*****************************************************************************************************************************************
Sam Acoff
SCTE, Great Lakes Chapter – President
Headend Engineering Dept. – Comcast, Greater Detroit East Market, 2007 – Present
Started his career in February 2007 in the Southfield System. From Installation and Service to Network Maintenance now recently Headend Engineering of 2014, Sam has 11 years of experience in cable systems ranging from Ann Arbor, Plymouth, Southfield and recently Western Oakland County to the Thumb area.
As an arsenal of competencies, he has certification course work and experience with Arista, Ciena, Cisco, and Juniper networks. His perseverance of excellence has served him in designing, rebuilding, implementing, and maintaining Inside Plant, Outside Plant infrastructures of cable television systems. Sam is experienced with Next-Gen technologies such as Carrier-Grade Ethernet, DOCSIS 3.1, Fiber-deep High-Density deployments, MPEG 4 Video formatting, RFoG, Remote PHY and VOD Content Delivery Networks just to name a few.
His work ethic, generosity, and team player spirit complement the awesome members of the SCTE leadership and board community.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Eric Fallows
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Vice President
Engineer 4, TPX Connect Network Services, Capacity and Deployment Management Comcast Cable – 17
Years
Started his Comcast career in February of 2006 in the Ann Arbor IPSSC/Call Center where he provided internet and telephone customers with troubleshooting, provisioning, and support for both services.
In 2008, he went to work for the Midwest Region NOC as a Network Surveillance Technician. As the Regional NOCs standardized to Xcellence of Operation Centers (XOCs) in 2010, he became an HFC Desk Technician, which later evolved into a Network Services Desk Technician. In 2012, he had the opportunity to become a CMTS Engineer and was in control of writing and implementing internal configurations for routers such as Motorola BSR, Arris C4C, Arris C4, Cisco 10k/Harmonic 6G, and the Arris E6000 gear, supporting both the Heartland and Big South regions. In 2014, he was recruited by the Heartland region Capacity Team to project manage CMTS card adds, node split projects, and VOD capacity expansion. Based on his hard work and customer focus, he won the Heartland Customer Experience Award in 2017, which was a very proud moment for him. From 2018 into 2021, he worked for the Comcast Central Division Capacity Team and was involved in budgeting. He was the National planning team’s POC for vCMTS (PPOD, CCV Rack, DAAS+HAGG, and RF Shelf), CMTS cards, and CMTS chassis deployments.
For the last year and a half, Eric is working for the HQ TPX Connect team. He supports all Divisions from a wide array with regard to Capacity planning for both OSP and ISP. Eric began his SCTE involvement in 2019 as an Associate Board Member and in 2020 he became a Board Member. He spent two years as the chapter secretary and is looking forward to his first year as Vice President.
Mikael Kalat
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Treasurer
WICT – Graphic designer and Marketing ambassador 2021
Mikael Kalat has been an SCTE member since 2016 and is currently serving her first year as a Treasurer for the Great Lakes Chapter. She enjoys bringing creative ideas for both technical and non-technical members and prospects to the Chapter. As a Treasurer, she’s looking forward to serving the Chapter in a new and challenging role.
Mikael works at Comcast as an analyst for the Engineering department based in Michigan. She currently helps the Construction department with workflow and process improvement, rural broadband initiatives, underground locates, and employee and contractor metrics. Previously, she worked with the Network team as an analyst, and supply chain.
Mikael’s background includes a graduate degree from Central, and a bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University. She has also completed courses in computer science. Mikael served on the WICT Great Lakes chapter as a graphic designer in 2021. And most importantly, Mikael is a mother to one baby girl.
Brandon Agacinski
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Secretary
I have been in the cable industry for 19 years (Aug 2000) and an SCTE member since 2004. I started my career at Comcast cable in St. Clair Shores, MI as an Installer/Service Technician, where I learned the basics of the cable industry. In 2005 I was promoted to a Network Operations Technician and performed advance troubleshooting and Maintenance to the HFC system. During my time as a Network Technician, I found that I had a desire to be part of the leadership team at Comcast. I began taking multiple leadership courses to obtain that goal and in 2010 I was promoted to a Network Supervisor in Royal Oak Mi. I then moved through several systems (SEMI, Port Huron / Bad Axe & Detroit) refining my leadership style and continuing my passion for Network Operation. In 2016 I was promoted to a Regional Network Operations Manager where I had oversight over the regions Power Supply Maintenance & Leakage programs, I also provided performance analytics to the Heartland regions SLT. In 2018 I was promoted to Sr. Network Operation Manager of the Central Michigan Area which consists of 5 systems and 71 team members.
I have a passion for our Industry and enjoy helping others obtain knowledge and Personal growth. I am part of the SCTE because it cultivates an environment where everyone can be successful in their career
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
Timothy Funk
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Board Member/Director of events
Master Headend Technician/Engineer – Comcast – 40 Years
National Member – SCTE
Great Lakes Chapter, Board of Directors since 1993, Currently: Director at large
I began my cable career in 1982 with Booth Communications in Birmingham, Michigan. I have held several levels of Technical, Supervisory and Management positions. Through the acquisitions and rapidly changing environment of the Cable Industry from Booth Communications, to MediaOne, and now I’m currently a Headend Technician working at the Comcast Master Headend in Taylor, Michigan.
I have been on the Great Lakes Chapter Board of Directors for 30 Years. While holding several positions on the Board as, Director at Large, Treasurer, Vice President, President, Chairman. Currently serving as Director at large of the Chapter for past Year, I have been involved with each of the local Great Lakes Chapter meetings, Board meetings, on Committees for the Vendor Day/Cable TEC Games and Annual Golf outings.
In recent years, I have attended the SCTE Region 7 conferences, SCTE National Chapter Leadership Conferences, and many SCTE National EXPOs. These events have helped be a better Leader in the Cable industry. With better communications with SCTE National and given me the ability to work towards advancement and national recognition of the Great Lakes Chapter.
***************************************************************************************************************************************************
Chris Coker
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Board Member/Director of Communications
Headend Tech 2 – Comcast
In February 2003 Christopher Coker started Comcast as an Installer in Ann Arbor. In January of 2005 he left cable to follow his dream to become a Detroit Police Officer. In May of 2005 the Detroit Police Academy was laid off. Christopher reapplied to Comcast but this time, due to family scheduling restraints, at the Call Center. He was hired in February 2006 and worked in the Call Center until he was hired in Plymouth as a Service Tech in 2008. In 2009 Christopher went back to Ann Arbor as a Network Maintenance Technician. He worked there until 2016 when he accepted his current role in the Detroit West Area Headend.
Christopher has over 16 years in the Cable Industry. He began developing his knowledge base with the NCTI program and then started certifying with SCTE. Currently Christopher holds SCTE Certifications in BDS, BTS and BTCS. He is currently working on DVEP and has held Juniper JNCIA Networking certification. This year Christopher was nominated and selected to Comcasts L2L program where he is working on developing leadership skills for his current and future roles. Christopher started becoming active in the SCTE Great Lakes Chapter in 2008 as a new Network Maintenance Technician. His first experience was with the Cable Games. He competed in them for 5 years and then switched over to serving as a judge. Christopher credits SCTE for a large part of his professional success. He has taken full advantage of available training material, white papers, chapter events, webinars and courses. SCTE has played such a pivotal role in his technical development. Christopher proudly shares his experiences about what SCTE has done for him in hopes that others will seek the available opportunities SCTE offers.
***************************************************************************************************************************************************
Philip R Cornelius
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Board Member/Director of Training & Development
Sr. Manager Network Operations – Central Michigan Area
Philip R. Cornelius is a Sr. Manager for Network Operations that oversees 6 systems in the Central Michigan Area that provides Comcast services for over 500,000 customers.
Philip has over 22 years of cable experience. He started his cable career with Media One in 1998 as an Installer/Service tech in the Southfield/West Bloomfield Area. In 2003, he advanced to become a Network Tech in the Detroit System; a position he held for 5 years. He then then promoted to a Technical Operations Supervisor for the Detroit System. In 2011 he promoted to the Network Supervisor for Royal Oak and has been recently promoted to Sr. Manager for Network Operations for the CMA.
Philp is a recent graduate of the Comcast APEx program and a current member of Comcast Diversity, Equality and Inclusion committee. He is also a member of the BEN (Black Employee Network) ERG group for comcast.
Philip has been a member of the SCTE for over 15 years and has been a board member on the Great Lakes Chapter for the past 3 years. Philip is currently the 2021 SCTE Great lakes Chapter treasurer in which he has held that position since 2020.
******************************************************************************************************************************************************
Clinton Duke
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Board Member
My cable career started as a contractor for Comcast before moving inhouse in 2003 as an installer before transitioning to the phone team. In 2006 I moved to the Network Maintenance Department where I remained for 11 years before moving to the Construction Department in 2017 and then to the Network Capacity team in 2018. I currently oversee node splits for East Michigan and am working with the Big South Region to align node split workflows to expand One Network processes. Since beginning my Comcast career, I have received numerous NCTI certifications and a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity. My involvement with the SCTE includes attending meetings in the past and participating in the cable games during the majority of my time in the Network Maintenance Department.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************
Joshua Engelhardt
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Board Member
Engineer of Planning and Design – Central Division xNET Engineer Lead
I began my career in the Telecommunications industry in November 2007 as a Comcast field technician doing installations and trouble service calls in Plymouth, MI. I worked as a Technician until 2012, when I was hired in Ann Arbor, MI. to the Network Maintenance department as a Network Technician for Comcast. I joined the SCTE that same year and have benefited from many training courses and meetings to really understand my position as a Network Technician and beyond.
In 2014 I moved to the Plymouth, MI. Network Maintenance team as a Network Technician and that is the year, I decided to put my name in the hat for the Great Lakes Chapter board at the urging of my current Vice President Nik Fleuren and I was fortunate to join in 2015. In 2017 I became the Secretary of the Great Lakes board and that was also the same year I joined the Planning and Design Department as an Engineer. Then in 2019 I went from Secretary to Vice President, serving as Vice President under Tim Funk as President.
In 2020 I became the Great Lakes Chapter’s President, and I am so proud to lead this board into the next age of technology and trainings. Thanks to the hard work of the board in 2020 we joined with other Region 7 boards for a virtual vendor day, one of the first in the Country. Also, we have adapted and changed our learning structure to more virtual web-based meetings with live presenters and an interactive approach to our training until we are able to meet again, in a face-to-face environment.
I urge all of you who are interested in becoming a member of the Great Lakes Chapter to reach out to your chapter board members or myself and we will help you to become a member. If you are interested in joining the Great Lakes Chapter board, please contact myself or any of the current board members or Associate Board Members and we would be happy to give you information about what we provide to our members.
I look forward to 2021 and leading this board to great things and making sure that we are allowing the membership of the SCTE to benefit from every decision we make.
Thank you
****************************************************************************************************************************************************
Matt Coles
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Board Member
SR. Technical/Business Trainer – Comcast University – 25 Years
Matt is a highly recommended technical/business development facilitator with 25 years of experience, who is knowledgeable about methods in developing and delivering successful training programs that have proven results.
During his 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Matt has held many different roles such as Service/Maintenance technician, Technical Operations Supervisor, Line engineer and is currently in the role of Sr. Technical/Business Trainer.
Matt attended Oakland University and holds many different certifications. Matt has many professional accomplishments; SCTE Master Technician, Master fiber Technician, Broadband Premise Technician, Masterful trainer to name a few. He has also been a finalist for a Circle of Success award at Comcast. Matt has also been a SCTE national member since 2007 and is serving on the board of the Great Lakes Chapter.
“I am honored to have been in this great business for over 25 years! I have built many great relationships over the years. I am able to do this by connecting on a personal/professional level. I’ve stayed involved with the SCTE locally and nationally because I enjoy the challenge and opportunity to bring the best information and benefits of the SCTE to our members.”
*************************************************************************************************************************************************
Ronald Stadler Jr
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Board Member
Tech 2, Headend Engineering – Comcast Cable
Ronald has 23 years in the telecommunications industry. He currently holds the title of Headend Technician 2 (Certified). Prior to becoming a headend tech, Ronald worked as both a service tech and maintenance tech for Comcast serving the Southeast MI area. These experiences allowed him to gain vast knowledge in RF and optical transmissions, powering, and proactive network maintenance.
This propelled Ron to his current role where he supports ISP builds/designs of new and augmented nodes to drive down capacity and create a better customer experience. In this role, he also supports remote RHY technology, metro- ethernet, HSD, video, VOD, and core link maintenance on the network.
Memberships SCTE – 2013
Member of the Young Professionals Network ERG Certifications
SCTE – 2016 – Certified as a Broadband Distribution Specialist
NCTI – 2016 – Certified as a Master Technician and Master Tech HFC Networks Arapahoe CC – 2019 – Certificate in Broadband Technology
Statement
SCTE is a constant in an ever-changing technical world. I look forward to assisting in the many ways SCTE can help drive our knowledge and passion for the industry!
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Lori Tallent
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Board Member/Director of Special Events
Digitrace
I have worked for Digitrace since 1986.I have been involved with the Great Lakes Chapter for over 25 years. I became a National SCTE Member in 2017 when I began serving on the SCTE Great Lakes Chapter Board. Annually I help run the Vendor Day and Golf Outing, our two biggest events. I have also served on the Financial Review Committee and the Election Committee over the years.
I have enjoyed being involved, seeing the chapter and board grow, facing new challenges, and at times being pushed out of our/my comfort zone to learn new things. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this great group!
****************************************************************************************************************************************************
Shawn Billore
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Assistant Board Member
I have been with Comcast for the last 18 year and a part of the SCTE since 2007. I have held various roles in my tenure with the company, from Installer and Maintenance Technician to my current role as an Internal Audit Manager for Central Division. I have been in a leadership position for the last 15 years and truly enjoy leading and helping people achieve their career goals. I served in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years and was honorably discharged as Sergeant. In 2017 I graduated from Walsh College with a bachelor’s in business management.
The cable industry is constantly changing and being a part of the SCTE helps me to stay in tune with all of these new changes. I am excited to be a part of the Great Lakes Chapter again and working with some familiar faces.
*********************************************************************************************************************************************
Amanda Breitmaier
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Assistant Board Member
Senior Business Analyst – Comcast Cable – 7.5 Years
I joined Comcast as a Contractor in April 2015 as a Senior Project Manager for the Northeast Division where I was responsible for 10-12 large cross-functional projects with teams of 20-25 people and supporting the 5 NED regions (Beltway, GBR, WNE, Keystone, and Freedom) on Conditional Access and Video projects such as CAP-1000, SEM to Adult APEX, DAC-CASMR R8A&B, etc.
In July of 2018, I started working in the Central Division as a Project Manager 4 supporting the CMTS Engineering and Capacity Teams, managing CMTS/vCMTS POR deployments, the Engineering Finance Portal, process documentation, and quarterly POR reporting, in addition to monthly forecasting for CMTS and CRAN.
Most recently, I have accepted an in-house role as Senior Business Analyst for Critical Infrastructure & System Integration in the Central Division.
I have been a member of SCTE since October of 2020 and have attended many trainings and webinar sessions, which I’ve enjoyed immensely. The visual aids and explanations have really helped me gain clarity on the projects in which I’ve been involved. I spent 15 years working in Educational Assessment prior to working at Comcast and I’d like to utilize that background to become a more involved member of the board to polish existing trainings and develop new ones, as well as continue my telecom education.
Scrum Alliance – Certified Scrum Master® (Certificate ID: 000784008)
Toastmasters International – Member (ID: 04450637)
SCTE – CableLabs Seat Member (ID: 694200)
***************************************************************************************************************************************************
Eric Campbell
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Assistant Board Member
Hello. I am Eric Campbell. I have 28+ years in Cable TV. I started in 1992 as an installer in Battle Creek, Michigan. I have held all positions in the technical side of the company including Installer, Service Technician, Maintenance Technician and Headend Technician. I was the first Supervisor of Internet and High-Speed Data including preDOCSIS LAN-City and 3Com proprietary systems and was a Commercial Network Engineer for 3 years prior to returning to the Headends to build new architectures included DOCSIS and VOD systems. I was a Capacity Engineer from 2011-2016 before accepting my current position as Headend Manager.
My hobbies include: Freelance Professional Trumpet Performer and instructor. I enjoy camping and spending time with my grandchildren. I enjoy volunteer police work and I am the Chairman and President of the award-winning Motor City Brass Band. EXPERIENCE HEADEND MANAGER 2016-PRESENT
Responsible for the day-to-day operations of Headends and Hubs that serve our customers in the Detroit East Area. I specialize in data management and systems design.
CAPACITY ENGINEER 2011-2016
I was responsible for Capacity Management for the Heartland Region, closely monitoring HSD and VOD availability for the region by Service Group management and node splits.
HEADEND TECHNICIAN 2002-2011
I was responsible for the health and expansion of the Headends in Battle Creek, Richland, and Lawton Michigan.
NETWORK ENGINEER 2000- 2002
I designed and implemented Ethernet and ATM networks pre-metro-E days for a group called Comcast Network Solutions EDUCATION
KELLOGG COMMUNITY COLLEGE — ASSOCIATES’S DEGREE, ELECRONICS SKILLS
I am very good with Office programs and have a high level of experience with Excel and others in the suite. I have a very broad understanding of the business and architecture of cable systems and engineering.
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************
Christopher Justice
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Assistant Board Member
Comcast
SCTE National Member Great Lakes Chapter Board Member 2014
My cable career started in 2000 with Comcast in Augusta GA. I’ve held various positions in the company, Installer and Service Tech, Lead Tech, Network Tech and also Direct Sales Rep. I have learned a lot from each of these positions which I believe will help our local chapter.
I attended Augusta State University after serving in the U.S. Navy. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree management.
I also attended the National Chapter Leadership Conference in April 2015
****************************************************************************************************************************************************
David Margetson
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Assistant Board Member
Supervisor Planning and design Central division
I began my cable career in Flint Michigan in 2000 as an installer. I stayed in installation for about 2 years while moving through training (Comtech) levels and becoming a Network technician. I moved into Network maintenance in 2002 where I grew my skills for several years. After working on a node split project that started in 2018, I decided to start a different career path and moved into planning and design in 2019. In January of 2021 they created a new department that was dedicated to Planning and design capacity. I have been leading that department since March of 2021. I am looking forward to continuing to learn and grow in the future.
I am new to SCTE involvement but have been a long-time member and am looking forward to how I can help in the years ahead.
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Ashon Parker
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Assistant Board Member
Detroit Network Supervisor – Comcast – 19 years
Memberships…… Toastmasters Sargent of Arms
I joined Comcast Cable September 5, 2000, and I am currently a Detroit Network Supervisor. 2016 –
Present Detroit Network Supervisor.
2004 – 2016 Network Tech in South East MI and Detroit 2000 – 2004 Service / Installation Technician
1998 – 2000 Service Tech Prince Telcom
I have been working for the cable industry since I was 21 years old, and I love what I do. I started at Prince Telcom installing @home internet service where I became a supervisor. I got hired into Comcast in the year 2000 to service internet, and eventually I start doing Video, service and installs. I was selected to attend Corner Stones a leadership development session for Comcast in 2003 because of the great job I was doing as a Service Tech. In 2004 I became a Network Tech in South East Mi and received the first employee of the month selection. In 2012, I was hired as a Network Tech in Detroit and help manage the Market Health Team. I am Currently a Network Supervisor in Detroit
I love what I do. I am considered a go-to person when it comes to questions about the Aurora Node. I am looking to join the SCTE Board of Directors to expand my network opportunities to become a more well-rounded person in the cable industry.
Thank You
Ashon Parker
****************************************************************************************************************************************************
Thomas Terreault
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Assistant Board Member
Network Maintenance Supervisor – Comcast – 14 years
Memberships……
National Member – SCTE Great Lakes Chapter Member
Comcast ERG – Veterans Network Brief work history…..
I joined Comcast Cable in 2008 and am currently the Network Maintenance Supervisor, Plymouth,
Michigan.
2008 – 2010 CAE, Comcast Cable, Ann Arbor, MI
2010 – 2015 Residential CommTech, Comcast Cable, Plymouth, MI 2015 – 2019 Network Maintenance Tech,
Comcast Cable, Plymouth, MI
2019 – Present Network Maintenance Supervisor, Comcast Cable, Plymouth, MI Accomplishments work and
SCTE…….
As a Network Technician I assisted in Hurricane restoration in Florida in 2017. In 2018 I was part of the Heartland Commtech Jeopardy team, where we took 2nd place in the National Championship. I was part of a Nationwide Network group with Mike O’Dell that trialed and tested new programs before they were released to the field.
As a Network Supervisor I have been involved in many projects including, leading 6th US Carrier cleanup, Red Node Reduction, and on the Network Maintenance eNPS Council.
I have volunteered for the past three years for Comcast’s Beyond School Walls Program (Big Brother/Big Sister) mentoring students in different aspects of daily life, including schoolwork, career goals, and day to day occurrences.
Statement…..
I have stayed involved with the SCTE Great Lak e about the latest technology that is around us in this constantly evolving industry.
***************************************************************************************************************************************************
Ken Williams
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Assistant Board Member
Supervisor Supply Chain (RFC) – Heartland Region
Ken is a United States Navy veteran, and a seasoned Supply Chain Supervisor that supervises one of Heartlands highest volume warehouses of the Central Division.
He manages equipment and materials used for project Genesis, BAU Network engineering, North SIT, Metro-E and Technical operations. Ken supports multiple Xfinity stores and Let’s Talk Mobile business partner locations in addition to two digital remote spokes.
Ken has successfully partnered and participated in multiple high priority projects that included: Transcendent training / regional rollout, HUB2u Inventory operation training / regional rollout and Reddogg supplemental ordering tool regional rollout. He also has proficient knowledge of Detroit’s project green light materials and CPE support.
Ken is a regionally certified forklift/defensive driver trainer with 20 years of cable experience. His cable career started in 2003 as a Customer Account Executive in Sterling Heights. In 2005, he transferred to Supply Chain department in the Warren system; a position he held for multiple years. Ken was promoted to Supply Chain Supervisor of the Detroit / Taylor systems in 2014.
He is a recent graduate of Central Division L2L Linked to Leadership, HQ DLM Developing a Leadership Mindset, and HQ Smeal/Penn State Supply Chain Excellence program facilitated by Corp /U. Ken is a current member of multiple Comcast ERG’s, SCTE, ASCM and pursuing CSCP certification.
*******************************************************************************************************************************************************
Jason Wozniak
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Assistant Board Member
Headend Tech 1 – Comcast
Jason Wozniak started Comcast in August of 2006 as in installer at the Plymouth Office. He transferred to Network Maintenance 4 years later and worked in that role for almost 11 years. Today Jason works in the Greater Detroit Headend and is fast approaching on his 2-year anniversary. In his current role Jason has managed the Walled Lake Hub and the West Bloomfield OTN. His focus has been the deployment of RPHY and the oversight of Walled Lake’s new addition.
Jason’s first introduction to the SCTE and the Great Lakes Chapter was the Cable Games he competed in while working in the Network Maintenance Department. Jason was a strong competitor and later choose to volunteer his time as a SCTE Cable Games Judge. This year Jason has decided to give back to this great organization by joining the board as an associate member. He is excited of what this year will bring and the opportunities he will be able to assist in moving our Chapter forward.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Jon Angeles
SCTE Great Lakes Chapter – Assistant Board Member
“I have been a member of SCTE since 2014, and I’ve been in the cable industry for 15+ years. I started with no previous knowledge, outside of doing low voltage work for my Father’s central vacuum company from the age of 10.
In those 15 years I have worked my way up from a prem tech to head of maintenance, to now being Operations Supervisor for Wyandotte ConneX, while also being a full-time chicken farmer. “