Leadership Team

JOHN STANFORD

John brings more than 25 years of experience in the carrier and broadband telecommunications industry with a deep appreciation for the role member organizations play in strengthening local communities and the fiber ecosystem.

John began his career at SynchroNet Incorporated in 2000 as a field technician and progressed through roles including Installation Team Leader, Project Engineer, Director of Engineering, and Chief Operating Officer before being named President in 2011. This progression has provided him with a practical, end-to-end understanding of fiber network deployments, operations, and organizational leadership.

As President of FNA, John is focused on advancing the Alliance’s purpose of aligning member fiber network resources to create meaningful business and operational advantages. He is committed to fostering collaboration among like-minded organizations that share common goals, challenges, and values.

John’s leadership emphasizes accountability, professionalism, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the FNA’s membership. He believes that the size, character, and independence of member organizations deliver essential value by supporting local jobs, enabling critical infrastructure, and providing an important balance within the telecommunications landscape.

Through his role, John is focused on strengthening the FNA as a unified platform where members are stronger together, delivering unmatched service quality, scalability, and community-focused outcomes for their customers.

TAANYA FRENCH

The City of Albany Telecom began its journey in the fiber business in the early 2000s by providing fiber and internet services to the local school system. Since then, the fiber footprint has expanded to over 300 miles across five counties, with services including broadband, lit, dedicated, colocation and dark fiber.

After a career in Law Enforcement, Taanya joined the City of Albany in 2015 as an IT Analyst within the Technology and Communications Department, which supports City and County departments. Her strong work ethic led to her promotion within a year to lead the Telecom Department, leading a team dedicated to the installation, provisioning, and maintenance of Telecom’s network, which remains committed to delivering excellent customer service.

Now serving as Assistant Chief Information Officer of Technology and Communications, she is responsible for assisting the CIO in overseeing the department’s day-to-day operations, stakeholder relationships, and strategic growth initiatives.

Taanya is a vocal and natural leader focused on process improvement, documentation, and standardization. With project management mindset, she has successfully led numerous key initiatives, including a data center relocation, multi-facility network upgrades, and a major downtown Albany project relocating fiber infrastructure underground. Her dedication and passion for positive change continue to advance the City of Albany’s technology and communications capabilities.

DONNA UNGER

Donna Unger serves as General Manager of Commercial and MDU Sales at Point Broadband, where she leads strategic business segments across nine states. In this role, she is responsible for driving growth through advanced broadband solutions while maintaining a strong focus on customer experience and operational excellence.

Donna joined Point Broadband in 2023 and has already contributed meaningfully to the company’s continued growth and success. From 2011 to 2023, she served as Vice President of Corporate Operations at NGN Fiber and also held the role of Interim CEO of NGN Coop. In those positions, she led key strategic initiatives and implemented operational improvements that strengthened organizational performance and long-term sustainability.

Prior to entering the telecommunications industry, Donna spent the first 20 years of her career in the automotive sector, where she held roles in process and product management. She brings more than 30 years of experience in project and process management and is a certified Lean Systems and Six Sigma Green Belt, currently pursuing her Six Sigma Black Belt.

Donna has been actively involved with the Fiber Network Owners Alliance (FNA) since 2014. Her leadership roles have included Executive Conference Director, President from 2021 to 2022, and she currently serves as Board Secretary.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Donna serves on the Board of V2, an innovative after-school program dedicated to empowering middle and junior high students through creative learning, mentorship, and wellness support.

PHILIP FOSTER

Ringgold Telephone Company was established in 1912. They have continued to grow and provide quality services to their community and service area in northwest Georgia. They offer broadband services through their fiber-optic network. Additionally, they offer other services such as security and high-speed broadband for both business and residential customers.

Philip joined Ringgold in 2001. He has experience in several areas of the company including Central Office switching, IP delivery, video, and transport networks. He provides important leadership to Ringgold today in the management of their Carrier relationships, dark fiber solutions, and a number of other areas to drive success for Ringgold Telephone.

Philip is active in his community and church activities.

Philip received his BS in Organizational Management from Bryan College and his MBA in Business from Bryan College.

GREG TURTON

Greg Turton is an entrepreneur, technology innovator, and the founder and President/CEO of Southern Fiber Worx, a rural broadband provider based in Cordele, GA, focused on delivering high-speed fiber-to-the-home internet to underserved communities in South Georgia. He launched the company in 2015 to tackle persistent slow internet service in Crisp County, leveraging his background in business development and a hands-on approach to learning fiber network construction. Under his leadership, Southern Fiber Worx has built extensive underground fiber infrastructure, connecting hundreds of homes and businesses with reliable gigabit-class internet service.

Turton was born and raised in Cordele/Crisp County and earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Auburn University in 1989. Before founding Southern Fiber Worx, he was a successful hotel developer—building and managing three Hampton Inn & Suites locations—and has a strong entrepreneurial track record. Outside of broadband, he’s an inventor and instrument-rated pilot, blending a passion for technology with community-driven problem solving. He lives in Cordele with his family.

GLEN WOOD

The Pierce Group is a professional facilitation company. Using our network of contacts, over 20 years of industry experience, and sales experience The Pierce Group is able to take on the projects that need expertise and focus for completion that will support in delivery desired results.

Glen has past experience with several leading communication equipment and services provides. He also has worked with start-up companies that has focused on new technology in the smart grid area.

Glen has a BA from the University of Georgia.

DONNA UNGER

Donna Unger serves as General Manager of Commercial and MDU Sales at Point Broadband, where she leads strategic business segments across nine states. In this role, she is responsible for driving growth through advanced broadband solutions while maintaining a strong focus on customer experience and operational excellence.

Donna joined Point Broadband in 2023 and has already contributed meaningfully to the company’s continued growth and success. From 2011 to 2023, she served as Vice President of Corporate Operations at NGN Fiber and also held the role of Interim CEO of NGN Coop. In those positions, she led key strategic initiatives and implemented operational improvements that strengthened organizational performance and long-term sustainability.

Prior to entering the telecommunications industry, Donna spent the first 20 years of her career in the automotive sector, where she held roles in process and product management. She brings more than 30 years of experience in project and process management and is a certified Lean Systems and Six Sigma Green Belt, currently pursuing her Six Sigma Black Belt.

Donna has been actively involved with the Fiber Network Owners Alliance (FNA) since 2014. Her leadership roles have included Executive Conference Director, President from 2021 to 2022, and she currently serves as Board Secretary.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Donna serves on the Board of V2, an innovative after-school program dedicated to empowering middle and junior high students through creative learning, mentorship, and wellness support.