Our Team

Our Vision

Building The Infrastructure Others Depend On

PFN's vision is to be one of the most trusted network infrastructure providers in the Great Lakes region, empowering the organizations, communities, and critical services that depend on reliable, high-performance connectivity.

We are committed to building and managing the high-capacity fiber, transport, and communications infrastructure that keeps networks online, communities connected, and essential services running.

As connectivity becomes more critical, and the demands placed on networks continue to grow, PFN will continue investing in infrastructure, technology, and the people who operate it, strengthening the connections between Michigan, the Great Lakes region, and the broader digital world.

Our goal is simple: to deliver reliable, critical infrastructure that helps others perform at their best.

A Focus on Mission-Critical Connectivity

PFN's understanding of mission-critical infrastructure was built through one of the most demanding communications environments there is: public safety.

As the exclusive provider of Michigan's statewide Next Generation 911 transport network, PFN operates infrastructure where reliability, resiliency, and performance are not simply service expectations… they are essential. Today, PFN's NG-911 network spans all 83 Michigan counties, helping ensure critical voice, location, and data reach the people and systems responsible for emergency response.

That same approach extends throughout PFN's network.

We design, build, operate, and continuously invest in purpose-built infrastructure supporting carriers, wireless providers, enterprises, public institutions, data center operators, and other organizations that depend on high-performance connectivity.

When the stakes are high, there is no room for failure.

About PFN

Peninsula Fiber Network (PFN) is a Michigan-based network infrastructure provider building and operating the high-capacity fiber, transport, and communications infrastructure that keeps the Great Lakes region connected to the rest of the country and the world.

With more than 6,400 route miles of fiber across Michigan and neighboring states, PFN provides strategically engineered terrestrial and submarine routes supporting carriers, wireless networks, enterprises, public institutions, emergency communications, and the data infrastructure driving the next generation of connectivity.

PFN's network continues to expand through strategic investments in route diversity, resiliency, and capacity, including new fiber routes beneath Lake Michigan that strengthen Michigan's connection to Chicago and the national networks beyond it.

Founded in 2006 through a collaboration between Baraga Telephone Company and Hiawatha Communications Inc., PFN was created to address the need for reliable, high-capacity optical transport throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula. From those beginnings, PFN has grown into a regional network infrastructure provider serving Michigan, northern Wisconsin, and eastern Minnesota.

Today, that original mission remains at the center of everything we do: build infrastructure others can depend on.

The People Behind the Network

Behind every route, connection, and critical service is a team responsible for designing, building, operating, monitoring, and supporting the infrastructure our customers depend on.

From engineering and network operations to field services, sales, government affairs, and customer support, PFN's people bring decades of telecommunications and infrastructure experience to the work every day.

Meet the people who keep PFN moving forward.

Jim F. Bednarek, Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Bednarek is PFN’s Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Treasurer, with over 30 years of experience in finance, business management, engineering, and construction. He has held roles at Prince Corporation, including Production Team Supervisor, Quality Engineer, and Launch Quality Engineer. He also worked as Business Manager/Controller at Premeau Construction Inc. in Marquette and has owned businesses in construction and landscaping. Mr. Bednarek earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northern Michigan University in 1990 and completed Master's coursework thereafter.
Jason Bordeaux, Vice President of Sales & Marketing

As Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Jason Bordeaux leads PFN's field sales organization, targeting markets and implementing strategies to drive growth. His responsibilities include developing marketing strategies and enhancing brand awareness. Jason began his career at Charter Communications, spending nearly 20 years in various sales and leadership roles. He notably served as Sr. Director of SMB Sales for a 7-state region. Before joining PFN, he managed the fiber-optic direct sales unit at TDS Telecom in Southern Wisconsin. Jason lives in Marquette, MI with his wife, Stephanie, and enjoys traveling and spending time with their family.
Tim J. Fair, Director of Field Operations - Winn Telecom

Tim Fair is the Director of Field Operations at PFN / Winn Telecom, where he manages and coordinates field operations across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. He began his telecommunications career with Winn Telecom in 2012, progressing through roles including Field Technician, Supervisor, and Operations Coordinator. Tim holds the Registered Telecommunications Project Manager (RTPM) credential through BICSI and is currently pursuing a degree in Business at Mid Michigan College. A U.S. Army veteran with over 15 years of service, he continues to serve as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant in the Michigan Army National Guard, with three overseas deployments. Tim resides with his wife Erin and their three children, and enjoys coaching youth sports and outdoor activities.
Jon French, Director of OSP/Engineering/Civil Engineer

Jon French is PFN’s Director of OSP & Engineering, overseeing all aspects of fiber plant engineering and construction. With nearly 20 years of experience in telecommunications and broadband, Jon has worked with Baraga Telephone Company/UP.net and Peninsula Fiber Network. His background in civil engineering and project management includes roles at Short Elliott Hendrickson, Coleman Engineering, and Michigan Technological University. Jon holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan Tech. He is a former Division I hockey player, US Army veteran, licensed hunting/fishing guide, and community leader in junior hockey and outdoor activities.
Jennifer Greenburg, Vice President of Government Affairs

As Vice President of Government Affairs, Jennifer leads PFN’s legislative strategy, building relationships with policymakers to enhance the company’s policy brand. She advises the CEO and Board on legislative matters. Prior to joining PFN in 2021, Jennifer spent 23 years advocating for Michigan’s rural telecommunications industry, known for her ability to simplify complex issues. She began her career in the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives. A Michigan State University graduate, Jennifer lives in Lansing with her husband, Tony, and their three children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and exploring Michigan’s outdoors through camping and hiking.
R. Cory Heigl, Chief Executive Officer

Cory Heigl is the Chief Executive Officer of Peninsula Fiber Network, bringing over 25 years of telecommunications experience. He previously served as Vice President at Astrea Connect, overseeing strategy, operations, and revenue growth. With expertise in Outside Plant (OSP) construction and business development, Cory leads PFN’s expansion of its fiber optic network across the Great Lakes region. A Michigan Tech University graduate in Scientific and Technical Communications, he has held leadership roles, including President of the Norway-Vulcan Area Schools Board and a member of the Vistage Organization. His strategic vision and technical understanding are essential as the company aims to enhance its service offerings while maintaining a commitment to high-quality telecommunications solutions.
M. Koray Inal, Executive Management Committee Member

Mr. Inal is Vice President of Baraga Telephone Company and serves as an Engineering and Corporate Strategy Advisor on PFN’s executive management committee. He began his career in 2005 at Caterpillar, Inc. as Senior Engineer and Six Sigma Black Belt Team Lead. In 2009, he joined Baraga Telephone Company as Vice President. Mr. Inal holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. He is also the Chairman of the Board for BHK Child Development Agency in Houghton, Michigan (since 2012) and the basketball coach for Special Olympics in Baraga, Michigan (since 2011).
David S. McCartney, Special Consultant

David McCartney (“Dave”) is a Special Consultant and Board Member of Peninsula Fiber Network LLC, having been with PFN since its inception and serving as its first General Manager. In 2021, he transitioned to his current role, providing guidance to PFN’s management team. A CPA with over 40 years of experience in telecommunications policy, regulatory, financial management, and corporate structure, Dave is an expert in FCC Part 32 accounting and Rural Utility Service regulations. He was instrumental in founding PFN as a joint venture between Hiawatha Communications Inc. and Baraga Telephone Company. Dave holds a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Michigan Tech University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.
Samuel Olmsted, Vice President of Business Development

Samuel Olmsted serves as Vice President of Business Development at Peninsula Fiber Network, bringing more than 20 years of leadership across telecom, enterprise sales engineering, and managed services. Throughout his career, including senior leadership roles at Spectrum Enterprise, Sam has driven double-digit revenue growth, led multi-state engineering teams, elevated enterprise RFP strategy, and supported hyperscale data center expansion. Known for his strategic mindset and team-first leadership style, he is passionate about building high-performing cultures and delivering mission-critical solutions. Sam lives in Oshkosh, WI with his wife, Kelly, and enjoys traveling and boating. Family is central to their lives, and they value time spent with their children (Chance, Zoe, and Sophia) and granddaughter (Ruth).
Todd Proehl, Chief Information Officer

Todd Proehl is the Chief Information Officer at Peninsula Fiber Network, with 20 years of industry experience. His focus is on providing reliable, high-quality telecommunications services while prioritizing customer service. At PFN, Todd has helped expand services across Lower Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and deployed Next Generation 911 to 176 dispatch centers in Michigan. Previously, Todd held multiple engineering roles at Charter Communications, leading network buildouts for broadband, telephony, and Video On Demand (VOD). He also served as Network and Security Manager at Hagerty Insurance. Todd holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Northern Michigan University. He lives in Marquette, MI with his wife, Tamulin, and their two children.
Paul W. Stark, President

Mr. Stark, President of PFN, began his career with Schulumberger Offshore Services working as a Field Engineer in the North Sea in 1974. In 1984 he became an Engineer at Baraga Telephone Company (BTC). Baraga Telephone Company began providing dial-up internet services through the telephone exchange in 1995. Mr. Stark oversaw the development of high-speed internet (DSL) service at BTC. Along with being the President and General Manager of Baraga Telephone, he served four terms as the President of the Village of Baraga. Mr. Stark holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering and Master’s degree in Geophysics from Michigan Technical University.
William C. Tidd, Chief Technical Officer

Mr. Tidd is the Chief Technical Officer of Peninsula Fiber Network, overseeing technical operations, project management, contract negotiations, and daily operations of the Network Operations Center and plant technicians. He is responsible for setting and ensuring adherence to technology standards. Mr. Tidd began his career in 1976 with Hiawatha Communications Inc. as a line technician, later becoming the owner of Telecom Contractors LLC from 1981-1984. He has held roles including Outside Plant Supervisor and Network Manager. Since 2005, he has been the Vice President and CTO of Hiawatha Communications Inc. and serves as a Board Member for both Hiawatha Communications and PFN.