Board of Directors

Philip T. Kennedy, Chairman of the Board

During his career, Phil has held various positions in the computing and telecommunications industries. Prior to joining Lightwaves, he served as Chief Technologist and Vice President of Network Services at McLeodUSA, Inc. Before McLeodUSA, Phil served as a Certified Client/Server Computing Specialist for International Business Machines Corporation. With more than twenty-five years of experience in the communications industry, Phil is regarded as a leading technologist in access systems, switching and data communication networks, and technology and product development. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa.

David Sengpiel, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

David currently serves as the Director of Alternative Investments for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. Over the past 20 years David has held a variety of management, marketing, strategic planning and financial positions including President & CEO of Movie Systems, Inc. and President of Vantage Cable Systems, Inc. His experience as an investment manager has included the oversight of 37 portfolio companies and appointment to six directorship positions. David has specific experience in underwriting investment opportunities, private placements, and has participated in the initial public offerings of four companies. David holds a Bachelor of Science (Business and Economics) degree from Carroll College, Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Charles Peters, Gazette Companies

Chuck is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Gazette Company, a media company located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa consisting of two operating companies. Gazette Communications publishes The Gazette newspaper, local shoppers, does commercial printing, has numerous online sites and provides direct marketing services. Cedar Rapids Television Company broadcasts KCRG – TV9, an ABC affiliate.

A lawyer by training, Chuck spent a decade in the appliance business, five years as President of Amana Refrigeration and until 1998 as Vice President – Administration of Maytag. Between appliance assignments, he was the CEO of Breakthrough, an Iowa City start-up software and consulting company engaged in developing effective early literacy programs for school systems.

Chuck is the Chair of the Board of both Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust and Coe College, a director of Swift Communications, Inc. and is active in many civic and charitable organizations, including United Way, the Hall-Perrine Foundation and Junior Achievement.