Alabama Fiber Network announces executive leadership team

Earlier this summer, Alabama Fiber Network, responsible for deploying critical middle-mile infrastructure throughout all 67 counties of the state, announced the selection of its inaugural CEO, Terry Metze.

Since then, Mr. Metze has been focused on building out the organization, AFN reports. “I am proud that some of the brightest professionals in the telecommunications industry are coming to AFN,” said Metze.

“These talented leaders solidify our team, and I look forward to what we’ll accomplish together,” he added. AFN will soon welcome five new staff members to support its mission of connecting Alabama to the future, including:

Tim Black, Executive Technical Solutions Consultant: As a technology advisor with almost three decades in the telecommunications industry, Mr. Black brings design expertise in software-driven packet-optical solutions for metro, regional, and state-wide networks. Mr. Black has previous experience with industry leaders such as Ciena, US Carrier and LightRiver. He holds degrees in BSEE/Communications and MBA/IS Consulting.

David Ficken, Vice President, Business Development: David brings over 30 years of experience in leading and growing communications companies across the southeast. Prior to joining AFN, Mr. Ficken served as Vice President for Strategic Growth at Point Broadband, an Alabama-based broadband company focused on serving unserved and underserved areas across the U.S. Mr. Ficken holds a bachelor’s degree from Samford University and a master’s degree in Public and Private Management from Birmingham-Southern College.

Zachary Gonzalez, Vice President, Sales & Revenue: Zach Gonzalez is a distinguished sales leader with over 15 years of experience, including a decade within the telecommunications sector. Previously, Mr. Gonzalez was the Director of Wholesale Sales, VAR & Resellers at Brightspeed, where he managed the day-to-day business. Mr. Gonzalez and his wife, Sarah, reside in Fairhope, Alabama, with their three children. Both are alumni of the University of Alabama.

Valerie Seefeld, Chief of Staff: Ms. Seefeld serves as AFN’s Chief of Staff. Previously, she worked for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. She returned to Alabama in 2023 and is thankful to work for an organization that seeks to strengthen communities and improve the lives of Alabamians for generations.

Michael Wise, Vice President, Operations & Construction: Michael Wise is a seasoned telecommunications and technology executive with a proven track record of success in driving operational excellence. With over two decades of industry experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as Vice President of Operations and Construction. Previously, Mr. Wise led engineering, operations, and construction teams for Genuity, NRG Group, and KGI Wireless.

AFN, the DBA for the Fiber Utility Network, was established to address the lack of middle-mile connectivity in rural Alabama.

AFN has received over $200 million in U.S. Department of Treasury grant funds from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority. AFN is crucial in Gov. Ivey and the Alabama Legislature’s statewide Be Linked plan to provide affordable, reliable access to all.

Eight electric cooperatives and their subsidiaries: Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative, Covington Electric Cooperative, Cooperative Connection LLC (a subsidiary of Cullman Electric Cooperative), JWEMC Communications LLC (a subsidiary of Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Cooperative), North Alabama Electric Cooperative, Tombigbee Electric Cooperative, and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative collaborated with fiber lease partner Alabama Power Company to deliver middle-mile network.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270