Kelly O'Grady-Beauregard | Project Administrator

Kelly currently holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services. Kelly has been immersed in the wireless industry for over a decade, initially kicking off her career in the billing department. Her journey led her to Empire Telecom rebranded to InfraServices Wireless, where she transitioned into an administrative/operations role, a position she has held and thrived in for more than 10 years.

What advice would you give to young women in your field?

Step up and volunteer whenever something needs to be done, avoiding the mindset that it's not your responsibility and instead, view each task as a steppingstone to greater mastery and understanding. It's important to speak up and share your ideas. Winning and losing are part of the process, but you can't win if you don't let your thoughts be heard.

Tell us about a woman you look up to and why.

Amanda Silino, a respected leader, and former colleague is someone I greatly admire. When she brought me into the wireless industry 12 years ago, Amanda saw potential in me that I hadn't yet seen in myself. She has a strong work ethic and a continuous drive to learn new things. Her mentorship & friendship has been invaluable, inspiring me with her readiness to offer advice, lend an ear, and guide me towards both personal and professional development.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

In my free time, I enjoy trying new foods, traveling, camping, boating, undertaking home improvement projects, spending time with my family, and binge-watching various TV series. One of my favorite series is Yellowstone and my husband and I dressed up as Beth and Rip for Halloween.

How do you stay informed about industry trends and continuously develop your skills and knowledge

I'm lucky to be part of an office that doubles as our National Training Center, giving me the opportunity to collaborate closely with our training team. Additionally, I work with a closely bonded team that regularly shares updates, standards, and news about the wireless industry. I also appreciate the monthly Newsletters from Women of NATE (WON), which facilitate connections among women in the wireless sector. The New York State Wireless Association is also an official forum that serves all aspects of the wireless industry and is a key contributor to our success in the Upstate New York market.

What initiatives or changes do you believe are crucial for promoting diversity and gender equality in the workplace?

My daughter was the VP of DEI for her sorority in college. This was a new position where she implemented many fundraisers and a committed committee. She always called home with updates and taught me a lot of the importance of DEI. A vital step for enhancing today’s workforce is to emphasize DEI - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These elements collectively contribute to a more robust workforce. Ensuring that the onboarding, orientation, and training processes are welcoming and inclusive is essential for all new hires to feel integrated into the team. One approach could be to establish a DEI committee comprised of team members from various levels and backgrounds, thereby guaranteeing the diversity and effectiveness of the DEI initiatives.

Can you share a memorable accomplishment or proud moment in your career journey?

In February 2022, our company showcased a booth at the NATE conference in Las Vegas, a leading event in the tower and communications infrastructure construction, service, and maintenance sectors, with a strong emphasis on safety. This experience stands out as a significant achievement for me, as it allowed me to connect with wireless industry professionals from across the nation. The conference offered various training sessions that provided insights into the industry, opportunities for networking, and a wealth of knowledge to take back and apply, making it an unforgettable highlight of my career.

How do you encourage and empower other women to pursue their personal growth in the organization?

To empower women within our organization, I act as a cheerleader, celebrating their successes, acknowledging their growth, and offering support during setbacks. Encouragement plays a vital role in fostering an environment where women feel valued and motivated to pursue their personal and professional development.

How do you balance work and personal life, and what strategies do you find effective in maintaining that balance?

Balancing work and personal life is tough, especially in the wireless industry. Yet, I've managed to find a rhythm by staying on top of deadlines and preparing for the day ahead. To maintain this balance, I make sure to disconnect by setting my phone aside, enjoying music, taking walks outdoors for some sun or even snow, and carving out quiet time for myself. This helps keep my mind clear and present, reminding me that balance isn't just about how we spend our time, but also about our well-being and how we feel.

_______________________________________________________

Paige Devine | Associate General Counsel

I graduated from Villanova School of Law. After graduation, I worked in a law firm that focused on Insurance Defense and Litigation and then worked for a boutique firm that specialized in Trusts and Estates. I grew up involved with my family’s construction business and wanted to make a transition to a company where I could focus on various types of law and in a construction-based industry. I started working for InfraServices in January 2020.

What advice would you give to young women in your field?

As a young woman pursuing a career in law, there are several pieces of advice that can help you navigate your journey successfully. Be confident: believe in yourself and your abilities, confidence is key, especially in a field as competitive and challenging as law. Take responsibility for your own career development: Don't wait for the perfect mentor or career opportunity to come along – you may need to seek these out. If there's somebody you've met who really inspires you, let them know and ask them if they would mind mentoring you; I have found that most people want to help. When it comes to subjects like promotion, it's always best to clearly communicate your expectations and what you're doing to get there – don't assume that your work will speak for itself or that everybody knows what you want just because it's obvious to you. Embrace challenges: Don't shy away from challenges or difficult situations. Instead, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Embracing challenges will help you develop resilience and adaptability, both of which are essential traits for success in law. Maintain a work-life balance: It's easy to get caught up in the demands of a legal career, but it's important to prioritize your well-being. Strive to maintain a healthy balance between your professional and personal life to avoid burnout and maintain your overall happiness and satisfaction.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I enjoy golfing, playing paddle tennis, traveling, and spending time with my family and dog Stoli.

Can you share a memorable accomplishment or proud moment in your career journey?

Passing the Bar while working on the deal to take InfraServices public. Working 40 plus hours during the week while studying after work and on the weekends was extremely demanding and mentally exhausting. After failing the bar, I did not have an opportunity to dwell on my failure, I had to pick myself up and try again while helping take InfraServices public. The outcome was well worth it. Not only did I grow as a person overcoming this challenge, but I was able to be a part of an extremely rare opportunity to assist in taking a company public.

How do you stay informed about industry trends and continuously develop your skills and knowledge?

As an in-house counsel, staying informed about industry trends and continuously developing skills and knowledge is essential to providing effective legal support. Not only do I have to stay updated on the changes of law, I also have to stay updated on what is changing in the telecommunication industry. I balance this by participating in relevant continued legal education programs and courses that intertwine the law and the industry. I also have relied heavily on my mentor and head of the Legal Department, Paul Kestenbaum. He has helped me tremendously, as he has worked for InfraServices and in the industry for many years. He has helped me become a better lawyer, but also helped me navigate the industry. These are only a few of the things that I do to stay informed, but they are the most important ones.

_______________________________________________________

Kim Sherlock | Director of Accounts Payable

I've been with InfraServices since 2015 and started as an Accounts Payable Coordinator for Wireline. I’ve been the Supervisor, Manager, Senior Manager, and finally Director while having a hand in all entities of the company. I’ve worked hard to build a team that is versed in Payables, so we are able to help keep operations moving forward with vendor payments and relationships. 

What advice would you give to young women in your field?

I was given advice from a former boss that has always stuck with me. He told me to always own my mistakes, and come with a solution, over pointing blame. We’re all humans, and mistakes will undoubtedly be made, but where you shine is how you come to the table to correct it. In the same aspect, I would always advise to slow down and concentrate on the task at hand.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I start most mornings before work at the Pilates studio, it always helps me stay focused for the rest of the day. Beyond that, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my dogs and my friends. The last place I was lucky enough to travel to was France and Belgium, and I hope to visit somewhere later this year.

How do you encourage and empower other women to pursue their personal growth in the organization?

I believe it is important to not be afraid to stand up for yourself as a woman, especially in a male dominated industry. That is not to say be combative, but to be aware of your audience, and pick your battles accordingly. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t have an answer and listen to ideas other departments may share.

How do you balance work and personal life, and what strategies do you find effective in maintaining that balance?

Set a stopping point for yourself both inside and outside of the office. I have a routine outside of work that helps me wind down at the end of the day. In busier times at the office, I give myself time at night to walk the dogs or read a book to have a quiet moment to myself. 

_______________________________________________________

Sue Wilson | Director of Project Management

Shortly after graduating college, I accepted a job with SBA Communications in Portland, Oregon.  My introduction into the telecom industry was as a Site Acquisition Specialist working on a Cingular Wireless project. I was grateful to have the opportunity to work in the Pacific Northwest but after a few years, and a couple hundred days of rain, I decided it was time to return to the East Coast.  In 2003, I started my career with Velocitel where I continued my role in Site Acquisition and then I entered the world of management.  Though Velocitel has undergone many changes over the years by way of mergers and acquisitions, I am proud to say that I am currently celebrating my 20^th year. I have the honor of leading an incredible team and together we have been helping customers, in the Mid-Atlantic region, develop and maintain their networks for the past 15 years.

What advice would you give to young women in your field? 

I would encourage young women to be bold. Step up and look for opportunities to contribute, to take on more. Do not sit back and wait for someone to create an opportunity for you. Be willing to jump into new situations. Ask for feedback. Always be listening, always be learning. Treat the people and situations around you as a classroom - learn from leaders that you admire, learn from co-workers who take initiative and move into leadership roles, learn from mistakes that others make. Find a strong mentor and seek advice. Take control of your career and be your own advocate. You can go as far as you want - if you want it! 

What motivated you to exceed expectations throughout your career?

My parents set a great example for me. I am from a big family - one of eight, and my dad ran his own commercial janitorial business. He was always hustling to make sure he was providing for the family. The kids in our family started working at a very young age. I remember cleaning floors with my dad when I was 9 years old. My mom was a stay-at-home mom raising 8 kids at a time when she didn’t have the modern-day amenities that we do today (iPad, Instacart, Netflix!).  She worked around the clock to take care of us.  There was always dinner on the table, clean clothes in our drawers and a special homemade cake for our birthdays.  And of course, many household chores to be done by all.  Those experiences helped to foster a great work ethic. That really set the tone for me and my career…I valued hard work, felt like I could take on anything and set high standards for myself. 

What are the three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

• Get comfortable being uncomfortable. You can’t learn and grow if you stay in your comfort zone. There have been so many times in my career when I was given a new opportunity, or facing a new challenge and in many cases, I felt unprepared, even scared. But, I figured it out. Those new experiences made me stronger, even though they seemed daunting at the time. As I look back on my career, they were the moments that I grew the most. 
• Be authentic. As a leader, as an employee, as a partner. If you have feedback for someone, be honest. If you have bad news to share, be open. If you are seeking feedback or input, ask. Tell the truth. People will respect and trust you as a leader and a co-worker when you are authentic with them. 
• Show empathy. Work can be hard. Life can be hard. We bring our whole selves to work and we all go through seasons in our life that are challenging, whether it’s a certain stage of life, a marriage, a baby, an illness, some type of hardship, family situations, a death. It’s important to understand what’s going on with people around you - your employees, your managers, peers, customers. Take the time to understand what might be happening in someone’s life. You can be laser-focused and achieve great things in business, but you can also be an empathetic person who supports others in those seasons of need. Empathy helps to make those tough situations a little less tough and helps to build a much stronger, more positive work environment. 

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

My husband and I have three kids and they keep us very busy, with school, sports and other activities. In addition to that, I love spending time with family and friends, getting outside and exploring. I’m a big fan of road trips, especially to places like New England in the Fall.  I always enjoy planning a party or event.  And…I may or may not have the house in my neighborhood with the most Halloween decorations.

Tell us about a woman you look up to and why?

My sister, Noreen Allen, has been a source of inspiration to me throughout my entire life both personally and professionally. She has had an amazing career as a marketing executive and has been an instrumental part in driving the growth and success of many companies.  She is a true trailblazer! She is smart, creative, determined, hard-working, and she’s extremely generous with her time and talents. She impacts everyone that she meets, and she leaves a lasting impression.  Throughout her career, she has mentored countless individuals, including women who have gone onto very successful careers of their own.  I recognize that many people valued the opportunity they had working with her and many would love to continue working by her side.  I am blessed for the opportunity to have her as my lifelong mentor and friend.

Tell us about the importance of having you and other women in leadership roles in your company?

I think it is great for women to see other women in leadership roles so they know what they can aspire to achieve. Diversity in gender, age, ethnicity, background is so important at work. Getting that different perspective helps to create a more balanced, creative and effective organization. I also love showing women that working moms can have successful careers in leadership roles. Nothing makes you more disciplined and focused than balancing work and family life! 

_______________________________________________________

Shayna Browne | Recruiting Supervisor

At the start of the recession in 2008, I relocated to Seattle, WA and found myself in search of a new job opportunity. At that time, my background was in the financial space working for various financial institutions. I had a colleague who was working in the telecommunications industry and believed I would excel at recruiting for Telecom roles. Almost overnight, I found myself as a recruiter supporting various roles and enjoyed every moment of it! I have worked with full turn-key organizations, placing applicants of high volume nationally. As a result, I have been successful in leading organizations to grow their workforce and overall business. My time at InfraServices has given me the opportunity to step up and showcase my leadership skills, where I am currently the Recruiting Supervisor. I believe my time in the recruiting industry and telecom space has allowed me to support our current recruiting department to a place of high productivity where we continue to learn and grow daily.

What motivated you to exceed expectations throughout your career? 

I am a person that really gets a sense of satisfaction from helping others. I’ve always tried to go above and beyond when assisting my hiring managers/team to make them the most successful. I am passionate about my field and believe that passion can be infectious to those around me. 

What advice would you give to young women in your field? 

Be there, be proud and be confident. Women representation in the industry is minimal and sometimes you may need to push yourself into a room or conversation. Be confident in your knowledge and abilities. You are where you are for a reason! Also, learn from one another. Women supporting women is the greatest resource. 

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most? 

I love that I can have a voice!  I have had great mentors in my career that supported my ideas, believed in me, and have encouraged me to continuously improve. I have shared my vision and have been allowed to make my own mistakes, which I have learned from. I feel seen and heard, but more importantly, connected by a shared mission and goals. I enjoy the challenge of working with different walks of life and seeing how I can create a successful career path for them with just one opportunity.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? 

I enjoy painting abstract art that is displayed throughout my home, bowling, and spending time with family! 

Tell us about a woman you look up to and why.  

I have truly been blessed with several women that have helped groom/mentor me during my career journey. With my current Director, in such a short amount of time, Theresa has taken me under her wing and has shown me a different vision of what my career path can grow into. Theresa stays authentic, presents herself as constant and consistent and exhibits great humility. She sets the example, motivates me, and is an excellent communicator. I am so grateful for Theresa as she is allowing me to achieve my goals. 

What does true leadership mean to you? 

A great leader is someone that treats their team with respect, humility through accountability, elevating those around them, flexibility, and transparency. Most importantly, they foster an inclusive culture based on trust, excellence, and growth. One should encourage their team to be successful and provide support through coaching, feedback, and mutual respect.

_______________________________________________________

Sheila McGuffey | Client Account Service Manager

My first telecom experience was with the Verizon yellow pages.  I worked for the sales company that sold and developed the ads in the directories for the mid-Atlantic markets.  I then began working as a project coordinator for SiteSafe in 2011.  From there, I held management positions for the project coordinator and report writer teams.  I temporarily held a project manager position during our transition of ownership.  I am now the manager of our Client Account Service Specialist team. Throughout my time here, I have worked in many departments and have gained years of experience to help me grow into my current position.  My goal is to continue that growth within our company.

What motivated you to exceed expectations throughout your career? 

Growing up, my Dad has always pushed me to be the best at whatever I set out to do.  He taught me independence early on in life.  My biggest and first test was joining the Marine Corps.  That laid the groundwork for my work ethic and leadership within a team.  Marine mantra, second best is not an option.  Between my dad and the Corps, the bar for myself has always been set high.

What advice would you give to young women in your field?  

My first piece of advice is to not be intimidated by the fact that this is a male dominated field.  Be confident in yourself and always be willing to go ‘outside the box’.  Learn as much as you can, and then some.  Understand that your gender should never hold you back from doing something you enjoy.  Be sure to embrace every challenge and do not be afraid to fail.  That is when you learn the most.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most? 

I truly enjoy working with my team and helping them develop.  My team is diverse, and it is great to have an opportunity to show them how hard work can pay off.  I enjoy helping them navigate challenges and begin to do their own problem solving.   

What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

My top career lesson is accountability.  Always take responsibility for your work, good or bad.  Second, do the work.  Understand that you must work hard and be willing to put in the hours to continue to move further in your career.  Success is not overnight.  Third, flexibility.  Be willing to learn something new and take on a responsibility that is going to teach you more about the field you are in.  These jewels of knowledge go a long way.  

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? 

I love to travel whenever I get a chance, warm weather is a must!  I enjoy my Siberian husky, Raleigh, with whom I failed at training…lol.  And most of all, spending time with my family.   

Tell us about the importance of having you and other women in leadership roles in your company.  

It is important to continue to open doors for women in this field.  This representation will attract skilled and talented women to our company.  It shows that we support employee growth, no matter what your gender.  Ensuring equality in this industry is important and I believe we continuously strive for that.

_______________________________________________________

Suzanne Coghlan | Director of Human Resources

My career started in retail management working in both big box and specialty retail companies.  I made a transition in my career in 1998 with a shift into Human Resources.  The shift came as a result of having a knack and desire for helping employees in solving problems but also providing guidance and support to managers who lead them. I’ve grown most in my career since I realized that being a great leader means it is no longer about me but more about the team I lead.

What advice would you give to young women in your field?

Learn as much as you can through both continuing education, reading and doing.  Do not be afraid to make mistakes.  In fact, make them and learn from them.  Be humble and be your best self. 

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

Working with people and seeing the positive impact I make no matter how small.

What are three career lessons you have learned thus far?

• Work in a role that aligns with your values.
• Be true to yourself.
• Work is what you do, it is not who you are.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I enjoy traveling, as well as home improvement projects and managing rental property. 

Tell us about a woman you look up to and why.

The woman I look up to is my sister.  She worked for a major utility company in a role that was dominated by men.  She worked hard to learn the business and be seen as their equal.  She retired as one of the best performing and most admired leaders in her division.  She taught me to have conviction for what you know, be firm but fair as a leader and treat others the way they want to be treated.

What does true leadership mean to you?

Leadership is about being humble and supporting your team in a way that allows them to be center stage and the best they can be.  

_______________________________________________________

Aimee Wootton | VP of Program Management Office, InfraServices Wireless

While finishing my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, I had the opportunity to apply what I was learning in school to real-life situations while working for a construction firm in their Payroll & Purchasing department. After graduation, I held management roles at multiple small businesses in the Construction and Hospitality industries. I shifted to Telecom in 2009 and joined Empire Telecom, part of InfraServices’s Wireless Division, as a billing analyst in 2013. I worked my way through the ranks of the Finance Operations department; created the Program Management Office organization, and eventually became the first woman in Empire Telecom to be promoted to a Vice President. My current responsibilities include supervision of the Site Safe organization, the Wireless Scoping organization, the Wireless PMO organization and directing daily development and usage of our Wireless Vision (PMO) system(s).

What motivated you to exceed expectations throughout your career? 

My first job in construction really opened my eyes. Most of the administrative work was done by the women in the company, while all the offices were occupied by men who were being regularly promoted to key positions in the company. I realized at that point that if I wanted to break these systemic norms and create a path for myself in this industry, that I would have to take control of my destiny through hard work. That realization motivated me to learn everything I could about the industry, to master my skills, and show that I added great value to the companies where I worked. Continuous learning, helping others, and passing my knowledge on to others has given me a true sense of accomplishment.

How are you breaking barriers faced by women in your field? 

I learned early on in my career, that especially in the construction industry, I would be an anomaly in a male-dominated industry. It was important for me as a woman in my field to build and develop strong relationships rooted in trust and mutual respect. I strive to set a standard that breaks gender roles. Everyone should work hard, learn everything they can, and continue to develop their skills. When I share my knowledge with coworkers, it is met with respect, and trust that I will get the job done.

What advice would you give to young women in your field?

Everyone around you can teach you something, so approach every situation as an opportunity to learn. Don’t hesitate to show people your knowledge and creativity. When you know something, be confident and share it, when you don’t know something – don’t pretend or hide from it; own that gap in knowledge and seek out the people who possess it. Don’t just seek out one mentor that you can learn from, seek out multiple.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

My role has given me the opportunity to be creative and drive positive change in the business. I love that I am in a position to teach and help people on a day-to-day basis. My favorite moments occur when I’m able to see the direct impact of the work I put in, when members of the organization have those “aha moments” based off the systems and processes my team and I have put into place.

What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

Always be honest with yourself and others about your talents and skills.

People don’t come to work to make mistakes, they are doing the best they can, so get to the root cause before jumping to conclusions.

If you are no longer learning something each day, it’s time to find a new way to challenge yourself.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I enjoy LeMans style racing. I attend the 12-hour-race at Sebring every year to cheer for the Corvettes. I’m an avid reader and am always in the middle of a kindle or audible book. I also love boating; so long as the seas are under 3ft and there is shade to hide from the sun.

_______________________________________________________