Meet Your Team
Eric Frederick, Vice President, Community Affairs
Eric Frederick serves as Vice President, Community Affairs for Connected Nation. Eric is responsible for managing the development and implementation of Connected Nation’s Connected Community Engagement Program. He also develops and maintains partner relationships and provides primary management, oversight, and support for Connected Nation Michigan’s state broadband strategies and leverages that experience to lend guidance to Connected Nation's other state programs.
Shawn Wagner, FirstNet Outreach Specialist
Shawn Wagner serves as Community Technology Advisor for Connected Natino Iowa. Shawn coordinates and manages the activities of the Iowa local community planning teams. He identifies and trains local champions to bring together representatives from local government, education, business and industry, agriculture, healthcare, and other sectors to serve as dedicated participants in the local planning process. He provides “train-the-trainer” activities to the local community planning teams on the broadband landscape to spur digital literacy activities in each region. Shawn holds a bachelor of arts in computer information systems from Clarke College and a master of science in real estate and construction management from the University of Denver.
Wes Kerr, Director, Community Solutions
Wes Kerr helps ensure the implementation of Technology Action Plans developed for communities through Connected Nation’s Connected Community Engagement Program (Connectedsm) and works closely with clients and stakeholders to provide solutions that will help them meet their technology goals.
Heather Gate, Director, Digital Inclusion
Heather Gate serves as Director of Digital Inclusion Program Development for Connected Nation. Heather is responsible for managing the development and implementation of Connected Nation’s digital inclusion programs. Heather provides high-impact project management services, including day-to-day program management and funding research. Heather also helps to maintain existing program partner relationships and assists with identification of potential new partners or innovative business opportunities which are in line with program missions. Heather holds a bachelor of science in computer science, a master’s in computer science, and a master’s in public administration from Kentucky State University.
Career Opportunities
Connected Nation, Connect Iowa's parent organization, has been recognized as a Top 10 Best Places to Work Winner for its commitment to providing a positive and productive work environment where employees can excel. Connect Iowa offers a unique benefits package including: vacation/sick days; holiday pay; health, dental, and vision insurance; professional development opportunities; and reimbursement for broadband services and fitness memberships. Our office environment is professional and high-tech and our team members are career- and team-focused.
