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TECHNOLOGY CHANGES QUICKLY. EXPERIENCE DOESN’T.
The IRIS E-Rate team combines nearly 300 years of telecommunications, broadband, and E-Rate experience, giving schools and districts access to a depth of knowledge that few providers can match.
Guidance and
Compliance Support
From funding guidance and compliance support to network implementation and ongoing service, our team understands what it takes to deliver successful outcomes throughout the entire E-Rate lifecycle. We’ve worked through regulatory changes, funding shifts, technology upgrades, and evolving district needs for decades.
Experience that gives you
A partner who understands both technical and administrative sides. For schools, that translates into confidence that your connectivity project is supported by people who have done it before and know how to do it right.
Fewer surprises
Faster answers
Trusted guidance
IRIS Networks E-Rate Team
Chris Clark
Chief Executive Officer | President
Resume
Years of service at IRIS: 5
Years of industry experience: 31
With over 30 years of leadership experience in the telecommunications industry across the Southeast, Chris
Clark brings extensive expertise in operational, technical, and sales roles. Before becoming CEO of IRIS Networks in 2020, he served as General Manager at Lumen, overseeing operations across six states, where he was responsible for $215M in annual revenue.
Under his leadership, IRIS has achieved record results, reflecting his strategic focus on enhancing communication, fostering synergy among member companies, and driving substantial growth and expansion.
Clark’s career includes significant tenures at MCI (now owned by Verizon) and Windstream. He actively contributes to industry development through his roles on the board of directors for the Tennessee Broadband Association and the Opportunities Committee for the Fiber Networks Alliance.
Education
- Samford University, B.S., Business
Employment
| Title(s) | Company | Years |
| Chief Executive Officer | IRIS Networks | 2020 to Present |
| General Manager | Lumen Technologies | 2014 to 2020 |
| Regional Sales Director | Oki Data | 2013 to 2014 |
| Area Vice President | Windstream Communications | 1998 to 2012 |
Eric Snell
Chief Financial Officer
Resume
Eric Snell, C.P.A.: Chief Financial Officer
Years of service at IRIS: 2
Years of industry experience: 31
Eric Snell brings to IRIS a distinguished career as a seasoned financial executive with profound telecommunications industry expertise. His twenty-year professional journey encompasses transformative leadership roles at Accelecom and Georgia Public Web, where he consistently drove business growth through strategic financial management.
At Georgia Public Web, Eric masterfully administered E-Rate services for hundreds of schools and libraries, managed Rural Health Care services for over 50 telehealth locations, and provided executive oversight for the Georgia Board of Regents OIIT network establishment. His strategic financial leadership is marked by managing over 700 concurrent contracts, increasing customer lifetime value by $14 million, and leading business repositioning efforts that secured over $20 million in annual recurring revenue.
Skilled in mergers and acquisitions, financial modeling, and operational efficiency, Snell has a proven record of accomplishment of optimizing financial performance and creating strategic value across technology and telecommunications sectors. His comprehensive approach integrates rigorous financial analysis, forward-thinking strategic planning, and innovative leadership to drive sustainable business growth.
Education
- Auburn University, B.S., Accounting
Employment
| Title(s) | Company | Years |
| Chief Financial Officer | IRIS Networks | 2024 to Present |
| President & Head of Strategy | Accelecom | 2022 to 2023 |
| President & Chief Financial Officer | Georgia Public Web | 2002 to 2022 |
Chris Harris
Vice President of
Engineering & Operations
Resume
Chris Harris: VP of Engineering & Operations
Years of service at IRIS: 22
Years of industry experience: 28
Over twenty years, Chris Harris has been a cornerstone of IRIS, evolving from technical roles to operational leadership and embodying the company’s core values of innovation and dedication. His strategic vision and hands-on approach have been instrumental in driving IRIS’ remarkable fiber infrastructure growth, expanding the network by over 200% since 2004.
Harris is renowned for his exceptional project management skills, sophisticated network design expertise, and remarkable troubleshooting capabilities that have consistently solved complex technical challenges. A passionate advocate for technological accessibility, he deeply understands fiber’s transformative potential for underserved communities. His leadership philosophy of rigorous commitment, “when it’s time to work, we work”, is pivotal in establishing IRIS as a respected regional brand known for exceptional technical support, innovative products, and unparalleled customer service.
In 2023, a pivotal achievement was his leadership in transitioning IRIS’ internet connectivity to 400Gbps, significantly expanding capacity for rural carriers and demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to telecommunications infrastructure. Through his multifaceted expertise and unwavering dedication, Harris is a driving force in IRIS’ evolution from a local provider to a recognized leader in telecommunications infrastructure.
Education
- Kentucky Community Technical College, CCNA
- Kentucky Community Technical College, Telecommunications
Employment
| Title(s) | Company | Years |
| VP, Engineering & Operations | IRIS Networks | 2004 to Present |
| Operations Technician II | KDL | 2002 to 2004 |
Steve Brownworth
Vice President of Regulatory &
Vendor Management
Resume
Steve Brownworth: VP of Vendor Relations & Regulatory
Years of service at IRIS: 12
Years of industry experience: 37
As IRIS Vice President of Regulatory & Vendor Relations, Steve Brownworth is a strategic leader with deep expertise in network infrastructure development and regulatory compliance. His comprehensive responsibilities include developing capital expansion plans for transmission, data/IP, and voice networks, and managing complex vendor relationships through sophisticated contract negotiations. He also draws from his experience in designing network architecture.
In 2021 and 2022, Brownworth strategically expanded IRIS’ network footprint by integrating six (6) new electrical cooperatives and enhancing network diversity for four (4) existing partners. Brownworth continues to help with the company’s strategic growth and commitment to enhancing connectivity in underserved regions.
Education
- University of Illinois-Chicago, B.S., Quantitative Methods.
Employment
| Title(s) | Company | Years |
| VP, Regulatory & Vendor Management | IRIS Networks | 2020 to Present |
| Principal Network Consultant / Contract to IRIS | New Telecom Solutions LLC | 2014 to 2020 |
| Principal Network Consultant Vice-President, Network Design | EarthLink Business, Inc. | 1994 to 2013 |
Billy Tindell
Vice President of Sales
Resume
Years of service at IRIS: 7
Years of industry experience: 9
As Vice President of Sales, Billy Tindell is a transformative leader who strategically builds and empowers high-performance sales teams while driving exceptional revenue growth. His leadership is characterized by a nuanced approach to client relationship management, consistently delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions across a diverse portfolio ranging from local single-site businesses to complex multi-site enterprises. Tindell’s exceptional business acumen enables him to develop tailored sales strategies that not only meet but anticipate client needs, resulting in competitive pricing models and compelling value propositions. By fostering a culture of strategic thinking and client-centric problem-solving, he has cultivated a sales team known for its ability to develop long-term partnerships and drive sustainable business growth across multiple industries. Under Tindell’s stewardship, the sales organization has consistently exceeded performance expectations through strategic case-by-case evaluations and a deep commitment to understanding and addressing each client’s unique requirements.
Education
- The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, M.B.A., Business
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville, B.O.A., Commercial Recreation Management
Employment
| Title(s) | Company | Years |
| Vice President of Sales | IRIS Networks | 2019 to Present |
| Senior Estimator | McKinney Excavating, Inc. | 2016 to 2019 |
| Lead Life Benefits Specialist IV | Unum | 2011 to 2016 |
Britton Watson
Vice President of Marketing & Customer Experience
Resume
Years of industry experience: 9
Britton Watson brings to IRIS an esteemed 30-year career in strategic marketing. As a visionary leader, she specializes in brand positioning and driving transformative digital initiatives through data-driven strategies, never losing sight of customer engagement. Her sophisticated approach to customer-centric growth integrates advanced project management methodologies with innovative digital solutions; positioning IRIS to achieve unprecedented market responsiveness and growth.
Watson’s capabilities include developing targeted content, designing and implementing comprehensive marketing frameworks, optimizing digital platforms, and creating cross-functional marketing ecosystems that drive market penetration and align with strategic business goals. Her extensive experience includes managing marketing budgets more than $15M, working with well-known organizations like AT&T, The Home Depot, and UPS, and less well-known community colleges and secondary schools, serving a four-year term on a Board of Education, being an adjunct instructor, substitute teacher, and teaching assistant. These experiences have equipped her with unique insights into innovative technological solutions that align with sales objectives and meet educational needs.
Since joining IRIS in 2021, Watson has been instrumental in reimagining the company’s brand, building a marketing infrastructure, and overseeing the implementation and development of the workflow automation system. Britton’s approach to her role seamlessly combines analytical rigor and project management with creative strategic thinking, effectively positioning IRIS for technology-enabled and scalable market growth.
Education
- University of North Alabama, M.B.A.
- Texas Christian University, B.S., Communications
Employment
| Title(s) | Company | Years |
| VP, Marketing & Customer Experience | IRIS Networks | 2021 to Present |
| Head of Marketing & Communications | Schönox HPS North America, Inc. | 2019 to 2021 |
| Chief Marketing Strategist | Blue Olive, LLC | 1999 to 2018 |
Karen Goodwin
Senior Education Account Manager
Resume
Years of industry experience: 38
Karen Goodwin specializes in fostering enduring partnerships and crafting unique solutions for IRIS customers’ evolving technology needs. Her expertise is in serving educational, healthcare, and governmental sectors across Tennessee, with a deep focus on supporting academic institutions through complex technology procurement processes. Goodwin’s extensive background includes unique E-Rate certification achievements, having been the sole Windstream representative in Tennessee qualified to manage E-Rate opportunities, which involved responding to Form 470s and comprehensive RFP processes. This specialized experience translates directly into her role at IRIS, where she leverages her strategic technological knowledge to craft tailored solutions for educational clients.
Throughout her career, Goodwin has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting community infrastructure, serving on boards such as the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge and the Knoxville Montessori School. Her volunteer leadership reflects her broader mission of enhancing educational opportunities and technological access. At IRIS, her focus is cultivating relationships that fall under the USAC umbrella, ensuring these critical institutions receive personalized, innovative technological solutions that optimize budgetary resources and drive meaningful technological advancement.
Goodwin’s approach combines deep technical expertise with a nuanced understanding of the unique technological challenges facing Tennessee’s academic and public service sectors, making her a strategic partner to navigate the ever-changing technology landscape.
Employment
| Title(s) | Company | Years |
| Sr. Enterprise Account Manager | IRIS Networks | 2020 to Present |
| Major Account Executive / Tennessee E-Rate Specialist | Windstream | 1998 to 2020 |
| Executive Partner / Account Manager | BTI Communications | 1994 to 1997 |
David Hill
Vendor Analyst
Resume
David Hill: Vendor Analyst
Years of service at IRIS: 2
Years of industry experience: 40
David Hill is a results-driven Senior-Level Telecommunications Leader, with a proven record of accomplishment in engineering, project planning, infrastructure and facilities management, and network operations. He is adept at directing and managing complex network planning, engineering, and implementation initiatives. He is skilled in optimizing network capacity, reducing costs, and ensuring seamless operations. He also demonstrates proficiency in overseeing teams, negotiating vendor agreements, and driving strategic growth.
Education
Auburn University, B.S., Electrical Engineering (BSEE)
Employment
| Title(s) | Company | Years |
| Vendor Analyst | IRIS Networks | 2024 to Present |
| Director, Inside Plant & Engineering | Windstream | 2017 to 2023 |
| Director, Transport Engineering & Network Planning | Earthlink | 2010 to 2017 |
| VP, Engineering | Deltacom | 1985 to 2010 |
Drew Cannon
Director of Operations
Resume
Drew Cannon: Director of Operations
Years of service at IRIS: 4
Years of industry experience: 21
Drew Cannon, Director of Operations at IRIS, oversees network and field operations, budgeting, and daily organizational functions. With a diverse background in telecommunications, Cannon’s experience includes roles as Senior Network Planner at IRIS and Chief Operations Officer at SwyftConnect (formerly Media 3). His expertise spans grant writing, vendor management, contract negotiations, and large enterprise account quoting. At SwyftConnect, Cannon managed a team of over 60 employees, overseeing various departments including HR, NOC, and technical staff. His responsibilities included budget management, M&A oversight, and developing in-house technical crews. Cannon’s career also includes significant experience in IRU deal brokering, construction project management, and new equipment deployment.
Education
- Union University, B.S., Business Management
Employment
| Title(s) | Company | Years |
| Director of Operations | IRIS Networks | 2022 to Present |
| Chief Operations Officer | SwyftConnect | 2012 to 2022 |
| Chief Operations Officer | ML3 Networks | 2012 to 2018 |
Eli Champion
Director of Engineering
Resume
Years of service at IRIS: 5
Years of industry experience: 10
Eli Champion is a driven IT professional with a team-oriented mindset, excelling in networking, leadership, end user support, and cybersecurity. His talents are particularly strong in network implementation, troubleshooting, and provisioning. Eli’s expertise in diagnosing network issues, testing and activating diverse circuits, and managing multi-protocol network elements ensures effective end-to-end communications. His analytical approach and deep understanding of network architecture enable him to bridge technical complexities with practical solutions, making him an asset in the ever-evolving IT landscape.
Education
- Western Governors University, M.B.A., IT Management
- Western Governors University, B.S., Network Operations and Security
- South College, D.B.A, IT Management
Employment
| Title(s) | Company | Years |
| Director of Engineering | IRIS Networks | 2021 to Present |
| Officer (IT Analyst) | United Bank of Switzerland | 2020 to 2021 |
Peyton Burchell
Sales Engineer
Resume
Years of service at IRIS: 1
Years of industry experience: 4
Peyton is a motivated, technically skilled Sales Engineer with a background spanning IT, project management, and network operations. He brings three years of industry experience supporting technology-driven projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and delivering customer-focused solutions. His prior roles include project leadership in software and IT environments, hands-on operations management in fiber broadband deployment, and business consulting through his own technology services firm. At IRIS, Peyton contributes to solution development, technical pre-sales support, and customer engagement by leveraging his combined experience in IT systems, process optimization, and infrastructure planning.
Education
- Western Governor’s University, B.S., IT Management
Employment
| Title(s) | Company | Years |
| Sales Engineer | IRIS Networks | 2025 to Present |
Michael O’Connor
Senior Project Manager
Resume
Years of industry experience: 17
Michael is a Senior Manager with 16+ years of experience in product, program, and operations management, demonstrating expertise in conflict resolution, cross-functional leadership, and global resource management. Proven track record in driving substantial revenue growth, optimizing processes, and enhancing user satisfaction through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. Committed to fostering collaboration and achieving organizational goals with a forward-thinking approach.
Education
- Middle Tennessee State University, B.S., Geography
Employment
| Title(s) | Company | Years |
| Sr. Project Manager | IRIS Networks | 2023 to Present |
| Sr. Product Manager | ENA by Zayo | 2018 to 2023 |
| Product Manager | ENA | 2016 to 2018 |
| Sr. Program Manager | Griffin Technology | 2008 to 2016 |
Christopher Jurado
Service Delivery Coordinator
Resume
Years of service at IRIS: 7
Years of industry experience: 7
Versatile customer service professional with extensive telecommunications and technical support experience, Topher is skilled in resolving complex customer issues across multiple technology platforms. He consistently demonstrates his ability to manage customer interactions, troubleshoot technical problems, and maintain high service standards in IRIS’ fast-paced environment. Topher also has a proven track record of effective communication, system maintenance, and customer retention through detailed problem-solving and proactive service strategies. His technical background includes network systems analysis, equipment maintenance, and customer support in federal, military, and commercial telecommunications settings.
Education
- University of Phoenix, B.S., Psychology
Employment
| Title(s) | Company | Years |
| Service Delivery Coordinator | IRIS Networks | 2019 to Present |
| Customer Service Representative | TruGreen | 2018 to 2019 |
WHO ARE YOU HERE AS?
Consultant or
E-Rate advisor
We want to brief you before your next
mini-bid cycle.
Technology director,
CFO, or superintendent
Your school district has a competitive alternative
worth knowing about.
Talk to Us
615-425-2300
Whether you’re heading into a mini-bid window, reviewing an existing contract, or just researching the vendor list, IRIS is worth a conversation.
