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.

Vice Chairman & 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 oversees financial operations for HYLAN. She has over three decades of finance experience; much of that in the construction industry. Crystal’s financial management experience spans both the public and private sectors. She has provided consultative services and held key administrative positions, including Financial Controller and Chief Administrative Officer. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Ferris State University in Michigan and subsequently earned her CPA. In her free time, she enjoys downhill skiing, boating, and playing golf.

Robert Bianco

Chief Commercial Officer

A seasoned telecom industry professional with over 25 years of extensive telco, sales, and enterprise development experience, Robert Bianco presently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer for HYLAN. In his role, Robert is responsible for developing and executing company sales, liaising with partners, securing business partnerships, and overseeing public relations and marketing plans, while implementing new strategies and tools for HYLAN.

Prior to HYLAN, Robert served as Vice President and General Manager for the NYC Metro Area for tw telecom (presently CenturyLink). Robert also held key management and sales positions at companies such as Last Mile Connections, Inc., Qwest (presently CenturyLink) and Tata Communications. A leading industry expert on optimal network solutions, including business continuity and disaster recovery, Robert is also a distinguished speaker and mentor. His speaking engagements include panels at the Annual New York City Real Estate Expo, Converged New York, Real Estate Tech Forum, Telecom Exchange, and the 3rd Annual Spring Forum on Financing, Investing & Real Estate Development for Data Centers. He also serves as an Associate Board Member for SCTE•ISBE, the premier membership organization for technical cable telecommunications professionals; a member of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY); and Advisory Board Member for JSA, the leading provider of public relations, marketing, and event services to companies in the telecom, data center and tech sectors. He contributes regularly with articles on topics such as 5G, smart cities, fiber optic connectivity and more to publications such as New York Real Estate Journal, Pipeline, Construction Today and In Building Magazine.

Robert is also certified in Sales Training by the Miller Heiman Group. In his free time, he enjoys deep-sea saltwater fishing and is also a lifelong New York Jets fan.

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.

Rob Schaffer

Executive Vice President/General Manager – Central

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.

Karen Rutherford

Sr. Vice President/General Manager – Mid-Atlantic

Karen has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. As Senior Vice President and General Manager of HYLAN, 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

Sr. 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.

Scott Williams

Vice President & Chief Estimator – Mid-Atlantic

An industry veteran, Mr. Williams is responsible for Operations, Business Development, Estimating, and Project Management. Mr. Williams manages long-term projects and develops new clientele. Mr. Williams works closely with HYLAN’s clients to ensure that all contractual deliverables and obligations are met by HYLAN. His responsibilities also include preparing all documentation and backup for invoicing, as well as tracking HYLAN’s projects from a job-costing perspective.

Before joining HYLAN, Mr. Williams spent five years with OSP Consultants where he reported directly to the ownership and served as a job-costing manager for the construction division. As a project manager, he was responsible for all WMATA projects and currently heads up HYLAN’s WMATA division. At OSP his duties included job costing, invoicing, accounts receivable work, and monthly closings on budget-to-actual performance. Mr. Williams is WMATA certified, CSX certified, and MTA Certified and has extensive knowledge of the tunnel systems of Washington, Baltimore, and Atlanta. He received his BBA in Management from James Madison University. In his free time, Scott enjoys golfing, playing pickleball, and going to the beach with his family.

Kevin Comfort

Director Operations – 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. 

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.