Our team

coreNOC > Our team

The experienced executive team is well respected in the industry with a proven track record of success and demonstrated results. Establishing the highest standards for their technology service offering and customer service, they offer managed solutions that give you the competitive edge locally and globally.

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Johnie Johnson

CEO | Co-Founder

With more than 30 years of experience in the wireless industry, Mr. Johnson has held executive positions in rural, regional and national wireless companies including: Infiniti Broadband, Branch Communications, Nex-Tech Wireless, U.S. Cellular, Telecorp PCS, Suncom Wireless, AT&T Wireless and Mid-Missouri Cellular. Mr. Johnson's proven track record includes leading startups and successfully transitioning technology companies by developing and implementing successful strategies to achieve profitable margins through increased subscribers and increased efficiencies.

Mr. Johnson has served in leadership roles for CTIA and CCA wireless industry associations. He served as President and Chairman of the Board, as well as Chairperson for several Executive Committees, including Government and Regulatory Affairs, where he testified before Congress on behalf of the wireless industry. Mr. Johnson was recognized by his industry peers and awarded the Rural Cellular Association’s 2009 and again in 2012 Outstanding Achievement Award.

Mr. Johnson is also a community leader who has served on the Board of Directors for local banks, chambers of commerce, civic and non-profit organizations. He served as President of the Boys and Girls Club and received top state and national honors for fundraising activities for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

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Ben Ealey

Executive Strategic Advisor, coreNOC

As one of coreNOC's original founders, Ben Ealey now serves as Executive Strategic Advisor, providing coreNOC’s Executive Team with invaluable guidance, insight, and technical vision. His transition to this role marks a new chapter in a career defined by groundbreaking contributions to telecommunications.

With over 32 years of experience in wireless industry leadership, Ben has held impactful positions at McCaw Communications, CellularOne, AT&T Wireless, Sprint PCS, and Cricket Communications. Throughout his career, he has excelled in fostering collaboration across technical, operational, financial, and marketing functions within both public and government sectors, building an environment that drives sustainable success. Among his notable achievements is his work with Ada County Public Safety, where he led the transition of over 2,000 First Responders and 11 Public Service Agencies—serving more than 400,000 citizens—to a multi-year business plan. This renewed vision was created with all agencies input resulting in construction of a new 911 Dispatch Center with all new modern software and hardware systems. Complete growth and optimization of the P25 Trunked radio system used by all Public Safety Agencies.

Ben’s extensive expertise enabled partnerships with major social media and satellite technology companies contributing to new technology advancements for rural and emerging markets. This was the genesis to coreNOC’s growth and expansion to different parts of the world.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ben is dedicated to community service, actively supporting organizations such World Vision. His passion for connectivity in rural, tribal and emerging communities continues to provide value at coreNOC, where he remains a vital part of the team as Executive Strategic Advisor.

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Steve Largent

Executive Strategic Advisor

Mr. Largent served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association, also known as CTIA-The Wireless Association, from November 2003 to June 2014 where he drove policy on the hill directly impacting the wireless telecommunication ecosystem.

He also served as the President of Wireless Foundation which developed programs utilizing wireless technology and promoting safety and responsible use to the masses. Before taking the helm at CTIA, Mr. Largent was a Consultant for Washington, D.C.-based Wiley Rein & Fielding where he traveled the country as a highly sought-after motivational speaker. Mr. Largent was also a Member of the United States Congress, where he represented Oklahoma’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1994 to 2001. His seven-year voting record reflects consistent support for lower taxes, less regulation, and strong free markets. Mr. Largent managed his own advertising & marketing consulting firm, where he worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies around the country. He served as Mid-West Chapter Executive Director of the Wheelchair Foundation. Mr. Largent was a record setting wide receiver with the Seattle Seahawks for 14 years, setting six career records and participating in seven Pro Bowls. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995 and the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame in 2006. In 1990, Mr. Largent was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans by the Jaycees. In recognition of a lifetime of achievement, he was awarded the Golden Plate Award by the American Academy of Achievement in 1989. He was recognized as the NFL Man of the Year in 1988 for his commitment to community service. Athletes in Action also awarded him the first Bart Starr Award by the NFL, for his exemplary role model both on and off the field. Mr. Largent received a B.S. in Biology from the University of Tulsa. Mr. Largent resides with his family in Tulsa, OK.
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Rudy Lara

Technical Program Manager

Mr. Lara is a seasoned expert with over 30 years of invaluable experience in wireless telecommunications. Mr. Lara is a distinguished professional who has dedicated his career to serving in a pivotal communications role, acting as a bridge between engineering teams and executive leadership.

His strategic approach has been instrumental in eliminating cost overruns and ensuring the timely execution of critical projects.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Mr. Lara has spearheaded numerous vital projects that have left an indelible mark on the wireless telecommunications landscape. One of his notable achievements includes the design and construction of the 911 Data Translations for Cingular Wireless' (Now AT&T) Mid-West Region. His adept leadership was crucial in navigating the complexities of this project, showcasing his ability to deliver excellence in challenging environments.
In addition, Mr. Lara has played a pivotal role in the development of naming conventions and other adaptations that allowed the reallocation of limited Emergency Services Routing Keys across multiple markets. His expertise extends to the successful buildout of Enhanced 911 services for Market Launches in major cities such as Chicago, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Southern California, Las Vegas, and others, catering to both Tier 1 and Tier 2 Wireless Carriers.
Mr. Lara's influence extends into the realm of emergency services, where he has showcased his proficiency in the design and deployment of critical systems. He notably managed the First Office Application (FOA) for AT&T's groundbreaking text to 911 deployment, demonstrating his leadership in pioneering new technologies to enhance emergency response capabilities.
His commitment to the highest standards in emergency services is exemplified by his leadership in conducting a comprehensive FCC-mandated audit of a Tier 1 Carrier's entire 911 network. This audit covered every aspect, from personnel and training to network functionality and process and procedure. Mr. Lara's keen insights were instrumental in identifying the root causes of service violations, guiding the carrier in implementing best practices to prevent future outages.
Currently, Mr. Lara is at the forefront of collaboration with the FCC to enhance deployment requirements and refine process and procedures for Text to 911 deployments. His forward-thinking approach positions him as a key contributor to the evolution of emergency communication standards, ensuring that the industry remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
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Kelley Bontempo

Vice President of Sales

Kelley Bontempo is a dynamic and accomplished business leader, celebrated for her exemplary achievements in the wireless industry over the past 24 years.

As a prominent entrepreneur and visionary for over 40 years, she has consistently delivered remarkable results. Her accomplishments are a testament to her exceptional leadership skills and innovative thinking. She has not only achieved remarkable financial success but has also built a legacy as a mentor and guide to aspiring entrepreneurs in the wireless sector.
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David Webb

Lead IT Engineer

David Webb is a highly accomplished network engineer with over a decade of
experience in designing and implementing secure, scalable networks for global
organizations across various industries, including IT, retail, education, and municipal
infrastructure. His expertise encompasses network security, cloud platforms, software-
defined networking (SDN), and wireless infrastructure.

David has successfully led large-scale IT infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance
with cybersecurity standards and achieving operational excellence. With extensive
hands-on experience in technologies such as Palo Alto, Cisco, Juniper, and Arista, he
excels in both on-premises and cloud environments, including AWS, GCP, and Azure.
His specialization lies in modernizing IT infrastructure, driving cybersecurity initiatives,
and delivering high-availability network solutions.
David is proficient in deploying and managing complex network environments,
leveraging his expertise in SD-WAN, WLAN, and cloud architecture to enhance
performance and security.
David Webb's diverse educational background complements his technical expertise. He
holds a Master of Studies in Law from the University of Southern California, Gould
School of Law, specializing in Intellectual Property, Corporate Law, and
Sports/Entertainment Law. Before his legal studies, David pursued his passion for
music, obtaining a Master of Arts in Music with a focus on Clarinet Performance and
Literature from the University of Hartford, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Music
Performance and Business Administration from the University of Illinois, Champaign.
This unique combination of legal, technical, and artistic education shapes his
comprehensive approach to problem-solving and project management in the IT industry.