John Phillip "Phil" Halstead, Ph.D., Executive Director
phil.halstead@broadbandillinois.org, 217-886-4225
Phil is a sector-spanning leader whose experience spans broadband, universities, economic development, associations, technology parks and government affairs. As the executive director of the Partnership for a Connected Illinois (PCI), he leads the board-staff effort to achieve “broadband everywhere” in the state of Illinois. Prior to leading PCI, Phil served as CEO of the former Union Carbide Technical Center which is now known as the West Virginia Regional Technology Park Corporation in Charleston, WV. Perhaps most relevant to PCI, Phil has also served as the CEO of Florida LambdaRail (FLR), LLC, Florida’s 1,540 mile state spanning high speed fiber optic network that is owned and operated by 12 public and private research universities. Phil’s background also includes having served in a variety of university, economic development and government affairs positions. He received his B.A., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL.
Lacey Buss, Director of Operations
lacey.buss@broadbandillinois.org, 217-886-4030
Lacey graduated from Lincoln Christian University in 2001 and 2009 and has been working in non-profit agencies for fifteen years. Lacey has experience in business management, human resources, grant management, and in many other aspects of non-profit management. Lacey currently serves as the Director of Operations at the Partnership for a Connected Illinois, coordinating grants, compliance, human resources, office management, budgets, and bookkeeping.
Heidi Bruce, Director of Marketing and Communication
heidi.bruce@broadbandillinois.org, 217-886-4029
Heidi leads creation of all marketing and media pieces for Partnership for a Connected Illinois and serves as the government and outreach coordinator for the organization. Previously, Heidi served as the Social Media and Special Programs Coordinator with Illinois Partners for Clean Air. Heidi received her Bachelor of Science from Illinois College and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois Springfield.
Dejan (Dan) Gavrilovic, GIS Manager
dejan.gavrilovic@broadbandillinois.org , 217-886-4227
Dan manages all aspects of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Partnership for a Connected Illinois. Previously, Dan spent four years working for Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) as a GIS software support analyst, and over a decade working for Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) as a GIS manager/analyst. Dan received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Illinois in Chicago. He is a former Marine, holds a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) commercial pilot license with twin and instrument ratings certificate, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) commercial diver certificate and is a National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) master scuba diver.
Cheryl Harvey, Communications Specialist and Graphic Designer
cheryl.harvey@broadbandillinois.org, 217-717-4255
Cheryl assists in the creation of marketing and communication efforts for the Partnership for a Connected Illinois. She has extensive experience in graphic design and has lead major past projects for City Water, Light & Power and the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives.
Jay Roberts, Broadband Infrastructure Catalyst
jay.roberts@broadbandillinois.org, 217-886-4554
Jay most recently worked as a Best Practices Engineer for Redbox. Prior to that, he spent 12 years in the wireless internet and cellular industries. Jay earned his Bachelor of Science from Illinois College and currently serves as the Broadband Infrastructure Catalyst for Partnership for a Connected Illinois.
Laura Lane, Director of Outreach
laura.lane@broadbandillinois.org, 217-886-4226
Laura has helped create market potential for high-speed broadband in the mid-south region of Chicago as co-director of the Woodlawn Broadband Expansion Partnership. Previously, Laura was a principal at Chicago Systems Group, a member of the Illinois Integrated Justice Information Planning Committee and director of strategic initiatives at Milhouse Engineering. She also served as project lead for technology installations for the Cook County Circuit Court. Laura received her B.A. in international relations from Lake Forest College and her J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law.
Brian Webster, Telecom Project Director
brian.webster@broadbandillinois.org, 217-886-4229
Brian has been conducting studies and mapping competitive broadband technologies at the census block level for over eight years. This data is used to assist broadband network operators as they work to cover un-served markets.
Our Staff
Steve Dryden, GIS Consultant
steve.dryden@broadbandillinois.org, 217-645-6080
Steve serves as a member of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Team for Partnership for a Connected Illinois. Before PCI, Steve worked for National Information Solutions Cooperative as a GIS Specialist, and 2 years as a Assistant GIS Analyst for Coles County Regional Planning & Development Commission. Steve received his Bachelor of Science in meteorology from Western Illinois University.
Consultants