Leadership Team
Our management team is comprised of seasoned executives from Motorola, Cisco, Nokia, and GE who are challenging conventional thinking around intelligent infrastructure. They are supported by a world-class board of directors.
Ian Aaron is the CEO of Ubicquia, a global leader in intelligent infrastructure platforms that help utilities and municipalities reduce energy consumption, enhance grid resiliency, and optimize operational efficiency. Ubicquia’s advanced AI-powered analytics platform processes over 2 billion data sets daily to provide actionable insights, improving the performance of critical infrastructure such as streetlights, transformers, and utility poles. With compatibility across more than 360 million streetlights and 500 million transformers Ubicquia’s solutions are deployed by over 800 cities and utilities across North America and Latin America.
Aaron brings over 25 years of experience as a global C-Level executive, specializing in the intersection of infrastructure and technology. His leadership includes CEO and President roles at Gemstar TV Guide (NASDAQ: GMST), TVN Entertainment, and SoftNet Systems (NASDAQ: SOFN). He has a proven track record of driving innovation, scaling global product development, and overseeing $3.5 billion in successful exits. In addition, Aaron has led $1.5 billion in public and private financings.
Mr. Aaron was recognized as EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year-Florida in 2022. He began his career in R&D and Product Development at GTE, working both in the U.S. and Japan, and now resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Aaron is graduate of the University of Illinois with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Communications.
Dave Herlong is the Chief Operating Officer at Ubicquia, overseeing the company’s Smart Lighting, Smart Grid, and Public Safety business segments. With over 30 years of leadership experience, Dave is known for driving operational excellence and leading innovation in smart city solutions. Before joining Ubicquia, he had a distinguished career at Florida Power & Light (FPL), where he played a pivotal role in modernizing electricity infrastructure and earned five U.S. patents for smart grid innovations. In 2024, Dave was reappointed to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Electricity Advisory Committee, where he contributes to shaping national energy policies and infrastructure development. Dave holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Florida and an Executive Certificate in Strategy and Innovation from MIT’s Sloan School of Management.
Kyle Brown leads Ubicquia’s go to market strategy and execution of sales, channels, and operations for Ubicquia’s businesses. With over 15 years in sales, channel management and business development, he has a proven track record of transforming organizational structures, go-to-market strategies, and leading teams in complex organizations. Kyle excels in international business development, taking new ideas from concept to execution across diverse cultures and sales structures. His specialties include acquisitions, international strategy and planning, cross-functional teaming, and cross-cultural integration. His previous positions include revenue leadership roles at Juniper Networks, Extreme Networks, Cisco Systems and GlaxoKline.
Heather comes to Ubicquia with a strong track record of building high-performance marketing teams. She brings extensive experience from her previous tenures, including leading marketing for Nokia's $3.5 billion Cloud and Network Services business, running Market Operations for Alcatel-Lucent’s $15.5 billion business, and Asia Pacific Communications for its $2.6 billion business. Heather is a seasoned leader who excels in managing global teams, running data-driven programs, and working across various marketing disciplines and technologies. With her experience working in the US, Canada, China, and Singapore, she offers a global perspective that informs her strategic decision-making.
An experienced CFO, Santiago ensures profitable business growth and customer acquisition through financial and operational efficiency, leading to enhanced competitive positioning and market share. He draws upon a range of skills to drive optimal business and market performance. Santiago’s work in premier fortune 500 companies demonstrates his powerful combination of strong business acumen and keen financial and operational expertise. His strategies have improved efficiency, reduced cost, and supported market-centric initiatives to drive top and bottom-line results at Telecommunication giants like Cisco and Motorola.
Mansour has extensive experience in corporate, commercial, and IP law, including raising equity, developing strategies for the sale and co-development of products, negotiating and drafting US and international agreements, and IP enforcement and licensing. His roles have included General Counsel for several Telecommunication companies, such as VSN Mobil and 360Fly. Mansour also spent over 25 years at Motorola where he served as Lead Business Counsel for the advanced products/technologies group, sales and supply, and international markets. At the University of Miami Law School, Ghomeshi teaches a course on Intellectual Property, Transactions and Negotiations.
Joerg brings over 25 years of experience in strategy, sales and business development of RF networks, devices and solutions. His roles have spanned sales, account management, and product management for Telecommunication leaders like Sercomm, Cisco, and Alcatel. Joerg was a pioneer in small cell technology and markets, first for Airvana, then as Vice President of Sales, business development and GTM EMEA for Ubicquisys, where he played a key role in the successful disposal of Ubicquisys to Cisco Systems for $310m in 2013. Joerg holds masters degrees in RF engineering (University of Stuttgart) and international business (EM Lyon).
As General Manager of Ubicquia’s Smart Streetlighting business, Keith Chinchar is responsible for its solution development, go-to-market strategy and profit and loss. He comes to Ubicquia with over 25 years of experience in engineering, business development, sales, operations, and marketing for IoT devices, control systems, and smart city applications. Keith has overseen hundreds of outdoor lighting projects including some of the largest and most complex in the country. His previous positions include business development at CIMCON, electrical engineering of EV design at Tesla, business development at Encelium, along with various solution engineering roles at Lutron.
As General Manager Smart Grid, Cory Ramsel oversees the strategic direction and operational management of Ubicquia’s portfolio of innovative grid and utility infrastructure platforms. In his previous role as Vice President of Portfolio Marketing, Sales, and Customer Insights at Entergy, Cory successfully developed strategies that boosted product sales and enhanced customer identification and retention for new and existing products.
Before joining Entergy, Ramsel held various leadership positions at NextEra Energy, Inc. As Executive Director of NextEra Energy Resources, he led strategy, geospatial information systems, data analytics and reporting, as well as training and talent development teams. In his role as Senior Director at Florida Power & Light Company, he was responsible for shaping the annual growth and innovation strategy, creating new customer programs, and implementing projects in distributed solar, energy storage, and emerging technologies. Cory holds an MBA from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Colorado.
Dave brings 30 years of experience leading large scale network deployments for Fortune 500 companies. In previous roles he led sales, operations, and site development for telecommunication leaders like Ericsson, Sprint, and American Tower Corporation. Dave’s diverse background and proven leadership was honed through his involvement with the successful acquisition, construction, and deployment of over 30,000 sites across the country.
Glenn is a distinguished professional with an impressive 30-year career in large-scale Customer Experience leadership. He has held transformative roles at industry giants such as Motorola Mobility and Chewy.com, where he played pivotal roles in driving innovation and delivering world-class customer support.
During his tenure at Motorola, Glenn's pioneering work in data-driven device analytics left a lasting impact, revolutionizing the customer experience. His unwavering passion for cultivating Customer-Focused organizations has been a driving force throughout his career.
With a proven track record of elevating customer experiences, Glenn brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to excellence to our team. His extensive background uniquely combines telecommunications and customer support.
Lowell D. Kraff brings over 29 years of entrepreneurial private equity, growth, and venture investor experience. Mr. Kraff has been a principal investor in over 50 companies, is the Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of entrepreneurial merchant banking firm Trivergance since 2006 and is currently the Chairman and Co-Founder of Ubicquia. Mr. Kraff also served as the Vice-Chairman and Co-Founder of Diamond Resorts, International the 2nd largest provider of timeshare, from 2007 to 2016.
Mr. Kraff received his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Ralph de la Vega is the former Vice Chairman of AT&T Inc. and former CEO of Business Solutions and International, where he led AT&T’s Integrated Business Solutions group (both mobile and IP services), and AT&T’s Mexican wireless business and DIRECTV Latin America. Mr. de la Vega is the former President and CEO of AT&T Mobile and Business Solutions and the former Chief Operating Officer of Cingular Wireless. He serves on the boards of American Express Company, New York Life Insurance Company, Amdocs Corporation, and Junior Achievement Worldwide
He has received numerous awards recognizing his leadership, including induction into the US Wireless Hall of Fame, the Atlanta Business Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Global Innovation Award.
Mr. de la Vega has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and a master’s degree in business administration from Northern Illinois University. He received a Doctor Honoris Causa from FAU. He is the author of the best-selling book Obstacles Welcome: Turn Adversity to Advantage in Business and Life (Thomas Nelson, 2009).
Ian Aaron is the CEO of Ubicquia, a global leader in intelligent infrastructure platforms that help utilities and municipalities reduce energy consumption, enhance grid resiliency, and optimize operational efficiency. Ubicquia’s advanced AI-powered analytics platform processes over 2 billion data sets daily to provide actionable insights, improving the performance of critical infrastructure such as streetlights, transformers, and utility poles. With compatibility across more than 360 million streetlights and 500 million transformers Ubicquia’s solutions are deployed by over 800 cities and utilities across North America and Latin America.
Aaron brings over 25 years of experience as a global C-Level executive, specializing in the intersection of infrastructure and technology. His leadership includes CEO and President roles at Gemstar TV Guide (NASDAQ: GMST), TVN Entertainment, and SoftNet Systems (NASDAQ: SOFN). He has a proven track record of driving innovation, scaling global product development, and overseeing $3.5 billion in successful exits. In addition, Aaron has led $1.5 billion in public and private financings.
Mr. Aaron was recognized as EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year-Florida in 2022. He began his career in R&D and Product Development at GTE, working both in the U.S. and Japan, and now resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Aaron is graduate of the University of Illinois with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Communications.
Antoinette (Toni) Bush has played an influential role in US communications and media law for over 35 years. She has shaped regulation around critical wireless, satellite, cable, and media industries.
Ms. Bush was the former Executive Vice President and Global Head of Government Affairs for News Corp. Prior, Ms. Bush led the communications group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; legal and regulatory strategies at Northpoint Technology Ltd.; and served as the senior counsel to the Communications Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, which oversees the Federal Communications Commission. Bush chairs the board of directors of The HistoryMakers and serves on several boards including My Brother’s Keeper, Advisory Board of the Obama Foundation, Children's National Hospital (DC), and The Economic Club of Washington. She also serves on the boards of Ares Management and Radius Global Infrastructure.
Marwan Fawaz brings decades of experience in communications technology, Internet of Things and 5G along with experience in technology strategy.
Mr. Fawaz is the former executive advisor for Google and its parent company, Alphabet, where he provided strategic advisory and M&A support in the areas of telecom, broadband, home automation, media, and 5G mobile sectors. He held CEO roles at Nest and Motorola Home and CTO roles at Charter Communications and Adelphia Communications. Under his leadership, Motorola Home was repositioned and acquired for $2.35 billion by Arris and Nest revenues tripled.
Mr. Fawaz currently serves on the boards of CSG International and NACD Colorado along with Ubicquia. He is also a board advisor to Neural Propulsion Systems and Yohana, a well-being services company.
Mr. Fawaz holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Master’s degree in Telecommunications, with a specialization in satellite communications.
Richard I. Goldstein brings over three decades of experience in the wireless communications and energy sector. He is the Chief Operating Officer of Radius Global Infrastructure and Managing Director of Associated Partners. Prior, he was the Vice President of The Associated Group, Inc. He also serves as the Chief Operating Officer of AP WIP Investments and Lead Director of Franklin Square Energy Partners. Mr. Goldstein sits on the board of FSK along with Ubicquia.
Mr. Goldstein received a B.S. in Business and Economics from Carnegie Mellon University and received training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Management Information Systems.
Roger Meltzer, Esq. brings 40+ years of corporate/financial legal experience to Ubicquia’s board. Mr. Meltzer was a principal leader of the law firm DLA Piper for over a decade, having served as Co-Chair of the Americas and Global Co-Chair. He is now Chairman Emeritus and serves on various private and public company boards. While at DLA Piper, Mr. Meltzer pioneered industry precedents for institutionalized equality, diversity and inclusivity and nurtured a global pro bono effort. Prior to his roles at DLA Piper, he was a senior partner and member of the executive committee of Cahill Gordon & Reindel, a prominent Wall Street firm.
Mr. Meltzer is a graduate of Harvard College and received his J.D. from NYU School of Law.
Manny Miranda is a 40-year veteran of the utility industry. He has played an integral role in driving growth and profitability, including managing a combined capital and O&M budget of over $4 billion for Florida Power and Light Company. Under Mr. Miranda’s leadership, FPL improved its reliability by 40% while also enhancing customer service, employee engagement and safety.
A driving force behind changing the company’s and industry’s approach to hurricane resiliency, Mr. Miranda developed groundbreaking solutions that significantly improved the organization’s ability to withstand the impact of hurricanes. He led restoration efforts for 47 tropical storms and hurricanes from Hurricane Andrew to Hurricane Ian. Mr. Miranda’s expertise and contributions have been recognized industrywide.
Mr. Miranda has an M.B.A. and is Chair of NSU College of Engineering and Computing’s Industry Advisory Board. He also holds a B.S. Mechanical Eng. and is a Board Member of University of Miami, FL. College of Engineering Advisory Board. Mr. Miranda is also a Board Member of SEE, AEIC, FRCC, and SERC.
James N. Perry, Jr., brings decades of telecom, technology, and investment experience. He is a Co-Founder and Managing Director of Madison Dearborn Partners. Mr. Perry oversaw MDP's investing efforts in media, telecom and technology services for 36 years before stepping back to become a senior advisor in early 2020.
Mr. Perry sits on the boards of Asurion Corporation, Intermedia.net and Bazooka Companies, along with Ubicquia. In addition, he is the Chairman of the Board of Empower Illinois, a scholarship granting and school choice advocacy organization in Chicago, and serves on the board of numerous other philanthropic and privately held enterprises.
Mr. Perry is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and received an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.
Bob Rauch brings more than 22 years of engineering and business experience to Ubicquia’s board. He is a Managing Director and part of the founding team at ClearSky, a venture capital/growth equity group that has been operating since 2012, with nearly $1 billion in committed capital.
Prior to joining ClearSky in 2012, Mr. Rauch worked in the corporate development group at NextEra Energy. Mr. Rauch also served as a lead materials engineer for the National Aeronautic and Space Administration's (NASA) Space Shuttle Program.
Mr. Rauch holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida and a M.B.A. in Finance from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Alexander Weiss is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of ClearSky and a member of its Investment Committee. ClearSky is a venture capital/growth equity group that has been operating since 2012, with nearly $1 billion in committed capital.
Prior to founding ClearSky, Mr. Weiss was Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at NextEra Energy, where he co-headed the company’s venture capital investment effort. In this role, Mr. Weiss shared responsibility for investment decisions and fund management for more than $10 billion of invested financial assets. Before NextEra, Mr. Weiss was a Vice President at Morgan Stanley, and a Managing Director in the Investment Banking divisions at Smith Barney and Paine Webber. In these roles, Mr. Weiss has over 20 years of experience working with private equity and venture capital funds. He brings deep industry knowledge, having completed transactions across the investment life cycle in a range of industries, including extensive experience in investing, equity raising, high yield, mergers and acquisitions, leveraged recapitalizations and restructurings. Mr. Weiss currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Altamira Technologies, ClimateTrade, Diamanti, EdgeQ, Fermata, Fortress Information Security, Mainspring, Systems Control, T-REX, and Ubicquia.
Mr. Weiss holds a B.A. in mathematics and economics from Boston University and an M.B.A. in finance from Columbia University.
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