The experienced executives will focus on core values and sustainable growth in the education market
TUALATIN, Oregon (May 26, 2016) — Lightspeed Technologies, the provider of classroom audio technology that inspires powerful communication, collaboration and classroom insight, today announced the expansion of its executive leadership team. The company promoted David Solomon to Executive VP & General Manager, Shaun Fagan to Director of Product Marketing, Tony Zeikle to VP of US Sales, Reid Hansen to Regional Sales Manager, Steve Mefford to Regional Sales Manager for the Central Region, and Carolyn Hollowell to Director of International Markets and E-Commerce Sales.
Since 1994, Lightspeed has invested in research and development to provide groundbreaking technology specifically designed to support education. With the 21st-century classroom in mind, Lightspeed creates instructional solutions for better listening and sharing so students hear every word and have equitable equal access to learning. Lightspeed’s solutions also give today’s teachers critical insights into individual progress for real-time assessments.
“We are extremely fortunate to have these five Lightspeed team members setting the direction for Lightspeed Technologies,” said Jerry Ramey, the CEO of Lightspeed. “Preserving our unique culture and core values while building sustainable growth is critical to fulfilling our long-term vision as an employee-owned company.”
Solomon and Fagan have each grown with the company for more than 10 years. Zeikle has been a successful sales consultant and regional manager with the company since 2007. Hansen, Mefford, and Hollowell are more recent additions and have quickly proven their ability to make a difference, bringing new skills and insights to the sales and marketing teams.
As Executive VP & General Manager, Solomon is responsible for strategic direction, product development, customer relations, increased sales, and overall success of the business. Fagan will partner with VP of engineering Tom Koller in leading product development efforts in research and development to ensure that Lightspeed provides 21st-century learners is the best technology and most reliable solutions in the industry. Koller is a co-founder of Lightspeed and has been the catalyst for the engineering team since 1990.
Zeikle will lead the U.S. direct sales team and manage Lightspeed relationships with architects, engineers, and systems integrators. Hansen will assume the role of Regional Sales Manager for the West, while Mefford will become Regional Sales Manager of the Midwest.
Hollowell will continue to manage international partner relationships and will also assume responsibility for customer engagement marketing, inside sales development, and e-commerce. Jerry Ramey remains CEO and will devote his time to new market development and financial management. He will remain active in product development and mentoring the leadership team.
“Lightspeed is a special company where we all work together to make a positive difference in peoples' lives,” said Solomon. “I am grateful to have a role in leading our company into the future.”
About Lightspeed Technologies
Established in 1990, Lightspeed Technologies is the trusted provider in classroom audio solutions. Our passion is to improve the listening and learning environment for every child. We believe strengthening the connection between teachers and students is at the heart of learning.
Lightspeed classroom audio systems allow teachers to speak in normal conversational tones while being assured that every child has an equal opportunity to hear all of the instruction. The no-installation, easy-to-use Redcat provides clear, low-volume, highly intelligible sound that is evenly distributed throughout the classroom so every child hears every word. The company’s audio system for small group instruction, Flexcat, gives teachers the ability to gain insights into small group interactions and learning. The Topcat has become the premier solution for new construction and renovations due to its ease of installation, wireless connectivity, and remarkable audio quality. For more information about Lightspeed classroom audio products, visit Lightspeed-tek.com.