Professional Summary:
John is a highly experienced CEO who has led many hardware and software solutions companies in the infrastructure services industries. He joined Instrata in 2023 and is responsible for establishing and leading the company’s strategic priorities. His mandate has been to bring fresh ideas that accelerate national expansion, diversify end markets, and broaden service delivery offerings.
Experience & Expertise:
With 20 years of experience, John is a proven Chief Executive Officer with expertise in growth-oriented infrastructure services. He brings a robust skill set that includes financial modeling, due diligence, valuation, business strategy, professional services, and more. John’s professional experience has focused on building and empowering teams pursuing ambitious growth in the critical infrastructure services industries.
Professional Background:
Before Instrata, John was the CEO of DegreeOne, a nationwide commercial HVAC-R services platform acquired by Nextech. Previously, John was the CEO of Curvature, a leading global IT data center infrastructure services organization formed through the merger between Curvature and Systems Maintenance Services (SMS), where John was the CEO. Before joining SMS, John worked for Goldman Sachs & Co. and before then for Ernst & Young. John received a master’s in accounting from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s in business administration from Emory University.
Professional Summary:
Ryan is an accomplished financial executive with 30 years of progressive leadership experience. Over the past 16 years, he has operated as a CFO, leading and growing companies in a private equity setting. Ryan’s expertise includes financial planning and budgeting, accounting operations, compliance and risk management, audit and tax, treasury, human resources, integrations, systems, acquisitions, and strategic planning. He plays a pivotal role in optimizing support operations to ensure the company delivers a superior service experience to Instrata’s clients.
Experience & Expertise:
With a strong background in developing a professional and foundational corporate structure, Ryan has been instrumental in establishing effective and efficient operations. He has successfully implemented full-scale ERP software and enhanced technology systems to scale businesses for growth on multiple occasions. Throughout his career, Ryan has also built trusted professional relationships with key audit firms, technology partners, and financial institutions by incorporating a transparent and candid communication style. He is passionate about his fiduciary responsibility to support internal operations, as well as customers, vendors, business partners, and investors.
Professional Background:
Before joining Instrata, Ryan held leadership roles with technician-based service organizations. At SWAT Group, Inc., he focused on integrating eight disparate entrepreneurially run businesses under one centralized platform. Prior to SWAT, he successfully grew and professionalized NTI Connect, LLC into an industry-leading technology deployment service provider across the United States and Europe. Other previous roles were across broad and diverse industries of pharmaceutical, technology, specialty finance, manufacturing, and retail companies.
Professional Summary:
Gilbert is a highly experienced Sales Leader in technology infrastructure with over 30 years of expertise in structured cabling infrastructure, security, audio visual, and wireless applications. At Instrata, he plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, culture, and customer satisfaction, as well as ensuring Instrata’s delivery of IT infrastructure solutions.
Experience & Expertise:
With a deep understanding of all aspects of the industry, Gilbert has successfully led multiple domestic and international high-impact sales organizations, including manufacturing, distribution, and contracting companies. Gilbert has worked with leading financial, healthcare, and social media companies, ensuring seamless integration and high-performance technology environments. A recognized voice in the industry, Gilbert has contributed to industry publications, has spoken at conferences, and is a current board member of BICSI.
Professional Background:
Before joining Instrata, Gilbert held leadership roles at Wesco, Graybar, and IES, where he spearheaded revenue growth at each company. With a strong foundation in building a customer-centric culture, his strategic vision has contributed to significant team accomplishments.
Professional Summary:
With 16 years of dedicated service at Instrata, Robert “Lew” has played a key role in shaping the company’s operational success. With a hands-on leadership style and a passion for continuous improvement, Robert is dedicated to fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and teamwork, ensuring the long-term growth and success of the company.
Experience & Expertise:
Robert’s leadership is driven by a deep understanding of field operations and a commitment to operational excellence. He is a strong advocate of LEAN principles, focusing on optimizing processes, reducing waste, and ensuring efficient project execution. His strategic approach has enabled Instrata to consistently deliver successful projects on time, meeting and exceeding customer expectations.
Professional Background:
He began his career as a technician over 25 years ago and joined Instrata as a project manager in 2008. He quickly advanced through the ranks, becoming a Lead Technician, Project Manager, Operations Manager, and President of a branch before stepping into his current role as Chief Operating Officer.
Professional Summary:
Jeff Woodlief is a highly experienced infrastructure and technology leader with 30 years of expertise in delivering communications technologies. He plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, optimizing operations, and ensuring robust solutions. He is thoughtful, direct, and focused on building a strong company with a customer-centric focus, delivering superior solutions while creating advancement opportunities for our employees.
Experience & Expertise:
With a deep understanding of delivering technologies centered around the commercial workspace & infrastructure, Jeff has successfully led multiple high-impact companies. A recognized voice in the industry, Jeff has contributed to BICSI, EXFO, Corning’s ClearCurve, FlexNAP, and other FTTx product development and deployment efforts while leading design and construction efforts at Connexion Technologies, where they received the FTTXcellence Award. He is passionate about streamlining the delivery of technologies and is committed to fostering innovation to simplify the sales, delivery, and use of technology.
Professional Background:
Before joining Instrata, Jeff held leadership roles at Premiere Communications & Consulting, Inc., Last Mile Group (LMG), and Fiber Maintenance (FM), where he spearheaded start-up and growth efforts. With a strong foundation in communications infrastructure and technology, his strategic vision has contributed to significant advancements in the way customers purchase and use technology.
Professional Summary:
Paul Norris is a seasoned technology infrastructure leader with more than 25 years of expertise spanning sales, business development, project management, and operations. At Instrata, he plays a key role in advancing innovation, strengthening national data center delivery capabilities, and delivering high-quality solutions for hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise clients. Recognized for his ability to scale organizations and lead cross-functional teams, Paul consistently brings strategic vision, operational excellence, and disciplined execution to every initiative.
Experience & Expertise:
With extensive expertise in data center infrastructure, low-voltage technologies, and operational excellence, Paul has led numerous high-impact initiatives, including large-scale data center build-outs, regional market expansions, and organizational transformations. He has partnered with global technology providers, leading general contractors, and enterprise clients to deliver projects that consistently surpass expectations. Widely recognized as an industry leader, Paul contributes actively to mentorship programs, client advisory boards, and philanthropic efforts, strengthening his reputation as both a trusted partner and a dedicated community advocate.
Professional Background:
Before joining Instrata, Paul held leadership positions at Graybar, Legrand, and IES, where he drove sales growth, expanded market share, and led multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects across the Southwest and Western regions. His solid background in contracting, distribution, and manufacturing allows him to align client needs with scalable solutions that deliver lasting business impact.
Professional Summary:
Kristi is a highly experienced human resources leader with over 25 years of expertise in people operations. At Instrata, she plays a crucial role in shaping HR strategy, optimizing talent management, driving employee engagement, leading benefit offerings, and ensuring compliance with labor regulations. She is valued for her strategic leadership and ability to create an inclusive workplace culture that fosters innovation and business success.
Experience & Expertise:
With a deep understanding of organizational development, workforce planning, and employee relations, Kristi has successfully led multiple high-impact initiatives, integrating acquisitions, benefits strategy, and HR technology transformations. She has worked with key stakeholders to enhance talent acquisition, performance management, and benefit administration. She is passionate about employee well-being, emerging HR technologies, and shaping the future of work.
Professional Background:
Before joining Instrata, Kristi held leadership roles in various technology infrastructure organizations, where she spearheaded strategic HR initiatives that improved employee engagement, streamlined HR operations, and enhanced company culture. With a strong foundation in people strategy, labor law compliance, and change management, her strategic vision has contributed to significant advancements in workforce effectiveness and organizational success.
Professional Summary:
Jeff is a highly experienced technology infrastructure leader with 15 years of corporate development, finance, and strategy expertise. At Instrata, he plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, optimizing operations, and ensuring robust IT infrastructure solutions. Jeff works across all aspects of the business, helping shape the company’s strategic direction.
Experience & Expertise:
As the head of corporate development, Jeff has successfully led multiple high-impact initiatives at Instrata, including add-on acquisitions and strategic programs across sales and operations. He prides himself on being an adaptable resource that can drop into any part of the company and drive impactful change. Jeff enjoys wearing multiple hats within the organization and is passionate about finding new ways to help Instrata succeed in the IT infrastructure industry.
Professional Background:
Before joining Instrata, Jeff helped lead corporate development at IES Holdings, including spearheading multiple add-on acquisitions. Prior to IES, Jeff was a Vice President in the investment banking division at Morgan Stanley. With a strong foundation in finance and strategy, his vision has contributed to significant advancements across the organization.