Leadership

Robert DiLeo

CEO and Chairman

Mr. Robert DiLeo, an accomplished and highly respected executive and board chairman, has more than 26 years of experience in the telecom and utilities industry. Presently he serves as CEO and Chairman of the Board for HYLAN, a leading provider of full-service turnkey communications solutions, electrical infrastructure design and construction services for wireline, wireless and smart city municipal services across the U.S. Prior to his position as Chairman, DiLeo served as Vice President & COO of Hylan Datacom & Electrical, a division of Hylan serving the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania markets. In his career, DiLeo played a key role in the development and expansion of Hylan Datacom & Electrical into emerging technologies such as fiber optic cable and wireless telephony. He was instrumental in developing and implementing best-industry-practice installation procedures ensuring safe, quality installations.

Mr. DiLeo continues to bring innovation and excellence to Hylan in his role as Chairman, responding to our customers’ evolving competitive market needs. DiLeo is an exceptional and highly valued thought leader, invited to speak at key telecom industry events and on webinars, covering topics like emerging technologies, including 5G and in-building wireless, as well as smart city development, telecom infrastructure best practices, and much more. He has been featured in prominent industry publications such as Telecom Ramblings, InterGlobix Magazine, CIO Review, Construction Today and more. He is an avid golfer and serves Chairman of the Board for Metedeconk National Golf Club, a private, 27-hole facility designed by world-renowned golf course architects Robert Trent Jones, located in Jackson, New Jersey.

John S. DiLeo Jr.

President 

Mr. John S. DiLeo Jr. worked side by side with his father, Mr. John S. DiLeo Sr., for over 20 years, learning the business hands-on. In his role as Vice Chairman & President, he carries on the strong client service orientation and stringent quality standards, which are the family tradition. DiLeo oversees HYLAN’s day-to-day business operations, directly influencing how company resources are allocated to deliver growth and profitability to the business. Along with the rest of the senior management team, DiLeo reviews daily project reports and production sheets, actively monitoring the progress and status of all jobs. He is actively engaged with customers and employees, and his primary objective is to help ensure quality of work and customer satisfaction.

Mr. DiLeo graduated from St. John’s University in 1983. Over the course of his career, he has served in executive leadership roles, gaining comprehensive experience overseeing complex operations and guiding strategic direction for multiple well-established organizations. He presently serves as a board member for the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) and the National Utility Contractors Association of New Jersey (NUCA). He is also a member of the Columbus Citizens Foundation in New York City and the New York Electrical Contractors Association. Additionally, DiLeo is a successful restauranteur and avid sports fan, with a life-long allegiance to the New York Jets.

Crystal DeNatale

Chief Financial Officer

Crystal DeNatale is the Chief Financial Officer of HYLAN, where she provides strategic leadership and oversight of all financial operations, guiding the company’s fiscal direction in alignment with its long-term growth objectives. With more than three decades of experience in finance and executive leadership, much of it concentrated in the construction, infrastructure, and services sectors. She has built a reputation as a results-driven leader with a deep understanding of both operational and financial performance management.

At HYLAN, Ms. DeNatale plays a critical role in shaping corporate strategy, managing capital structure, and ensuring financial sustainability. She is responsible for overseeing budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance, while also working closely with the executive team to support acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and expansion initiatives. Her financial expertise, combined with her ability to align fiscal planning with operational priorities, makes her a trusted advisor to HYLAN’s leadership team and board of directors.

Ms. DeNatale’s career is distinguished by a series of progressively senior roles in both the public and private sectors. She has served as a Financial Controller and Chief Administrative Officer, where she not only managed day-to-day financial operations but also led transformative initiatives to strengthen governance, streamline business processes, and drive profitability. In addition to her in-house leadership positions, she has provided consultative services, advising organizations on best practices in financial management, compliance, and operational efficiency. This combination of direct executive leadership and advisory experience allows her to bring a well-rounded perspective to HYLAN’s financial strategy.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Ferris State University in Michigan and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Her academic foundation in accounting, coupled with her decades of applied experience in financial leadership, has positioned her as a seasoned and highly respected financial executive. In 2024, Ms. DeNatale was highlighted in New York Real Estate Journal’s Women in Construction feature, recognizing her leadership and impact within the industry. Beyond her professional achievements, Crystal is known for her strong commitment to mentorship and team development. She is dedicated to building high-performing finance teams that not only ensure accuracy and compliance but also serve as strategic partners to the broader organization.

Outside of her professional role, Ms. DeNatale is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys downhill skiing, boating, and playing golf. These interests reflect her drive, discipline, and appreciation for balance in both her personal and professional life.

Robert Bianco

Chief Commercial Officer

Robert Bianco is the Chief Commercial Officer at HYLAN, a leading provider of turnkey communications and electrical infrastructure services. With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in telecommunications and infrastructure, he oversees the company’s national sales, marketing, and strategic growth initiatives. His responsibilities include expanding HYLAN’s presence in fiber, 5G, smart city, and data center infrastructure while building high-value partnerships and leading large-scale network build-outs for carriers, utilities, enterprise clients, and municipalities nationwide.

Throughout his career, Mr. Bianco has held senior executive leadership roles at major telecommunications companies, including Teleglobe, Qwest Communications, tw telecom (now part of Lumen), Tata Communications, and Last Mile Connections. In these positions, he consistently delivered revenue growth, directed high-performing sales organizations, and expanded market presence across highly competitive markets.

Widely recognized as an industry thought leader in network infrastructure, business continuity, and disaster recovery, Mr. Bianco has spoken at prominent events such as the New York City Real Estate Expo, Converged New York, and Telecom Exchange. His expertise has been published in leading outlets including Crain’s New York Business, Telecom Ramblings, The Fast Mode, and Connected Real Estate Magazine.

Mr. Bianco also serves on the JSA Advisory Board and maintains active involvement with professional organizations such as SCTE•ISBE, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, and REBNY. His leadership has earned him recognition as “Executive of the Month” by the New York Real Estate Journal, and under his guidance, HYLAN has been recognized as “Company of the Month.”

Outside his professional endeavors, Mr. Bianco is an avid saltwater fisherman, a pursuit that reflects his discipline, patience, and strategic approach, qualities he brings to both his personal and professional life.

Mark Mickiewicz

Corporate Counsel

As Corporate Counsel, Mark negotiates and manages HYLAN’s contracts; oversees risk management; ensures compliance with regulations, statutes, and other obligations; and defends HYLAN and its subsidiaries from all types of claims. A practicing attorney for over 16 years, Mark has litigated all manner of construction disputes, from Workers’ Compensation claims to eight figure breach of contract complaints. He is as comfortable in the courtroom as he is in the boardroom and regularly represents HYLAN in civil, regulatory, and municipal venues. While the prevention of claims and disputes through careful planning and thoughtful management executed from the inception of HYLAN’s projects and transactions through their completion is Mark’s first concern, he helps to ensure that issues which nonetheless arise are resolved to the satisfaction of HYLAN, its employees, and its clients, thus minimizing the risks inherent in HYLAN’s work. In his free time, Mark enjoys spending time with his family and is a passionate sports fan.

Vincenzo “Enzo” Clemente

Board Member

Vincenzo “Enzo” Clemente is a distinguished entrepreneur, investor, and C-level executive with over two decades of experience in communications and digital infrastructure. Known for his visionary leadership, strategic innovation, and commitment to excellence, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the telecommunications industry.
Enzo is the founder of VCLE Consulting, where he provides professional consulting and advisory services, and the Managing Member of Ribera Capital, a private investment firm focused on companies within the communications and digital infrastructure sector.

Previously, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of ZenFi Networks, a leader in regional wireless and fiber optic networks. During his tenure, he drove strategic initiatives and operational excellence, positioning the company for long-term growth.
Enzo’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2011 when he founded Cross River Fiber, serving as President and CEO. Under his leadership, the company delivered customized fiber optic network solutions for enterprise, carrier, and wireless service providers across the New Jersey metropolitan area. In 2014, he secured a strategic partnership with Ridgemont Equity Partners, and in 2018, he led the successful merger of Cross River Fiber with ZenFi Networks—paving the way for ZenFi’s acquisition by Boldyn Networks in November 2022.

His career includes key leadership roles at Lightpath and 4Connections, where he made significant contributions to network infrastructure development. As Director of OSP Design and Construction at Lightpath, he played a vital role in designing advanced network solutions for major commercial enterprises. At 4Connections, he served as Vice President of Operations, overseeing the construction and operation of an independent dark fiber network across the New Jersey metropolitan area, ultimately leading to the company’s acquisition by Cablevision Lightpath in 2008.

Enzo holds a degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University. With deep technical expertise and a hands-on approach, he has designed and constructed thousands of fiber route miles, continuously driving the advancement of cutting-edge communications infrastructure.

Rob Schaffer

Executive Vice President – Operations – Central & Mid-Atlantic

Rob Schaffer has over 25 years in the construction industry, beginning as a steel erector and eventually transitioning to management. Rob graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 2006 and is a registered Professional Engineer in Illinois. Rob’s experience ranges widely; from large supportive excavations, large underground concrete drainage structures, mass excavations, drill & shoot tunnels, sewer & water main construction, large- and small-scale turnkey fiber optic network builds, and emergency response and restoration. Rob started his telecom career as an Estimator at Western Utility, then climbed the ranks as a Project Manager, Area Manager, Director of Operations, and eventually General Manager and Division President. Rob brings a well-rounded approach to solving problems that arise day to day. In his free time, he is a competitive pistol and rifle shooter; when not at the shooting range, he can likely be found tinkering on projects in the garage or cooking something on the smoker.

Mike Howard

Senior Vice President – Mid-Atlantic

With over 20 years of experience in managing operations within the utility industry, Mike Howard brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership expertise to every project he undertakes. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong ability to lead teams and optimize business operations, implementing strategic initiatives that drive organizational success. He specializes in cross-functional team leadership, strategic planning, change management, and financial administration.

Mike has consistently delivered impactful results by fostering a collaborative environment and motivating teams to achieve operational excellence. His experience in project management and staff training ensures that organizations not only meet their goals but also continuously improve their processes. With a deep understanding of the utility industry and a focus on relationship management and business planning, Mike is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that enhance performance and create sustainable value for the companies he serves. In his free time, Mike enjoys playing golf with his family and friends.

Karen Rutherford

Senior Vice President – Finance – Mid-Atlantic

Karen has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. As Senior Vice President, Karen is responsible for overseeing the project management operations from the bidding process to the project close-out phases. In addition to these responsibilities, she manages all aspects of job cost reporting and analysis. Karen also takes on roles outside of her normal job duties and often assists other departments with process improvements for job cost reporting.

Prior to joining HYLAN, Karen worked for OSP Consultants as Supervisor of Field Office Integration for a $75 Million Dollar turnkey project. Karen has a passion for interior decorating and taking rides on her motorcycle to the country.

Leon Markham

Senior Vice President/General Manager – Southwest & West

Providing leadership for HYLAN, Leon Markham boasts 21 years of telecommunications experience and initially entered the industry working on a construction crew. He has hands-on experience in the field and has also acted as a construction inspector for an engineering firm and a contractor. This has allowed him to develop skills in the design and implementation of copper, coax, and fiber networks as well as road, dark fiber, long haul, and DAS builds and more. In his spare time, Leon enjoys working out, mountain biking, playing soccer and hockey, and spending time with his kids.

Calvin Yetter

Vice President & General Manager – West

Mr. Yetter has more than 25 years of underground construction experience, specializing in all Outside Project (OSP) construction activities including new technologies such as micro trenching, distributed antenna systems, and tower construction and modifications. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Yetter has managed projects in California, Utah, Colorado, and Washington. Calvin loves playing golf in his spare time and enjoys riding his motorcycle.

Carmine Manna

COO – New York Telecom

Mr. Carmine Manna has 35 years of management experience, of which 23 have been in the Telecom Industry. He has managed internationally known sports and convention facilities, such as Madison Square Garden and the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. While at these facilities, he was responsible for directing major construction and renovation projects. He’s a graduate of St. John’s University and prides himself as being a customer-driven executive who works hard to provide courteous, quality, and professional workmanship on behalf of himself and the entire management team. He is a proven leader and contributed to the growth and expansion of HYLAN. A community activist, he gives his time to various organizations, which include Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Meals on Wheels, he sits on the board of the Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation and is on the executive committee of the Davinci Society of Wagner College. Mr. Manna is also a certified Level 4 USA Hockey Coach, where he recently stepped away from coaching after 37 years. In his free time, he enjoys going fishing, crabbing, and is also an avid golfer.

Joseph Romano

Regional Vice President – Operations – Northeast

Mr. Joseph Romano has over 25 years in the Electrical Industry. As a member of IBEW Local #3, he has served as a General Superintendent, Senior Project manager and a Project Executive. He specializes in heavy construction, highway/public works and infrastructure work. Some of his past projects include Harlem River Lift Bridge, Hudson Yards MOE/Platform Rail Yard and numerous other large-scale projects throughout New York City and the 5 Boroughs.  He brings an aggressive work ethic to HYLAN and strives on a hands-on project management system from start to finish. He believes that a team effort helps drive a project to complete success. His field experience as a Journeyman electrician has helped him build a career that helps with every aspect of the industry. Joseph enjoys shooting, hiking, and traveling in his spare time and loves watching the New York Rangers.

Daniel Williams

Vice President – Project Management – Northeast

Mr. Daniel Williams has over 30 years of experience in the communications industry. He is a seasoned veteran, spending the last 20 years as Project Manager on all phases of datacom/telecommunications construction. His knowledge and proven capabilities with projects include pre-planning, cost engineering, vendor pricing and selection, as well as hiring and maintaining personnel and project scheduling. Mr. Williams’ outstanding leadership skills have helped him become one of the industry’s best and have allowed him to work in twenty U.S. States and six foreign countries. In his free time, he enjoys helping and supporting Vietnam War veterans and enjoys spending time at drag races.

John Gambino

Director of Civil/Underground Utilities – Northeast

Mr. John Gambino has served 22 years in the underground utility industry, having started at the age of 18. John began his career specializing in underground utilities while working alongside his father who was a long-time laborer and laborer foreman; an honor John cherishes today having learned just as much about work ethic and accountability as he did about utility work. Working as a laborer taught him what was needed to complete the day-to-day activities hands-on. Learning how to get a 3D visual of the Code 53 Markouts of (Gas, Electric, Steam, and Communications) beneath the surface and choosing prospective routes of new installation took him to his next level as a Foreman. As a Foreman, he ran a 4–7-man crew constructing a new installation of underground utilities. One of the most notable locations was the Columbus Circle Utility Relocation. Communicating with utility senior management daily, and learning the specs for each utility brought him to supervising 3 Crews daily & making him the 1st utility relocation Super in the 21st century to start the 2nd Ave Subway Project. Relocating all major utilities on 2nd Ave from 96th St to 81st Street on the island of Manhattan. His knowledge in the industry saved several months by designing and building most of the project. Today he has directed over 75 men, managing multiple facilities & equipment throughout NYC, NJ, & PA. In his free time, John enjoys coaching basketball and hunting.

Matthew Christie

Senior Project Manager – Northeast

Mr. Matthew Christie is a 1997 graduate of SUNY Oswego with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. He has 23 years of experience in the wireless and telecom industry, starting his career with HYLAN Datacom & Electrical in 1997. As Director of Telecom Field Operations, he is experienced in turnkey construction, RF, various technology upgrades, and indoor/outdoor DAS. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Kevin Comfort

Operations Manager – Mid-Atlantic

Kevin Comfort has over 30 years of experience in the fiber engineering, design, and construction industry. He began his career in Cambridge, England building the first triple play fiber network, phone, internet, and cable TV in the East Anglia Region. Kevin is an expert in building out fiber networks, specifically in all 5 Boroughs of New York City and New Jersey. Prior to joining HYLAN, Kevin has worked for one of the nation’s largest Telecom infrastructure companies in the United States. He was responsible for their first fiber build in New York City and then managed and designed several other fiber builds in several cities over multiple states. He enjoys deep sea fishing and is a lifelong fan of the New England Patriots.

Ski Verdun

Vice President of Operations – Central

Ski Verdun has over 25 years of expertise in the telecommunications industry within the Chicago area. He’s an Illinois State University alum with a B.S. in Occupational Safety and Industrial Technology. His expertise is in diverse areas, including navigating the intricacies of the City of Chicago permitting process, managing projects within the Chicago freight tunnels, and overseeing Underground construction in the City of Chicago. In Ski’s spare time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, camping, and is very active in working with Ducks Unlimited to preserve and protect wetlands.

Ryan Bollenbacher

Vice President of Project Management – Central

Ryan has over 15 years in the construction industry. Ryan graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Construction Engineering and Management in 2006 and is a Registered Professional Engineer in Illinois. His experience ranges widely and includes heavy highway roadwork, energy generation, large-and small-scale turnkey fiber optic network builds, and emergency response and restoration. Ryan’s primary role is estimating responsibilities for HYLAN along with Project Management. He also has passion for the construction business and enjoys working with our clients, creating time and cost saving measures to better serve them. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors, grilling, and fishing. 

Travis Jones

General Superintendent – Mid-Atlantic

Travis Jones is an accomplished General Superintendent with over a decade of expertise in the telecommunications infrastructure industry. Starting his career as a laborer, he quickly rose through the ranks by consistently delivering high-impact results and demonstrating a strong understanding of field operations. He has successfully led the completion of large-scale telecom infrastructure and mission-critical/data center projects for high-profile clients, managing complex installations with a focus on safety, efficiency, and quality. Travis currently oversees HYLAN’s data center construction teams, ensuring our crews are aligned with client expectations and industry demands. His hands-on expertise is supported by formal training in construction project management, enabling him to balance on-the-ground execution with strategic oversight. Known for his results-driven leadership style, he excels in managing large teams, navigating tight deadlines, and guiding challenging projects to completion with precision. His career reflects technical mastery, operational insight, and an excellent work ethic.

Chris Perez

Director of Operations – Southwest

Chris is a seasoned Director of Operations with an impressive track record of over 25 years in the telecommunications industry. Adept in a wide array of telecommunications including, POTS, HCF systems, fiber optics, RF design, activation, troubleshooting, construction, project management, and customer service. Proven expertise in orchestrating seamless operations and delivering top-notch solutions to meet industry demands. In his free time, Chris enjoys cooking, playing softball, hunting, and traveling to Hawaii and Guam.

Jonathan Jones

Director of Corporate Safety

Chris Maka

Director of National Fleet

Marian Giannuzzi

Human Resources Manager

Marian Giannuzzi is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in human resources, specializing in overseeing all aspects of HR operations for HYLAN. With a solid background in treasury, cash management, and payroll, Marian brings a comprehensive skill set to her role. She holds a certification in human resources (SHRM-CP) and is an active member of both the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources (JSAHR). Marian’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey, where she laid the foundation for her career, and a graduate certificate in Business Administration from Georgian Court University, which further enriched her knowledge and expertise in the field. Beyond her professional endeavors, Marian finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. She has a profound appreciation for the beach, finding solace and relaxation in its serene surroundings. Marian also has a passion for travel, embracing new experiences and cultures wherever she goes. However, her greatest joy comes from spending quality time with her family, cherishing every moment shared with her loved ones.