mike realizes “without God’s blessing on my life, I would be nothing. Any success, glory or honor all goes to Christ.”