Our Team
Alberta Broadband Networks’ leadership is a team of industry experts with decades of hands-on experience in delivering and managing broadband networks. We’re united in our mission to create economic growth and opportunity communitywide – today and for generations to come.
Ken Spangler, Chief Executive Officer
“As the leader of the Alberta Broadband Networks team, I am committed to delivering future-enabling fibre infrastructure throughout our footprint.”
Ken is responsible for leading the deployment and management of Alberta Broadband Networks projects across Alberta. Ken started his telecoms industry career in 1985, learning critical field applications. Ken spent more than 15 years in the United States with the country’s leading telecommunications providers, gaining extensive expertise in both operational and management roles. Ken returned to Canada in 2006 to lead fibre network deployment teams. In 2013, he developed a major telecoms division for one of Canada’s largest contract companies.
Jean Ravarra, Chief Financial Officer
“My priorities are to drive profitable growth, operational excellence and streamlined business operations – while fostering a collaborative environment.”
Jean is responsible for Alberta Broadband Networks’ financial operations and reporting, budgets, business finance strategies, process simplification, cash management and capital/financing requirements including investor relationships. Her focus is on driving profitable growth and healthy financial performance.
Jean’s experience incorporates business strategy, organizational development, operations management, corporate finance and treasury, corporate governance, controllership and compliance. Prior to joining Alberta Broadband Networks, she held financial leadership roles at global infrastructure, oil and gas, power and renewables companies.
Jean holds a CPA designation, an MBA in Finance and is a Certified Financial Consultant.
Gerald Podloski, Director of Construction
“My mission is to safely build a robust, future-enabling fibre optic networks for all Albertans to connect with and benefit from for generations to come”
With more than 30 years in the telecoms industry, Gerald brings hands-on expertise and leadership acumen. As a field construction manager, he led teams in complex network build phases, ensuring compliance with standards and quality assurance procedures. His comprehensive understanding of fibre construction techniques, combined with planning and management capabilities, uniquely equip hm to lead complex projects while maintaining a commitment to safety and business outcomes.
Antun Mekhail, Director of Network Engineering
“My objective is to ensure the network is reliable, expandable and upgradeable to meet performance expectations.”
Antun’s dedication to the telecoms industry began more than 35 years ago. Over the course of his career, he’s developed the expertise and experience to deliver clear and consistent results. Antun has more than a decade of direct project management experience spanning a project’s life cycle. Before joining Alberta Broadband Networks, Antun oversaw large municipal transit projects. He has also served as the Planning and Engineering Manager for a large utility where he led municipal, provincial and private large-scale engineering projects.
Antun hold P. Eng. and PMP designations.